News

Consumers — especially millennials — will pay for loyalty programs
Cincinnati -- Consumers, especially millennials, are willing to ante up for fee-based loyalty programs.

In a survey by LoyaltyOne, 62% of respondents said they’d consider joining a fee-based rewards program if their favorite retailer offered one. The number was even higher among millennials with 75% of 18-24 year-olds and 77% of 25-34 year-olds saying they’d consider joining a fee-based rewards program.
Peapod debuts 'farm in a box'
As food delivery increases in popularity among U.S. consumers, online grocer Peapod is launching an innovative service focused on produce.

The company is going to start offering the Peapod Local Farm Box. Throughout the summer, Peapod customers in New York City, New Jersey, Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin will have the option of adding a box of produce from local farms to their virtual grocery cart.

Accenture aims to digitally transform the retail sector

Accenture is looking to help retailers move more quickly to digital with its acquisition of Javelin Group, a retail strategy consulting and digital transformation services provider.
Canadian Tire rallies around the flag with omnichannel campaign

Toronto – Canadian Tire Corp. is rallying around a flag that contains no controversy with a new omnichannel promotional campaign. To celebrate the upcoming July 1 Canada Day holiday, Canadian Tire has posted a promotional video on YouTube using the hashtag #FlyYourCdnFlag.

Canadian Tire is encouraging consumers to post photos and videos on social networks such as Twitter, YouTube and Instagram using the #FlyYourCdnFlag hashtag.
Bon-Ton selling stores to help pay off loan

The Bon-Ton Stores is looking to help pay off a $105 million mortgage on 12 properties with a new deal.

The retailer announced it will sell six properties to CPA:17-Global, a real estate investment trust of W.P. Carey, and lease them back. The deal will generate $84 million for Bon-Ton.
Bon-Ton sells six stores in leaseback agreement

York, Pa. - The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. is selling six stores for $84 million to CPA: 17 – Global, a non-traded real estate investment trust (REIT) of global net lease REIT W.P. Carey Inc. Bon-Ton will lease the stores back.

Proceeds from the transaction will be used to pay one of two of the company’s mortgage loans due in April 2016. Each loan has about $105 million in principal and consists of 12 properties. Bon-Ton is actively pursuing refinancing options for the second loan.
Overworked in America, who’s got time to shop?

A new study by Staples shows that many Americans are burnt out and working more than ever thanks to the always on mentality of the connected economy. So why are we so happy?

New research from the Staple Advantage business-to-business division of Staples looked at the work behaviors of 2,602 employees in the U.S. and Canada to create the inaugural Workplace Index. The key takeaway is that more than half of employees report feeling overworked and burnt out (53%), but the overwhelming majority (86%) are still happy at work and motivated to rise in their organization.
NCR: Restaurants say technology impacts revenue

Duluth, Ga. - A majority of restaurant owners and managers believe that technology has a direct impact on increased revenue.

According to the 2015 NCR Restaurant Technology Pulse, 67% of respondents say technology helps drive revenue growth and 35% of restaurants are more dependent on tech tools compared to a year ago.
Peapod hops on farm box trend

Quincy, Mass. -- Online grocer Peapod.com has joined the “farm box” movement that many local farmers markets and supermarkets are now promoting.

The company unveiled its Local Farm Box service, whereby customers in New York City; New Jersey; Eastern Massachusetts; Rhode Island; Pennsylvania; Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Virginia; Illinois; Indiana and Wisconsin will have the option of adding a box of produce from local farms to their virtual grocery cart.
Ex-Target exec to lead store ops for Rite Aid

A former Target executive who led new format, new store and remodeling programs while also overseeing pharmacies and clinics is joining Rite Aid as executive vice president of store operations.

Bryan Everett will be responsible for all operations at the company’s nearly 4,600 chainwide stores and will report to Rite Aid’s president and COO Ken Martindale. Everett will succeed Bob Thompson, who has announced his retirement from the company, effective January.