News

The nation's largest home improvement retailer is getting in on the voice shopping game.   Home Depot is joining Google Express this fall, a move that will give its customers the ability to shop just by speaking their orders. Google Assistant, the search giant's online shopping platform, resides on Google’s smart speaker Google Home and other smart devices.   

Eleven and counting. That's where Amazon Books stands with the opening of its newest outpost.  

Yet another traditional retailer is partnering with Amazon, as the online behemoth continues to expand its presence in brick-and- mortar stores.    Kohl's plans to add an Amazon "smart home experience' in-store shop, or "zone," in 10 select Kohl’s locations across the Los Angeles and Chicago areas starting in October. The spaces will allow shoppers to try out and purchase Amazon devices, accessories and smart home devices and services directly from the online retailer.  

Ken Martindale has stepped down as chief executive of Rite Aid Stores to take the reins of the struggling GNC Holdings.   The specialty retailer of vitamins and supplements on Wednesday announced that Ken Martindale would succeed GNC interim CEO Bob Moran, effective Sept. 11. As part of the transition, Moran will become chairman, replacing Michael F. Hines, who will remain on the board.   

Raley’s is helping its customers make more informed food purchasing decisions in-store and online.   Called the Raley’s Shelf Guide, the program features icon-based shelf tags that educate shoppers about current food trends and industry research — and also sets stricter standards for packaged food claims. Overall, the service is creating label transparency when it comes to helping customers understand packaged goods’ ingredients, food processing and nutritional value.  

David Yurman has opened his first boutique on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.    Conceived by the Yurmans, the 3,250-sq.-ft. space reflects the brand's aesthetic and the family's unique artistic expression, and has a two-story historical façade that was maintained and restored to its original condition. The entrance lobby features a heritage wall that visually narrates the Yurmans' journey from art to jewelry with examples of David's early sculptures and wearable art pieces alongside more current designs.

It's a homecoming for Abercrombie & Fitch Co.'s next finance head.   The teen apparel retailer appointed Scott D. Lipesky as senior VP and CFO, effective October 2, 2017. Lipesky most recently served as CFO of American Signature Inc., a privately-held home furnishings company. Prior to that, he spent nine years with Abercrombie in a variety of finance roles, most recently as CFO of Hollister Co.  

Amazon is expanding its distribution fleet to the Empire State.   The online giant plans to open a new 855,000-sq. ft. fulfillment center in the New York City borough of Staten Island. The facility, which is Amazon’s first fulfillment center in the state, will pick, pack and ship customer items, such as household essentials, books and toys.  

The nation's largest retailer is gearing up for the holidays with the early return of its popular layaway program and stocking up on exclusive toys.    The program went into effect on Sept. 1. Again this year, there is no opening fee for customers to start a layaway account, and they only need to put down 10% (or $10, whichever is greater).   

Office Depot is positioning itself to remove friction throughout its customers’ shopping experiences.    The office supplies giant is partnering with Elementum, which provides a real-time supply chain platform that unifies procurement, logistics, manufacturing and inventory operations. By leveraging the company’s cloud-based Product Graph solution, Office Depot will gain global visibility across every segment of its business operations.