News

Commentary: Is a Target, Walmart Price War About to Break Out?
In light of Target shares dropping 15% after their latest earnings announcement, Target CEO Brian Cornell said executives would be detailing moves for greater pricing aggressiveness and increased merchandise differentiation, both tactics that Target has been known for historically. Cornell’s pricing reference led to speculation about a price war with Walmart, which many experts surmise Target simply can’t win. Speculation aside, is a price war poised to erupt between these two mega-retailers?
VF Corp. introduces 2021 growth plan
VF Corp.'s new strategy is focused on maintaining the company's longevity — even in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Discount chain reported a Q4 profit — and plans for expansion

Dollarama ended the year with a strong fourth quarter, an increase it credits to higher customer spending. For the fourth quarter ended January 29, 2017, the Canadian discount retailer’s sales increased by 11.5% to $854.5 million. The chain’s gross margin was 41.4% of sales, compared to 40.8% of sales.
Stage Stores to acquire bankrupt department store chain — but not all of it

Gordmans is being rescued from liquidation — at least, part of it. Stage Stores won a bid to acquire about half of Gordmans’ stores. The Omaha, Nebraska-based department store chain filed for Chapter 11 on March 13. The retailer’s bid edged out Jeff Gordman, the former CEO of Gordmans, who also made a play to revive the bankrupt 106-store department store chain.
Another win for retailers from Supreme Court

Retailers may soon have a voice when it comes to disclosing surcharges related to card payments. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday, March 29, that First Amendment free speech rights should be considered when determining how merchants disclose to their shoppers that credit card swipe fees can drive up the price of merchandise.
Lululemon stretches profits in Q4, but hedges 2017 outlook

A stronger focus on product innovation and digital initiatives contributed to gains during Lululemon’s fourth quarter, but a slow start to the year impacted the company’s expectations for Q1 2017.
J.Jill ends Q4 with a profit, building momentum for 2017

Ending its fiscal year with a strong fourth quarter has helped J.Jill hit year-over-year earnings growth for 20 consecutive quarters. For the quarter ended January 28, 2017, the retailer’s total net sales increased by 14.8% to $166.9 million, up from $145.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Gross profit increased to $105.5 million, up from $91.4 million in the same period last year. As a percentage of total net sales, gross profit was 63.2% compared to 62.9% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
Gas and convenience store chain’s senior VP steps down

Murphy USA is losing its senior VP, retail operations. Marn Cheng will resign from his position on April 30. During his 17-year tenure, Cheng has held various leadership roles within the operations team, including retail operations, fuel supply, ethanol production, customer and store support. He is resigning for personal reasons, and plans to spend more time with family in both Malaysia and the United States, according to Murphy USA.
The Reimagining of Cumberland Farms

Cumberland Farms, a convenience store fixture in New England and central Florida for half a century, once fielded more than 1,000 stores. Today it has pared down to 600 stores as it transforms itself from a strip-center and gas station dairy store to a chain of freestanding, modern C-stores providing food service and gasoline, along the lines of Quik Check and Wawa.
Consumer confidence bumps up to a 16-year high

Having reached a 15-year peak on February, consumer confidence reached a new peak in March, now standing at its highest level in 16 years. The index's current reading is 125.6, up from 116.1 in February. “Consumer confidence increased sharply in March to its highest level since December 2000 (Index, 128.6),” said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board.