News

H&R Block taps former Target and Uber exec as CEO
The man who resigned from the number two position at Uber after six months on the job has been named chief executive of the nation's largest tax preparer. H&R Block named Jeffrey J. Jones II president and CEO, effective Oct. 9, 2017. He will succeed Tom Gerke, who will continue to serve as interim president and CEO until then. Gerke will remain general counsel and chief administrative officer.
Target and Best Buy among speakers at annual cybersecurity summit
The Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center (R-CISC) has announced featured speakers for its Retail Cyber Intelligence Summit, held October 3 - 4, 2017, in Chicago. Among the keynote speakers are Rich Agostino, chief information security officer at Target Corp, who will lead a session titled, "Stepping into Leadership: Staying Ahead of Today's Threats and the Evolving CISO Role," and Kostas Georgakopoulos, CISO at Procter & Gamble, leading a session on the next evolution of information security.

Milestone store opening for Dollar General

Dollar General is celebrating an important milestone. The discounter has opened its 14,000th retail location. The store is located in Dauphin, Pa. “Dollar General is excited to celebrate our company’s continued growth by celebrating our 14,000th store grand opening today,” said Todd Vasos, CEO, Dollar General. “For nearly 80 years, Dollar General has continually been focused on delivering everyday low prices, convenience and value to the communities we serve."
Slideshow: TJX's new U.S. concept opens

TJX Companies has taken the wraps off its newest U.S. retail format, Homesense, which debuted at Shopper's World plaza in Framingham, Mass. The new concept, which TJX has described as a complement to its Home Goods format, has expanded departments for large-scale furniture, lighting and art. It also features new departments, including a general store.
Convenience store giant wins energy efficiency award

7-Eleven is being honored for its commitment to reducing energy. The Alliance to Save Energy has awarded 7-Eleven with the Alliance to Save Energy "Built Environment" award for its commitment to reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency in its stores. 7-Eleven has successfully decreased electricity use in store operations by an estimated 21% over the past seven years through installing LED lighting, energy management systems and high-efficiency HVAC units.
QVC to offer its first-ever TV-mobile AR shopping experience

QVC is merging augmented reality technologies, broadcast and mobile to create a more immersive beauty shopping experience.
Wal-Mart envisions ‘floating warehouse’

Amazon isn't the only retailer thinking about drones. Wal-Mart Stores has applied for a patent for a blimp-styled "floating warehouse" that could make deliveries directly to shoppers’ homes via drones, Bloomberg reported. The machine would fly at heights between 500 ft. and 1,000 ft. and be equipped with multiple launching bays. It would be operated autonomously or by a remote human pilot.
Regulatory Wrap-Up: Updates on paid leave, cybersecurity and trade

Wages
Study: Top reasons millennial parents prefer stores for BTS shopping

When it comes to sticking on budget, millennial parents prefer in-store shopping over digital commerce for back-to-school purchases. Sixty-five percent of millennial parents believe shopping in-store enables them to more effectively remain within budget goals compared to shopping online, according to a study commissioned by Citi Retail Services. These parents plan to do the majority, 72% on average, of back-to-school shopping in a store rather than online this year.
‘In Real Life’ is the Next Frontier of E-Commerce — And Brick-and-Mortar

With many traditional brick-and-mortar retailers struggling in the new era of retail, online-first retailers such as Warby Parker and even Amazon have become increasingly invested in getting into the physical store game.
Outdoor apparel and gear brand runs first TV ad
Key exec departs Francesca's Holdings

Francesca's Holdings Corp. is on the hunt for a new chief merchant. The apparel retailer announced that Laurie Hummel, executive VP and chief merchandising officer, has left the company. It did not provide a reason for her departure. Hummel joined Francesca's in November 2015. Previously, she served two years as senior VP and divisional merchandise manager at Kohl’s. Before that, she was with State Stores.