News

Amazon opens its first-ever staffed pickup and drop-off center, at Purdue University
Seattle -- Amazon confirmed reports that it is piloting co-branded pickup sites with universities with the announcement that it has opened its first-ever staffed pickup and drop-off on-campus location, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and plans to open similar sites at the University of California, Davis and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Pharmacy a boost for Fred's
A bigger focus on the pharmacy department was a key driver of success for Fred’s in January.

The retailer reported that total sales for the month increased 3% to $138.8 million from $134.7 million in January 2014. Same store sales for the month increased 4.3% versus a decrease of 1.8% for the same period last year.

Roundy’s taps Ecova for energy, sustainability solutions

Spokane, Wash. -- Ecova, a total energy and sustainability management company, has been selected by Milwaukee-based Roundy’s Supermarkets to provide utility expense and data management solutions, as well as carbon management solutions and Energy Star benchmarking.
Staples to acquire Office Depot in cash and stock deal

Staples has entered an agreement to acquire Office Depot in a cash and stock deal valued at $6.3 billon that is sure to face a high degree of regulatory scrutiny.
Kohl’s boosts guidance on strong holiday sales

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. raised its earnings guidance for the recently completed business year, citing strong sales growth in the holiday season.

The retailer reported fourth quarter same-store sales of 3.7% and updated its fiscal 2014 diluted earnings per share guidance to $4.20 – $4.22.

“We are pleased with our fourth quarter sales as we saw our base business improve and our new strategic framework, the Greatness Agenda, take hold," said Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, CEO and president.
GameStop names Buskey president

Former GameStop Senior Vice President of Human Resource Mike Buskey was elevated to the role of president of U.S. stores to oversee GameStop’s more than 2,000 locations.
Macy’s adds ‘Whimsy’ with Martha Stewart collection

Macy’s and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia are collaborating on another collection for the home, just in time for the spring decorating season.

The retailer is launching Whim, an exclusive bedding and dinnerware collection from Martha Stewart available only at Macy’s. Whim will be available on macys.com and in select Macy’s stores starting March. The collection offers comforter sets, sheets and quilts in playful prints and colors, as well as colorful dinnerware.
Staples buying Office Depot

New York -- Staples has entered an agreement to acquire Office Depot in a cash and stock deal valued at $6.3 billon that is sure to face a high degree of regulatory scrutiny.
Colgate, Family Dollar partner on Black History Month

Colgate is teaming up with Family Dollar to inspire African-American families during February's Black History Month to honor their past and treasure their future with a healthy smile.

Many Americans, including more than one-third of African-American adults, live with untreated tooth decay. Without proper treatment, tooth decay can progress and eventually result in a cavity or even tooth loss.
Survey: 80% of retailers to increase customer experience spending in 2015

Wakefield, Mass. — More than 80% of retailers plan to increase their customer experience spending in 2015, according to a survey conducted by Econsultancy for SDL, a provider of global customer experience. The report also reveals that while North American retailer brands appreciate the need for technology integration, with 97% citing integration of customer experience technology as “important” or “essential” to their growth, only 40% describe their relevant systems as integrated and cross-functional.