News

U.K.-based grocery giant jumps into the one-hour delivery game
Tesco is launching a one-hour delivery service — a move that will enable the chain to go head-to-head with Amazon. The U.K.-based supermarket giant introduced its new Tesco Now app, which enables shoppers in central London to choose from a range of 1,000 products, and have them delivered within an hour. Merchandise crosses categories such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, bakery goods and dairy, as well as pet, baby, health and beauty products.
Under Armour taps former Aldo CEO for key role amid management changes
Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank is stepping back from his role as president. The sporting goods company announced that retail veteran Patrik Frisk will become president and COO, effective July 10. He will have responsibility for the company's go-to-market strategy and the successful execution of its long-term growth plan and report directly to Kevin Plank, who has also held the title of president since 2010.

Lidl reveals more U.S. store openings; to build fourth DC

German discount grocer is expanding its presence and investment in the U.S. — on two fronts. On the heels of its first 10 stores opening in the U.S., Lidl is expanding with more locations. On July 13, the company will open two stores in Virginia (in Chesapeake and Culpeper) and two in North Carolina (Havelock and Wake Forest).
Specialty retailer exploring options

Eddie Bauer LLC could be for sale. The retailer has hired investment banks Guggenheim Partners LLC and Financo LLC to explore strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, Reuters reported. The debt-laden company is seeking relief from a $225 million term loan due in 2020 and $200 million revolving credit line that comes due in 2019, the report said.
Online giant isn't just disrupting retailing

Amazon is impacting its hometown of Seattle in ways large and small.
Survey: The most patriotic retail brands are…

Levi Straus is the second most patriotic brand in America. And Ralph Lauren isn't far behind. That's according to the 15th annual Brand Keys survey of iconic American brands, which asked 4,860 consumers, balanced for age and political party affiliation, to evaluate which of 280 brands were most resonant as to ‘patriotism.’ Jeep took the top spot in the survey for the second consecutive year. (For complete listing of the 50 most patriotic brands, which includes several retailers, see end of article.)
Airport stores see big boost in sales

Increased security in airports is helping to boost sales in airport stores. Travel retail, particularly in airports, is currently a bright spot in the retail world. Spending in airports hit $38 billion globally in 2016, according to GlobalData. It is set to grow by 27% to $49 billion by 2021.
Study: Prime Day 2017 on pace to be biggest yet

Amazon is giving new meaning to the phrase "Christmas in July."
Supermarket giant on hunt for CFO

Supervalu Inc. is losing its chief finance officer. The company announced that Bruce Besanko plans to resign as executive VP, COO and CFO effective July 5, 2017 to pursue an outside opportunity.
U.K. supermarket chain in LED first

Sainsbury's will become the first supermarket retailer in the United Kingdom whose stores will be lit entirely by LED lighting. The retailer is partnering with GE's Current division in an extensive lighting upgrade. Current will upgrade 250,000 LED fixtures across more than 450 Sainsbury's stores, cutting the chain's lighting energy consumption by 58% and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3.4% annually.