News

Who will be the next COO at Kroger?
Leadership of the Kroger Co.’s retail operations is in limbo following the retirement of COO Mike Ellis, with no immediate successor named.

The Kroger Co. announced that Ellis has retired after 40 years with the company.
Interpersonal Relations
Retailers use variety of technologies, channels for CRM success

Customer relationship management (CRM) is the strategy a retailer uses to develop an ongoing, individual relationship with a customer to ensure satisfaction and loyalty. But the specifics of CRM can mean different things for different retailers.

Meijer exec and growers talk local commitment

In the midst of its strongest growth in years, Meijer and its produce partners are touting the company’s $100 million locally grown commitment.
A Moveable (and Personal) Feast

Retailers deliver personalized, seamless mobile experience

In his classic posthumous memoir “A Moveable Feat,” Ernest Hemingway describes 1920s Paris as an interconnected place where you could obtain any food, drink or entertainment you wanted at any time. While the days of glamorous expatriate writers tramping across Europe are long gone, retailers are increasingly trying to recreate the atmosphere of seamless access to whatever your heart desires, via mobile devices and apps.
Pep Boys puts itself up for sale

Several months after its CEO resigned in September, Pep Boys says it is reviewing strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, merger or other deal.
Pin it — and buy it

San Francisco -- Pinterest on Tuesday officially started its foray into e-commerce.

The social networking giant has started rolling out a “buy it” button on its pins on iPhone and iPad apps. It also is launching new shop categories, including "Shop our picks," a curated selection of seasonal goods, and "Shop" for the latest buyable Pins.
Boot Barn steps up omnichannel strategy

Boot Barn has taken a significant step forward in its e-commerce strategy now that its acquisition of Sheplers is complete.
Cold Stone Creamery gets social with sharks

Scottsdale, Ariz. - Cold Stone Creamery is partnering with the Discovery Channel to promote its “Shark Week 2015” TV programming event through July 14. As part of the promotion, Cold Stone is holding a social media contest where one winner will win a trip for four to the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas.
Amazon heads east with cloud computing

Seattle – Amazon.com is heading east with its Amazon Web Services (AWS) hosted cloud computing platform – all the way to India.

AWS will launch an “infrastructure region” in India in 2016, meaning customers there will have access to locally based hosted cloud services.
Jo-Ann makes executive moves

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft specialty retailer, has announced two significant organizational changes in the merchandising and marketing areas.

Megan Featherston, formerly senior vice president, merchandising, at Jo-Ann, has been promoted to executive vice president, merchandising & marketing. In her new role, Megan will oversee the retailer’s merchandising, marketing, Joann.com and business intelligence and analytics teams.