News

Macy’s Q2 falls short; announces new omnichannel, global initiatives
Cincinnati -- Macy’s on Wednesday announced several key initiatives to drive its growth going forward, ranging from new store ventures to digital efforts to an international foray.
Why Macy's is looking forward to the holidays
Macy’s may be counting on key growth initiatives to generate sales during the holidays after reporting another disappointing quarter of financial results.

The company says same store sales declined 2.1% in the second quarter ended Aug. 1. Profit fell to $217 million, or 64 cents a share, from $292 million, or 80 cents a share, a year earlier. Total sales fell 2.6% to $6.1 billion, missing analysts’ estimates for $6.23 billion. Gross margin narrowed to 40.9% from 41.4% a year earlier.

Rite Aid makes a move on payments

Rite Aid is finally moving to embrace a mobile-first strategy by making a major announcement about paymants.
Mobile payments now accepted at Rite Aid

Camp Hill, Pa. — Rite Aid is making it easier for customers to make purchases.
Why Costco should have a fear of France

Lost jobs, ugly architecture, picky consumers and stiff competition are among the reasons why Costco may have a tough time achieving success in France, according to a Seattle Times report.

The newspaper says the Washington-based retailer is building its first warehouse in France and envisions opening as many as 15 stores in that nation over the next 10 years. But whether Costco will succeed in attracting the French consumer is an important question.

Read more by clicking here.
U.S. retail giant may run into trouble in this country

New York -- As Costco Wholesale inches closer to opening its first location in France, the retailer may not find the country such an easy target by any measure, reported the Seattle Times.

In France, Costco will find itself on the doorstep of hypermarket giants Carrefour, Auchan and Casino, which run huge stores selling a dizzying assortment of food and other products, according to the report.

For the full story, click here.
Staples’ online store exercise in innovation

A collection of crowdfunded products introduced on Staples Web site is being billed as a “first-of-its-kind-entrepreneurial store.”

Staples conducted a contest called Crowd2Shelf and winners of the inaugural event created by Fundable debuted on Staples' new entrepreneurial store at Staples.com/fundable. The contest drew thousands of startups across the country who competed for a chance to crowdfund their way to Staples. The Crowd2Shelf Contest was also made possible by the business strategy firm Sprosty Network.
And the top 20 retail back-to-school brands are…

New York -- Barnes & Noble claims the top position in a list of the most powerful “Back-to-School” retail brands, according to Tenet Partners’ Top 20 ranking.

Rounding out the top five: Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon and Old Navy.
Amazon hot in July

New York -- Amazon should be feeling pumped about the results of its one-day super sale anniversary event in July.

The Internet giant had a 30.1% increase in marketplace sales in July over the year-ago period, with the increase likely due to its “Prime Day” sale on July 15, according to a ChannelAdvisor report.
Target gets an A+ for new deal with Aldo

Target is teaming up with Canadian footwear chain Aldo on a new range of shoes and accessories, according to a report from Footwear News.

The publication says the new collection will be called A+, is inspired by the Aldo brand, and will launch at all Target stores this month.

In addition to partnerships with Stride Rite and Steve Madden, the publication says Target will continue to explore other shoe partnerships.

Aldo Group operates 1,900 stores in 94 countries.