News

Amazon kicks up private-label food offering
Making an even bigger push into private-label foods, Amazon launched a new line of natural snacks. Already a player in non-food private label categories, including household goods and other items under the Amazon Basics and Amazon Elements brands, Amazon’s newest line, Wickedly Prime, is making a push into grocery — specifically among “foodies.” The line currently features popcorn, blue corn and sweet potato tortilla chips, and soft shell almonds.
Sign Up for Disruption: Winning in the Subscription Economy
Just a few years ago, consumers typically associated subscription services with utilities and print media. Yet the rapid rise of digital technologies has led to an explosion in the number of services available, which cater to almost every aspect of consumers’ lives – from Spotify and Netflix to Birchbox and Blue Apron.

Ping pong club rounds out leasing at Philadelphia center

Spin, an entertainment concept that had its genesis in “Naked Ping Pong” parties in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood, has taken the ground floor space to close out leasing at a new retail venue in Philadelphia. The glass-fronted, 55,000-sq.-ft. center in Rittenhouse Square, owned by an affiliate of Midwood Investment & Development, is co-anchored by The Cheesecake Factory and Verizon. Also inhabiting the three-story building is &Pizza and WeWork, a collaborative work space.
Holiday spending surpasses expectations

Initial reports about holiday spending bode well for retailers. Consumers spent 16% more on holiday purchases this year than in 2015, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers Post-Holiday Shopping Survey.
Concerns raised over Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops deal

Federal regulators have raised questions over Bass Pro Shops' $4.5 billion deal to acquire Cabela's Inc. In a regulatory filing Friday, Cabela's said the Federal Trade Commission had requested additional information from both Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, according to Foxnews.com.
Holiday spending better than expected

Initial reports about holiday spending bode well for retailers. Consumers spent 16% more on holiday purchases this year than in 2015, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers Post-Holiday Shopping Survey.
Bankrupt fashion retailer to initiate auction process

Nasty Gal is moving ahead with plans to be acquired by a British online fast-fashion retailer.
Report: Sears lines up more credit from its CEO

Sears Holdings Corp. has received another lifeline courtesy of CEO Eddie Lampert. The struggling retailer said it has received loan, called a secured letter of credit, for $200 million, with an option to expand the amount to as much as $500 million with the consent of lenders.
Salesforce: 2016 most ‘digitally-influenced’ holiday shopping season ever

Digital commerce stole the show during the 2016 holiday shopping season, and mobile and social had the biggest impact on shoppers. That’s according to data from Salesforce Commerce Cloud, which reports digital commerce was up 34% globally over last holiday — well surpassing last year’s 24% growth rate.
Report: Big Lots working on 'fun' new store design

Big Lots is looking to attract shoppers with more than deep discounts. The retailer is working with Big Red Rooster, Columbus, Ohio, and Alloy, Westerville, Ohio, to develop a store of the future, according to a report in The Columbus Dispatch.
Closing time for the Limited?

As the new year begins, it’s not looking very good for the ailing Limited Stores. Reports are coming in from around the country of Limited store closings, The Columbus Dispatch reported. In Florida, some stores closed after business hours on Christmas Eve.
QuickChek drives store visits with targeted mobile ads

Convenience store operator QuickChek has stepped up its mobile efforts with a geo-marketing program that keeps the brand engaged with on-the-go mobile shoppers. While QuickCheck’s customers were increasingly becoming mobile-influenced, the 140-plus store chain lacked a dedicated digital marketing team — making it impossible to connect with its shoppers.