News

Macy’s makes giving fashionable
New York – Macy’s Inc. is attempting to make charitable donations fashionable. The retailer’s new Fashion Pass program provides customers 15%-20% off storewide, plus $10 off a $30 purchase, when they give $5 at the register from July 22 to Aug. 15.
Restaurant group doesn’t leave cards to chance
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Kahala Brands isn’t taking chances when it comes to payment card security. The restaurant franchisor group is naming Cybera as an authorized provider of payment card security to all 2,600 of Kahala Brands' store locations.

Breach may affect major retail photo sites

Vancouver – The third-party vendor hosting online photo sites of at least six major retailers may have been the victim of a security breach. The photo pages of CVS, Sam’s Club, Costco, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart Canada and Tesco, all clients of Vancouver-based PNI Digital Media Inc., have been temporarily taken down.
Major grocery chain files chapter 11; sells stores for $600 million

Montvale, N.J. – The rumors are true. As expected, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Inc. (A&P) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

In a brief statement on its website, privately held A&P says it has secured financing of $100 million and voluntarily filed for chapter. A&P has also entered agreements to sell 120 stores for $600 million and will close more of its 296 stores in the near future.
Taylor Swift goes with JD.com in China

In the e-commerce fight between China's Alibaba and JD.com, Taylor Swift has declared a winner.

The pop superstar announced that JD.com will be the official online source of Taylor Swift items in China, including a new fashion line the music superstar designed specifically for the Chinese market.
Stop & Shop, Kroger hungry for A&P stores

Northeast grocery chain A&P may not have been able to make a go of it, but other retailers are already looking to capitalize on the failed supermarket's real estate holdings.
Southeastern Grocers to donate $3M to Wounded Warrior

BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores raised an impressive $3 million over the Fourth of July weekend to support the Wounded Warrior Project Independence Program.
Rite Aid takes the the health kiosk idea to a new level

Rite Aid is targeting consumers looking for quality and convenient health care with the debut of telemedicine kiosks at some of its stores.
Ross picks up the pace of expansion in July

Ross Stores is crossing off a big chunk of its to-do list as the retailer moves forward with its plans to open 90 stores in 2015.
Ex-Toys exec to lead B&N digital division

Barnes & Noble Inc. has hired a new chief for its digital division as the retailer rethinks the leadership of its Nook business.
Instacart re-classifies employees for growth

Fast-growing grocery delivery service Instacart is expanding a program that lets some contract workers become part-time employees.

The online grocery delivery service is now offering its contractor in-store shoppers in Houston and Austin, Texas, the option of applying for new employee roles with expanded responsibilities.
Francesca's adds Limited veteran

Francesca's is adding a retail industry veteran to its board.

The retailer has appointed Martyn Redgrave as a member of the board of directors. The appointment is effective immediately. Redgrave will serve on the audit committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee.