News

Beloit, Wis. – Online coupon provider FatWallet predicts a larger selection and assortment of lower-priced Black Friday deals in 2013 as compared to the previous year. Notable predictions include:

Leading Internet grocer Peapod and supermarket chain Giant Food Stores have opened a new fulfillment center in Coopersburg, Pa.

"Peapod by Giant has seen exciting growth in the Philadelphia area and we are delighted to partner with our sister grocer, Peapod, to expand service to additional zip codes in the Giant trade area," said Rick Herring, president. "As always, we will strive to provide a wide selection of well-priced, top quality, fresh products with the ease of online shopping and home delivery."

San Francisco – Gap Inc. reported increased net and same-store sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2013 in a partial financial release. Gap’s third quarter net sales grew 3% and same-store sales grew 1% compared to the prior year.

In addition, Gap’s same-store sales grew 4% in October 2013. The retailer will release full third quarter earnings results on Nov. 21, 2013.

The five year old Green Works brand from Clorox is facing new competition on the natural products front following the launch of Walmart’s Great Value Naturals cleaning products.

Walmart said the introduction of Great Value Naturals furthers its commitment to making eco-friendly products more accessible and affordable and will be available in more than 2,000 stores and online.

Clorox introduced its Green Works brand in early 2008 and the line was prominently featured in Walmart promotional vehicles at the time.

Hammer & Nails — The Nail Shop for Guys has opened its debut location in Los Angeles, on Melrose Avenue. The new concept offers men a handsome, more customized—and more comfortable— alternative to female-centric nail salons.

Austin, Texas - Multichannel selling is a reality for a majority of small-to-medium sized retailers, but payment processing capabilities lag far behind. According to a new research study commissioned by SecureNet Payment Systems and conducted in partnership with First Annapolis Consulting, more than 60% of retailers surveyed already accept payments in more than one channel, but are not well served by the payments industry today.

Granite Gold’s nationwide distribution expanded with the addition of Shaw’s Supermarkets in the Northeast and Stater Bros. Markets in Southern California.

Shaw’s Supermarkets, which has more than 120 stores throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, now carries Granite Gold Daily Cleaner and Granite Gold Polish.

Houston – The Eminence Capital hedge fund has reportedly purchased a 9.8% stake in Men’s Wearhouse. According to the New York Times, Eminence Capital wants Men’s Wearhouse to reconsider the $2.3 billion buyout offer it recently rejected from Jos. A. Bank.

Eminence reportedly believes Jos. A. Bank is willing to make a higher bid if Men’s Wearhouse will consider it. The fund manages about $4.5 billion. Neither Eminence nor Men’s Wearhouse has commented publicly on the purchase.