News

Former Family Dollar COO named president and COO of Fred's
Memphis -- Discount general merchandise chain Fred’s has named Michael K. Bloom as its president and COO, effective immediately. Until recently, Bloom held the same position at Family Dollar Stores Inc.; he resigned in early January after just over two years in the position and could be owed as much as $4.8 million in severance by Family Dollar, according to an SEC filing.
Whole Foods speeds omnichannel efforts
Whole Foods Market plans to cater to the health-focused community of obstacle racers with a new omnichannel partnership.

The natural and organic foods supermarket will connect with consumers via Spartan Race’s “Food of the Day” platform, beginning in 2015. Spartan Race is an obstacle racing company that facilitated over 130 races in 17 countries last year.

Marsh Supermarkets to launch first iBeacon platform for new Apple Watch

Indianapolis -- In what is described as the first iBeacon-wearable integration at retail, Marsh Supermarkets and inMarket have announced the deployment of a closed-loop iBeacon platform that will enable Apple Watch users to receive interactive alerts and other content on their devices based on their proximity to the beacons. The platform will be rolled out throughout Marsh’s 75 stores.
Report looks at price war between Amazom.com and Walmart.com

New York -- A new index called the Price Perception Index provides insight into digital pricing strategies. The index, created by e-commerce startup Bommerang Commerce, measures how retailers optimize prices to attract buyers, compete with other retailers and build their business on a mix of profit margins and volume.

The first Price Perception Index looks at the complex competition between Amazon.com and Walmart.com.
Fred's hires former Family Dollar exec as COO

Fred's Super Dollar has turned to a former Family Dollar and CVS executive to become its next president and chief operating officer.

Michael Bloom brings to Fred's more than 30 years of experience in small-box general merchandising, supply chain management and store operations, the company said. Most recently, he served as the president and COO of Family Dollar Stores.
Aerosoles to create integrated online storefront, mobile, call center

New York -- Footwear retailer and manufacturer Aerosoles has teamed with Digital Management Inc. to enhance its website and deploy an advanced, feature-rich, secure e-commerce website with Responsive Web Design for mobile optimization.

The mobile-optimized e-commerce website and call center are fully integrated with the DMI Order Management System, which synchs with store and warehouse locations for fulfillment.
RadioShack offered $500 million loan from Salus Capital

New York -- RadioShack could receive another dose of life support. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Salus Capital Partners has offered to provide $500 million to RadioShack Corp. in a kind of debtor-in-possession loan used by companies to fund operations in bankruptcy.
Walgreens unveils 'Well Beyond HIV' campaign

Walgreens is launching a new national campaign highlighting how people are aging well beyond their HIV diagnosis.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a traveling art exhibit, curated in collaboration with the Graying of AIDS, an independent documentary project and educational campaign.

The exhibit provides a glimpse into the lives of older adults living with HIV and will make its first stop in Miami on Jan. 17.
Quiznos names restaurant vet as new president and CEO

Denver -- Sandwich quick-serve chain Quizno’s has named Doug Pendergast as its new president and CEO, succeeding Stuart Mathis, who resigned the company.

Pendergast joins Quizno’s from The Krystal Co., where he was president and CEO; he also has held senior executive positions with Craftworks, Church’s Chicken and AFC Enterprises.
French retailer Kiabi selects Predictix for merchandising and supply chain solutions

Atlanta -- 400-store French apparel retailer Kiabi has selected Predictix to implement a unified suite of merchandising and supply chain optimization solutions.

Predictix, which harnesses predictive and prescriptive analytics, and the unlimited computing power of the cloud to bring insights into consumer demand, will allow Kiabi to discover a deeper, richer understanding of what drives consumer demand and reach a new level of customer intimacy.