News

Indianapolis - The Finish Line Inc. is running an omnichannel promotion linked to the upcoming pro basketball all-star weekend in New York City. Finish Line collaborated with Under Armour, pro basketball star Stephen Curry and several key influencers within the basketball marketplace to host a contest surrounding the new Curry 1 product launch on Feb. 13.

Bentonville, Ark. – Phoenix area consumers have a new option for online grocery shopping, at least for now. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, Wal-Mart is piloting an online grocery service in and around Phoenix.

Fort Myers, Fla. – Chico’s FAS Inc. may be the next big-name retailer to undergo an acquisition. Private equity firm Sycamore Partners is reportedly pursuing a $3 billion acquisition of the specialty women’s apparel retailer.

According to Reuters, Sycamore already has an agreement in principle to acquire Chico’s, contingent upon obtaining financing. However, Sycamore may be having difficulty finding a bank or banks willing to allow as much debt as the company is looking for.
 

Chicago – We live in an age of information, and consumers are valuing access to product information more than ever. According to a new study of 1,000 brands and retailers from PowerReviews, more than half (57%) of online shoppers reported specifically seeking out websites with product reviews.

Sam’s Club is taking a different approach to Valentine’s Day promotions by offering customers the gift of good health.

According to a national survey, Americans plan to spend around $142 on Valentine’s Day this year for jewelry, candy and a special night out. What if, in addition to these, people could also give the gift of health to their loved ones this year without breaking the bank even more? Sam’s Club is making it possible this Valentine’s Day by offering free heart health screenings.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market's value message is resonating with shoppers as the chain delivered same store sales growth of 4.5% and record first quarter profits as net income increased to $167 million from $158 million.

The retailer said sales for its first quarter ended Jan. 18 increased 10% to $4.67 billion due to the addition of new selling space and the increased productivity of existing stores reflected in the 4.5% comp increase, which pushed sales per square foot to $990.

Pier 1 Imports Inc. has retracted its profit guidance for the fourth quarter and replaced its chief financial officer after what the company's CEO said was a miscalculated financial forecast.

CEO Alex W. Smith said the retailer’s same store sales growth in January was 5.7%, well below a forecast that "overestimated the recapture of lost sales from last year’s storms.”