News

Report: Supply chain key to omnichannel costs, revenue growth
An annual report provides an in-depth analysis of the front-burner issues facing America’s retail supply chains, and highlights tools and leading practices to compete in an evolving marketplace.
Things looking up at 99 Cents Only Stores
The turnaround at extreme-value retailer 99 Cents Only Stores appears to be taking hold. The retailer reported that net sales for its first quarter, ended April 28, increased 6.7% to $547.5 million, from $512.9 million in the year-ago period. Same-store sales increased 6.9%, with higher customer traffic of 4.2%, and a higher average ticket of 2.5%.

Analyst: Across the board adoption of Amazon Prime not imminent

Approximately 80% of low-income households will not opt for Amazon's new discounted Prime program. That's according to a broadlines and hardlines retail report by Gordon Haskett Research Advisors analyst Chuck Grom, which looks at Amazon, Walmart, Dollar General and Dollar Tree as Amazon announced discounted Prime membership for those on federal assistance. Here are excerpts from Grom's report:
Industry Commentary: Nordstrom

Greg Portell, lead partner in the retail practice of A.T. Kearney, a global strategy and management consulting firm, answers a few questions regarding the news that Nordstrom may go private. What does this move mean for Nordstrom — how might it play out?
Warehouse club operator entering new territory

BJ's Wholesale Club is set to open its first location in South Carolina. The retailer will celebrate the grand opening of its new location in Summerville, South Carolina on Saturday, June 10. The store, which marks BJ's expansion into South Carolina, is located at the intersection of Interstate 26 and North Main Street, Summerville's primary retail corridor.
Report: Office supplies giant names new CIO as it gears up for big initiative

Staples named a new technology chief who is expected to step up the company’s IT initiatives.
Ikea expands breadth through third-party sales

Ikea is getting in on the online marketplace game. The home furnishings giant is embarking on a test that will focus on selling its products on websites other than its own. This move will get merchandise in front of more online customers, according to Reuters.
Regional supermarket chain steps up promotional game

Weis Markets knows the key to driving loyalty is to deliver value. In a move that will improve its marketing and promotions operations, the regional grocer has partnered with dunnhumby and Aptaris. By integrating an enterprise promotional planning, price optimization, modeling and forecasting system, Weis is one step closer to increasing sales, improving customer loyalty and building a more profitable and competitive market position.
Study: Sales associates not well-equipped to perform job

Digital retailing is intensifying, yet retail associates still don’t have the technology they need to serve customers when they visit in-store. That's according to “The 2017 Retail Associate Technology Study,” from Salesfloor. The report, which surveyed 254 North American retail associates across a variety of product categories, compensation models and store sizes, explores the connection between store-level employees and the technology they use to serve customers.
Report: Online sales alter trade and brand marketing

As retail sales shift from offline to e-commerce, marketers must learn to adjust trade strategies and budgets to be successful in a digital world.