News

Wilder Companies executives have an image upgrade in mind for the Nod Brook Mall in Avon, Connecticut, a 100,000-sq.-ft. open shopping center they bought this week. The affluent bedroom community outside Hartford boasts an average household income of almost $160,000, according to Wilder, which will recast the center as The Shops at Nod Brook.  

Walgreens Boots Alliance may not have to shutter as many stores in the wake of its planned merger with Rite Aid as it once thought.   

The Walmart Pay mobile digital payment service only began formal rollout in May 2016, but has already reached an impressive goal.   Initially announced in December 2015, Walmart Pay is now available of all of Walmart’s more than 4,600 U.S. stores. Available through the Walmart app for iOS and Android devices, Walmart Pay works at all checkout lanes, and with any credit, debit, pre-paid or Walmart gift card.  

Walgreens Boots Alliance reported climbing sales and profits in a generally successful third quarter of fiscal 2016.  

As consumers continue shifting to mobile-only shopping experiences this summer, retailers have a greater need than ever for an e-commerce platform that delivers responsive, consistent experiences across any given device or channel.

Market Track compared retail circular advertising in June 2016 vs. June 2015 and noted trends occurring across top retail chains.    Kroger increased their total circular pages by nearly 42% in June. Whereas in 2015 their 6/28 circular featured a handful of deals on patio furniture and accessories, their 6/29 circular this year featured a July 4th theme with several pages dedicated to grilling proteins, grilling accessories, patio equipment, and other holiday food and drink categories.  

With nearly 1,300 locations spread across 34 states, Ross Dress for Less makes the claim that it is the nation’s largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain. With a mass grand opening of 24 more stores set for July, the chain clearly intends to hold on to that distinction.   New Ross locations will spring up in 14 states, with Wisconsin hosting four of them -- in Brown River, Onalaska, Racine, and West Green Bay.   

The online space doesn’t have a lock on new retail concepts, but with its lower start-up costs and potential audience reach it has proved itself a great breeding ground for disruptive retailers.   Here’s a look at four innovative e-tailers that are generating buzz and revenue increases — enough to place them among the top 15 fastest-growing e-retailers in a recent study.*   Casper