News

Stage Stores to close 30 units after weak Q4
Warm weather was a problem for most retailers in the fourth quarter, but Houston-based Stage Stores also got hit by weakness in the energy sector and the Mexican Peso.
Opinion: A Not So Super Tuesday for Retailers, Operators
Super Tuesday shed a very strong light on what the general election campaign is going to look like as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump performed well and solidified their frontrunner status.

More importantly, it was essentially a validation of Donald Trump's campaign style and strategy so far. Whether you are a fan of The Donald or not, it is clear that part of that strategy has been focusing on social issues like immigration, race and other political hot potatoes and pushing issues important to Main Street merchants to the back burner.

Rite Aid posts year-end sales lift of 1.3%

Rite Aid on Thursday announced February sales results of its retail pharmacy segment. For the five weeks ended Feb. 27, total drugstore sales for the five-week period increased 0.1% with sales of $2.6 billion. Prescription sales accounted for 69.4% of drug store sales, and third-party prescription sales represented 98% of pharmacy sales.
Report: Walgreens Boots Alliance exploring retail pharmacy options in Australia

Walgreens Boots Alliance is exploring the possibility behind opening a retail pharmacy stake in Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald reported Friday. Though current government restrictions prevent corporate-owned pharmacies from setting up shop, that could change as "the government has commissioned an independent review of pharmacy regulations, which is due to report in March 2017," the paper reported.
Wegmans, Publix named 'Best Companies to Work For'

Both Wegmans and Publix were named to Fortune's 2016 top-100 list of "Best Companies to Work For," and both grocers - the only retail pharmacy operators on the list - have placed in the top 100 for the past 19 consecutive years.

Both Wegmans and Publix are two of 12 companies that have earned spots on Fortune's "Best Companies" list every year since the list began.
Google says, ‘look ma, no hands’
Survey: Retailers focus on specific marketing channel

When it comes to marketing technology spend, retailers are overwhelmingly allocating dollars to a particular consumer touchpoint.

According to a new survey of more than 200 retail marketing executives from digital savings platform RetailMeNot Inc., "The Rise of Mobile Marketing Spend in Retail," 87% of retail marketers plan to invest more in mobile marketing in 2016.

In comparison, 73% of respondents plan to increase non-mobile digital advertising spend and 62% plan to increase their offline advertising spend.
Rewards drive brand purchases

More than 45% of consumers say the opportunity to earn rewards is a primary driver for purchasing from a brand, according to a new study from Maritz Motivation Solutions.

The report, The Maritz LoyaltyNext Customer Study, surveyed 2,000 consumers on their loyalty to and engagement with brands.

When asked why they purchase from a brand, a majority of consumers cited “the ability to earn points and rewards, as well as good promotions and low prices.”
Mall launches ‘industry-first’ navigation app

One of the nation’s most successful upscale shopping centers has launched an app to make shopping easier and more personalized.

The Mall at Short Hills, in Short Hills, New Jersey, has launched an app that offers what the center calls “first-of-its-kind” indoor navigation technology and a host of other shopper-friendly functionality.
eBags rolls out new executives

Online specialty luggage retailer eBags Inc. has restructured its senior leadership ranks with several new hires and the promotion of long-time executives.

Scott Erdman has been named chief merchandising officer and Krista Paul is joining as VP of content innovation. eBags also appointed Mike Frazzini CTO and Chris Seahorn VP of marketing.
Kroger’s comp streak continues, cap-ex to surge

The lack of food price inflation which has affected the performance of many grocers had little impact on fourth quarter results at Kroger’s, a company whose string of quarterly same-store sales increases has now entered its 13th year.
Burlington Stores keeps hot streak going

Burlington Stores attracted large numbers of shoppers over the holiday season, as the off-price retailer reported a jump in sales and profit for the fourth quarter.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, the company said adjusted net income per share rose 26% to $2.31 vs. $1.83 in the prior year quarter.Revenue increased 3.5% to $1.55 billion. Same-store sales increased 2.1%.