News

Online retail giant in big part-time worker push
Amazon continues its hiring spree. The company announced Thursday that it plans to add more than 30,000 part-time positions in the United States over the next year. The new positions are on top of the previously announced 100,000 full-time U.S. jobs Amazon will add during the next 18 months. Some 5,000 of the new part-time hires will be in Amazon’s Virtual Customer Service program, which offers employees the flexibility to work from home as a customer service agent.
Bebe to close 21 locations
In a move to avoid filing Chapter 11, the fashion retailer is planning to shutter approximately 12% of its stores. The closures will incur an impairment charge of approximately $2.0 million and will make a termination payment to the landlord of approximately $7.4 million, according to a filing the chain made on April 4, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Bed Bath & Beyond’s Q4 finishes strong

After three quarters of missing analyst estimates, Bed Bath & Beyond’s fourth quarter ended on a high note, and beat expectations.
Ace Hardware subsidiary names new leader

Ace Wholesale Holdings has appointed a new executive to drive the company’s ongoing expansion. Mark Spanswick was named president and general manager of Ace Wholesale Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Ace Hardware Corp.
Study: Amazon tops total market growth for U.S. sales of household items

Amazon is gaining a significantly larger share-of-wallet for everyday household items — and the retailer continues to build momentum.
Report: Teen specialty retailer could file Chapter 11 as soon as this month

Rue21 could be the next chain headed toward bankruptcy. The teen apparel retailer, which is backed by private equity firm Apax Partners, is preparing to file for bankruptcy as soon as this month, according to Bloomberg.
Zumiez sees net sales, comps climb in March

Zumiez’s net and same-store sales were on the climb for March.

The teen retailer’s total net sales for the five-week period ended April 1, 2017, increased 4.3% to $71.7 million, compared to $68.8 million for the five-week period ended April 2, 2016.
Survey: Shoppers opt for help from phone over sales associate

When it comes for help in stores, shoppers are increasingly going mobile. That is one of the findings of a survey by Salsify, a product content management platform for distributed commerce, which revaled that 77% of shoppers use a mobile device while shopping in store. This compares to just 35% of shoppers who opt to speak to a salesperson if they have questions about a product.
Blockbuster restaurant deal

Panera Bread has been acquired by a European firm with a growing U.S. presence. The fast-casual bakery/café brand has agreed to be acquired by JAB Holding Company, the investment arm of the Reimanns of Germany, for $7.5 billion, including the assumption of about $340 million in debt. JAB’s U.S. holdings include Krispy Kreme Caribou Coffee, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., Peet's Coffee & Tea, and Keurig Green Mountain.
Walgreens posted mixed Q2 results

Despite gains in prescription marketshare and comparable pharmacy sales across its U.S. base, Walgreens Boots Alliance missed analyst expectations for its second quarter.