News

Free market voice argues for Walmart’s Boston presence
Left-leaning individuals in large urban areas find lots of reasons to dislike Walmart, so it is noteworthy when someone in a liberal stronghold forcefully sides with Walmart and personal freedom.

That was the case in Boston this week when the Boston Globe ran an article by Shirley Leung with the headline, “It’s time to say yes to Walmart.”

She acknowledged the familiar narrative put forth by those who seek to block Walmart’s expansion.
Wealth effect not in play at Walmart
Surging home prices and 401K balances have millions of Americans feeling better about their personal balance sheets and the state of the economy, but Walmart’s core shoppers remain under duress and that could spell trouble for second quarter sales.

Rue21 tries on new store format

WARRENDALE, Pa. — Rue21, a leading specialty apparel retailer for young women and men, is trying out a new store format on for size, and about to give guys something to smile about in the process.

The retailer has opened its first RueGuy stores in Bay Shore, N.Y., Harlingen, Texas, and New Boston, Ohio. The approximately 6,000-sq.-ft. stores are the first of seven RueGuy stores slated to open across the U.S. during August. The company is on target to open approximately 20 RueGuy stores by the end of the year.
Post cereal parent company moves to expand brands portfolio

ST. LOUIS — Cereal maker Post Holdings has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Premier Nutrition, makers of the Joint Juice brand.

PNC is a rapidly growing marketer and distributor of premium protein beverages and foods under its Premier Protein brand and nutritional supplements under its Joint Juice brand.
Retail hiring drives unemployment rate lower

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has issued statements from president and CEO Matthew Shay and chief economist Jack Kleinhenz on the July employment numbers.

NRF pegged retail job gains at 37,000 in July, with increases in general merchandise, food and beverage and building and garden supply stores.
Scotts Miracle-Gro bolsters board

MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, a leading global marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, has appointed Lieutenant General (retired) John Randolph Vines to its board of directors.

"We are pleased to have John as an addition to our board," said Jim Hagedorn, chairman and CEO. "His wide-ranging leadership, strategy and team-building experience will be an exceptional benefit to us."
Trend report shows rise in QR and UPC mobile barcode scanning

Scanbuy, Inc. released a quarterly trend report showing continued rapid growth of QR code and UPC mobile barcode scanning traffic. The report shows more than 21 million scans processed in the second quarter of 2013 — good news for retailers who are upgrading their mobile capabilities.
Former Best Buy exec to head new media strategy at Guitar Center

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Guitar Center is trying out a new communications strategy and media policy and has appointed Christopher Ian Bennett as the company's first-ever VP of communications and corporate affairs.

In his previous role, Bennett led Best Buy Canada's corporate communications department under Mike Pratt, who is Guitar Center's new CEO.
Macy’s sharpens focus on millennial strategy for fall

NEW YORK — Macy’s continues to focus on its millennial strategy to attract a new generation of customers looking for trend, style and value. The retailer is getting ready to launch two exclusive new brands, Maison Jules and QMack, at 150 stores this month.

The brands' launch is part of an ongoing initiative originally announced in spring 2012 and which saw the retailer introducing or expanding 20 brands for spring 2013.
Supply chain trends foretell the shape of things to come

Staying on top of emerging supply chain trends is critical in today’s global marketplace. Understanding current trends enables us to stay relevant, remain competitive and manage our businesses proactively, rather than reactively.
Overstock.com extends book promotion

SALT LAKE CITY — Overstock.com is extending its limited-time book sale promotion, pricing books at least 10% below Amazon's prices. The online retailer will keep prices at that level one more week.

"This promotion is so successful we've chosen to extend it," said CEO Patrick M. Byrne. "We are already, on average, 9% cheaper than Amazon on other products we carry, so this just seems like the natural next step. It's a great time to be shopping for a book."
Beauty and the Best Buy?

Reports from Canada have Best Buy dabbling in e-commerce sales of beauty products. Best Buy Canada is now offering a selection of personal care, baby and health and wellness products on its “Viva from Best Buy” website, accessible through BestBuy.ca’s homepage.