News

Alibaba creates social media platform with NBA star
Hangzhou, China – Alibaba is launching an omnichannel partnership with one of professional basketball’s biggest stars. Alibaba Holding Group Inc. and Kobe Inc., a newly formed company by NBA player Kobe Bryant, will collaborate with Chinese media company Sina to create a new social media platform.
Ingles profit stays flat in Q3
Asheville, N.C. – Profit stayed essentially flat at Ingles Markets Inc. for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Ingles reported net income of $13.78 million, compared to $13.83 million the same quarter the prior fiscal year.

Lower interest and income tax expenses helped Ingles keep profits steady in the face of net sales declining 3% to $945.97 million, from $978.26 million. Declining gasoline prices negatively impacted sales.

Office Depot recognized for business product quality

Boca Raton, Fla. - Office Depot, Inc. has been recognized for outstanding product quality and service by privately-held home builder David Weekley Homes.

This marks the 10th consecutive year that Office Depot has received the “A,A Partners of Choice” award given this year to 15 of David Weekley Homes’ suppliers.
Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s expanding same-day delivery

Cincinnati - Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are stepping up their efforts to get online goods delivered to shoppers faster than ever.
The department store company is expanding same-day delivery service to nine additional markets beginning this month. Both Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are partnering with third-party delivery service Deliv to offer same-day delivery on products purchased online at macys.com, Bloomingdales.com, and on both brands’ mobile-enabled websites.
Charming Charlie turns to Oracle to keep up with growth

Houston - When consumer demand for the latest trends surges, fashion retailers must move quickly to engage with shoppers and ensure they have the right product mix on the shelves. The fast-growing women’s accessory retailer Charming Charlie has met widespread consumer demand with an upgrade to Oracle Retail Merchandising solutions to support both its immediate needs and its international expansion plans.
Sears to report first profit in three years but no good news about sales

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Holdings Corp. is expecting to announce some rare good news about profits thanks to a real estate spinoff when it reports its second quarter results on Aug. 20. But the news will be tempered by dismal sales results.
Fresh ideas for C-stores, more competition for grocers

Produce? At a convenience store? It’s not as crazy as it sounds and the C-store industry’s trade group wants to help members make fresh moves the right way.
Whole Foods puts tech chief on exec team

The importance of technology is highlighted in a promotion at Whole Foods Market.
Yahoo! tries for a better sense of style

Yahoo! Inc. is trying to expand its digital content and advertising business by acquiring a fashion website that allow shoppers to put together sets of clothes and accessories, and then buy them.
Macy's, Bloomindales expand same-day delivery service

Macy's and Bloomingdales are racing to join other retailers that are turning their stores into mini-fulfillment centers in an effort to challenge Amazon.com.

The department store company announced it is expanding same-day delivery service to nine additional markets beginning this month. Both Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are partnering with third-party delivery service Deliv to offer same-day delivery on products purchased online at macys.com, Bloomingdales.com, and on both brands’ mobile-enabled websites.
Publix still has the winning recipe

While Whole Foods and other food retailers struggle against increasingly stiff competition, Publix seems to be answering potential threats to its business with ease, if the company's second quarter results are any indication.
Sears sales tumble as investors grumble

Sears Holdings keeps finding new ways to generate cash and gain financial flexibility, but selling merchandise is not among them.