News

Jo-Ann crafts a mobile cash-back solution geared toward millennials
Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts’ foray into mobile rebates is part of the 850-store chain’s strategy for reaching millennials. The retailer has partnered mobile shopping app provider Ibotta to offer cash-back rebates on in-store purchases, something Jo-Ann’s feels will build loyalty among the millennial set. The multi-year partnership will provide users with special offers and cash-back options at any one of Jo-Ann Stores retail locations.
Construction employment on the rise, but qualified workers hard to find
Hard hats are in big demand, as construction employment increased in 228 out of 358 metro areas in the last year. According to a report just issued by the Associated General Contractors of America, which measured construction employment between June 2015 and June 2016, the status remained unchanged in 48 metro areas and dipped in 82 areas in the June-to-June timeframe.

Mastercard: Chip cards cut fraud by 60%

Credit card fraud is down by more than 60% at Mastercard’s top five EMV-enabled merchants since chip cards were introduced late last year, according to the company. “Mastercard has helped over 150 countries adopt EMV and, time and again, we’ve seen the same result — significant reductions in counterfeit card fraud,” said Chiro Aikat, Mastercard’s senior VP of EMV product delivery.
Supervalu installs new tech platform

Expressing a desire to deliver more professional services and back-end support to its wholesale customers, Supervalu announced that it would install Oracle Cloud as its new technology platform. "The Oracle Cloud provides us with a more robust infrastructure and a comprehensive solution that we believe will help us drive increased efficiencies, speed decision-making, and enhance the overall customer experience,” said executive VP and CIO Randy Burdick.
Now Trending: Densification and the gravitational pull of the mixed-use center

The benefits of density and densification are a fundamental tenet of “new urbanism,” the guiding set of principles exerting a significant influence over real estate development, urban planning, and municipal land-use strategies.
Office Depot closing 300 more stores; to expand ‘store of future’ pilot

Just three months after its proposed acquisition by Staples ran into regulatory roadblocks, Office Depot unveiled its plans for the future as a standalone retailer. In its second quarter financial filing, the chain announced it would close an additional 300 stores during the next three years, a move that is anticipated to help cut annual costs by some $250 million by the end of 2018. Office Depot is also planning to cut costs by reducing procurement and general and administrative costs.
eBay seeks new frontier for disruption

Having already served as an early innovator in e-commerce, eBay has turned its attention to a new emerging technology area. In an interview on CNBC, eBay CEO Devin Weng said the company intends to take a leading role in artificial intelligence. "We are planting the seeds right now to ensure that eBay is not only relevant, but a leader — a disruptor — in artificial intelligence," said Weng.
Academy Sports names Walmart’s Gloeckler as merchandising chief

Top Walmart executive Michelle Gloeckler, who landed 38th on Fortune’s list of most powerful women last year, will leave Bentonville to take over as executive VP and chief merchandising officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Wendy’s shines light on customer experience

Joining the ranks of progressive burger chains that are jumping on the experience bandwagon, Wendy’s has engaged Service Management Group to measure the customer experience in all of its North America and international restaurants.
Cold Stone Creamery debuts Lebanese presence in Beirut

Ice cream lovers in Lebanon will soon have a new confectionary option, as Cold Stone Creamery has announced plans to open multiple locations throughout the country over the next few years, beginning with the capital city of Beirut. Kahala Brands, the parent company of Cold Stone Creamery, has granted MNM Investments Lebanon SAL, part of M1 Group, the master franchise rights to Lebanon under a 10-year master franchise agreement.