News

Beacons to get a boost from tech partnership
ShopperTrak is teaming up with a shopping app called Shopkick to enhance the value proposition retailers offer to their customers in-store.

ShopperTrak, a global provider of consumer behavior insights and location-based analytics, and Shopkick is the most widely used real-world shopping app. Their partnership aims to leverage the market leadership and experience of both companies to deliver superior in-store experiences and rewards for shoppers, while also providing the retail community with an analytics tool to optimize the shopper’s experience in the store.
Pharmacy sales help drive profits for Rite Aid in 2014
Rite Aid said higher prescription sales and stronger cost control helped the drugstore chain report a profit surge for the fourth quarter.

Kroger Co. names new Dillons chief

A 38-year Kroger employee who started out in the company bagging groceries at a Cincinnati area store has been promoted to president.
Walmart wage hikes under way in many states

Walmart is beginning to raise wages for workers in several states as part of its employee initiative for fiscal 2015.
February chills Family Dollar sales

Cold weather in February caused profits to slide at Family Dollar Stores Inc. ahead of its impending merger with Dollar Tree.
Ikea targets veggie lovers with meatless meatballs

Food has always been an important part of the shopping experience at Ikea, and the retailer is doubling down on that strategy by unveiling a new menu.

Ikea announced it will be adding more nutritious and sustainable food options to its restaurants, bistros near the checkout, Swedish food markets and co-worker restaurants. The new food strategy highlights how important food is to the chain.
Best Buy gets geeky in Canada

Best Buy is strengthening its commitment to educating Canadian kids about technology with the launch of a Geek Squad Academy.
Uniqlo to open D.C., Denver, Seattle stores

Japanese retailer Uniqlo's U.S. expansion is picking up speed as the company prepares to open its first-ever stores in the Seattle, Denver and Washington, D.C.
Japanese eyewear brand JINS opens U.S. flagship

Japan’s largest eyewear brand is opening its first U.S. flagship store in California with a unique, gallery-like setting designed by San Francisco architecture firm Kwan Henmi.

Shoppers at JINS will be able to choose trendy, customized eyeglass styles for each face and personality with affordable prices ranging from $60 to $120, including high-quality aspheric lenses.
Bed Bath & Beyond may follow wage hike trend

Bed Bath & Beyond indicated in its fourth quarter earnings report that it may be joining Walmart and other retailers with plans to increase wages.

The company said it is lowering its 2015 earnings guidance due to "an increase in investments in compensation and benefits in 2015 beyond those historically planned."
Adidas debuting RunBase format in Boston, with store on marathon’s finish line

Boston -- The Boston Marathon is getting its very own permanent store — and it will be located just steps from the finish line, on Boylston Street. The 2,000-sq.-ft. shop, dubbed Boston Marathon Run Base, is operated by athletic footwear giant Adidas and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), organizer of the Boston Marathon, in partnership with Marathon Sports.
New York City’s famed Pearl River Mart to close

New York -- Rising rents and increased online competition have claimed one of downtown Manhattan’s most iconic retail stores, Pearl River Mart in SoHo. The Chinese department store, which opened its doors in 1971, will close at the end of its current lease in December.