News

Walmart deploying tech that lets in-store shoppers check out — on their own
A discount giant is helping more shoppers skip the checkout line. Walmart is expanding the deployment of its Scan & Go mobile app, which is being tested in approximately 12 stores across Northwest Arkansas, Florida, Texas and Georgia. The chain is now rolling out the app for use in at least 10 additional locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Nashville markets. The stores will offer the solution by the end of the month, according to Justin Rushing, spokesman for Walmart.
Office supply giant jumps into same-day delivery
Office Depot is launching a same-day delivery program in three markets. The service, powered by Deliv, will be available on August 28 in Atlanta and Los Angeles, and on September 6 in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami. It is expected to be rolled out in several additional markets by the end of December.

Former Walmart, Microsoft exec joins Albertsons

One of the nation's leading supermarket executives has tapped a retail and digital veteran to join its team. Albertsons Companies appointed Kevin Turner, former COO at Microsoft, as vice chairman of the board of managers of AB Acquisition, its direct parent. Turned has also been named senior advisor to Albertsons chairman and CEO, Bob Miller.
Moody's: Retail leaders outnumber the laggards

The retail industry is actually in better shape than some of today's headlines may lead folks to believe. "Distressed [retail] names are growing, but still a small part of our rated universe," Moody's analyst Christina Boni told CNBC. "The broader industry remains fundamentally healthy." Dollar stores, home-improvement chains, convenience stores and auto-parts retailers are among the leaders of the pack, according to the report.
Timberland unveils new experiential store format

Timberland has opened a new concept store that will be completely transformed with a new theme and products every six weeks.
The Future of Bricks-and-Mortar in a Turbulent Retail Environment

Retail has reached a tipping point. Omnichannel shopping is no longer the “new thing” — it is THE THING. Demographics and technology have permanently altered consumer behavior, and retailers have felt the impact in an unprecedented manner. In today’s environment, proactive management of the store portfolio is not an option—companies must actively pursue a forward-looking, dynamic, and data-centric approach to design the optimal store portfolio to ensure ongoing viability.
Fast-growing discount grocer expands analytics capabilities

Aldi has extended its partnership with Nielsen to gain more shopper and advertising effectiveness insight. Nielsen and Aldi announced an expanded multi-year relationship for integrated analytics data around shopper panel, custom retail analytics and advertising effectiveness. Under the agreement, Nielsen will be Aldi's preferred data and analytics provider, covering the chains' nearly 1,700 stores in 35 states across the U.S.
Regulatory Wrap-Up: Minimum wage and paid-leave ballot initiatives popping up

Wages
Chinese e-commerce giant in joint venture with Marriott

Alibaba Group Holding is expanding its online travel footprint.
Chain Store Age names newest members to SPECS ‘Ambassadors Club’

In 2016, Chain Store Age unveiled its first-ever SPECS Ambassadors Club, created to recognize selected retail executives who have made significant contributions to the industry and to SPECS. Produced by CSA, SPECS is attended by retail and food-service executives who plan, design, build, and maintain stores and restaurants nationwide.
Popular British brand to jump the pond

Hunter, best known for its signature rain boots, is expanding its fledgling retail footprint. The iconic British brand will make its North American freestanding retail debut in October, at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.
These two retailers played key role to defeat controversial proposal

Target Corp. and Best Buy didn't just talk the talk when it came to killing a border adjustment tax on imports that was the centerpiece of House Republicans tax reform plan. In the first six months of 2017, Best Buy spent $1.71 million in lobbying efforts, twice as much as it spent the entire year in 2016, the Star Tribune reported. Target Corp. spent $1.48 million lobbying from January through June 2017, which was slightly less than it spent all of last year.