News

  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.  

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.   

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

Amazon will deploy a high-tech, green solution to help power its warehouses.     In a move to increase the energy efficiency of its sprawing network of fulfillment centers, Amazon has entered into a partnership with hydrogen fuel-cell maker Plug Power to deploy Plug Power fuel cells and hydrogen technology in its fulfillment network.    The deal includes an investment option that gives Amazon the right to acquire up to a 23% stake of the fuel-cell maker.  

Hudson’s Bay Co. mirrored the challenges confronting the department store industry as it swung to a loss in its fourth quarter  and said it would cut costs and capital spending.   

A former executive at Sears Holdings Corp. has has been named president and CEO of Pier I Imports.     Alasdair James, 46, will take the reins of the home décor chain on May 1, 2017. He replaces Alex Smith, who was ousted from the company at the end of last year amid slumping sales.   

Is Staples looking to go private?   Less than a year after its deal to acquire Office Depot Inc. fell through due to antitrust concerns, Staples is in early discussions with private-equity bidders, according to The Wall Street Journal.   Staples had no comment on the report, which said that based on typical takeover premiums, the office supply chain could be valued at roughly $7 billion or more. But the news sent its stock soaring to a four-year high on Tuesday morning   

Walmart is looking to expand its logistics capabilities.   The discounter  recently submitted plans to city planners In Bentonville, Ark,  for a 1.27 million-sq.-ft. distribution center, according to a report by Talk Business & Politics-Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.