News

Sporting goods retailer taps Walmart exec as COO
Sportsman's Warehouse has named Jon Barker president and COO, effective March 31. Barker, who holds 25 years of retail experience will direct the marketing, supply chain, operations, compliance and technology functions for Sportsman's Warehouse, and will also lead the expansion of the company's e-commerce business.
Dunkin’ Brands begins hunt for new CFO
The parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins announced that Paul Carbone, CFO, is leaving the company effective April 21, 2017.

Legislative Spotlight: Rough Road Ahead for Retailers

The failure of President Trump and the Republicans in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act was shocking enough for business owners but it is the road ahead that should give operators some real heartburn.
Report: Amazon to buy Middle Eastern online retailer

A new deal could give Amazon a foothold in the Middle East. Amazon has agreed in principle to buy Souq.com, a leader in the Middle East's online shopping market, according to a report in Reuters.
Supreme Court decision a win for large retailers

The way has been cleared for retailers to challenge swipe fees in the coming years. The Supreme Court on Monday declined to reinstate a class-action lawsuit settlement that would have blocked merchants from challenging Visa and MasterCard over credit card swipe fees.
Gaming retailer to shutter stores this year as sales drop

Online gaming is taking its toll on GameStop in a big way. The retailer said that its video game category was weak, particularly in the second half of the year. This challenge, combined with shoppers’ attraction to online gaming, contributed to a total global sales decrease of 13.6% to $3.05 billion for the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2017. The company earned $208.7 million, in the fourth quarter, compared with profits of $247.8 million for the same period a year ago.
Home Depot is in the midst of an EPA investigation

Home Depot disclosed an ongoing Environmental Protection Agency investigation into its lead safety practices related to its installation services business. In an SEC filing published on Thursday, Home Depot disclosed an investigation by the EPA's criminal investigation division into its compliance with lead-safe work practices. Home Depot is currently cooperating with the EPA, having previously responded to civil document requests from several EPA regions.
Report: Footwear chain eyes Chapter 11, shutters stores

Payless could be the newest retailer headed toward bankruptcy. The struggling retailer could file for bankruptcy as soon as next week. In the meantime, Payless is already making plans to reorganize operations by shuttering stores, according to Bloomberg.
Macy’s Gennette takes the helm

The baton has officially been passed at Macy’s. Jeff Gennette has been named as the department store chain’s new CEO, succeeding Terry Lundgren, who will continue as executive chairman. Gennette, who has served as Macy’s president since 2014, is Lundgren’s handpicked successor. Prior to becoming president, he was appointed Macy’s chief merchandising officer in 2009.
Sportswear retailer has a ‘disappointing finish’ in Q4, fiscal year

A combination of sluggish mall traffic, a shaky sporting goods industry, and poorly performing merchandise took a toll on The Finish Line in the fourth quarter and fiscal 2016.