News

Lowe's CEO: Our transformation is gaining momentum
Lowe’s CEO Robert Niblock cited the recovering U.S. economy as among the reasons why the company plans to focus more on market differentiation and omnichannel retailing.

The company said it will outline these and other strategic priorities in a meeting with investors on Dec. 11 in North Carolina.
Casey’s beats Street with Q2 profit gain, plans 72-108 new stores
Ankenny, Iowa – Casey’s General Stores Inc. beat Wall Street expectations with net income of $49.89 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, up 21% from $39.43 million the same period the prior year. Growth of cost of goods sold did not keep pace with growth of sales, aiding the retailer’s profit.

NRF: November retail sales rise 0.6%

Washington, D.C. – Retail sales showed slow but steady growth during November 2014. According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales, not including automobiles, gasoline stations or restaurants, increased 0.6% seasonally-adjusted from October and 3.2% unadjusted from November 2013. The increases were in line with NRF’s holiday sales forecast, which anticipates an increase of 4.1% from 2013.
HGTV paints to launch at Lowe's

The paint competition will heat up in March as Lowe’s rolls out HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams.

The HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams product line will feature what both companies describe as “a new and improved interior and exterior paint program.” The line will be available at both Sherwin-Williams' company stores and Lowe's stores nationwide, as well as exclusive line extensions available at Lowe's.
Epicor looks to expand omnichannel capabilities with acquisition of ShopVisible

Austin, Texas - Business software solution provider Epicor Software Corp. has agreed to acquire Atlanta-based ShopVisible LLC, a provider of cloud retail order management and digital commerce solutions. The acquisition of ShopVisible, expected to close by the end of the year, will expand Epicor’s position as a provider of extended omni-channel solutions for midsize and large retail chains.
Walmart finance exec writes U a big check

University of Arkansas alumni Ann and Gene Bordelon have contributed $100,000 to establish the Faculty Innovation Endowed Fund for the benefit of the Sam M. Walton College of Business.
Lowe’s strategic priorities included expanded focus on omnichannel

by Gina Acosta Mooresville, N.C. - Lowe’s Companies’ CEO Robert Niblock cited the recovering U.S. economy as among the reasons why the company plans to focus more on market differentiation and omnichannel retailing. The company said it will outline these and other strategic priorities in a meeting with investors on Dec. 11 in North Carolina.
McKenna joins Foran to drive Walmart’s U.S. growth

The globalization of Walmart’s domestic operations continued this week with the appointment of Judith McKenna to the role of chief operating office for Walmart U.S.
Report – Alibaba security flaw potentially exposes user info to hackers

Hangzhou, China – A security flaw in AliExpress, an online marketplace that allows international consumers to make purchases on the Alibaba e-commerce platform, reportedly could have exposed personal information of millions of users to hackers. According to CNBC, Israeli security AppSec Labs discovered the flaw, which would have allowed hackers to alter orders and also gain access to customer personal and financial data, not including credit card numbers.
Early Read on Holiday 2014: Deep December retail "lull" pivots to peak shopping season

By Craig Johnson, Customer Growth Partners