News

As we continue to witness the battle of brick-and-mortar versus online shopping, it’s interesting to see Walmart’s latest ploy to “one-up” their online competition. Their new Walmart To Go service is offering customers same-day delivery of online orders for just $10. While the initial test period is expected to last only through the holidays, the possibility that this could stick makes me think that Walmart To Go might ultimately have some huge implications for brick-and-mortar retail. The big question, of course, is will it work? Can Walmart pull it off?

Value fashion retailer Primark’s new flagship on Oxford St. (at Tottenham Court Rd.) spans some 82,300 sq. ft. over four floors. Designed by Dalziel & Pow, London, the store has a bold, modern look,  complete with a faux tube station, a massive LED screen and colorful graphics. Digital integration is a key element, with specially commissioned brand films playing on the exterior wall of the elevator lifts. An animated store map is featured on the elevator walls and throughout the store to help with customer navigation.

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy is streamlining its U.S. operations by implementing a leaner leadership structure.

NEW YORK — Walmart said on Wednesday that various staff groups involved in compliance and legal issues will soon all report to its general counsel, Reuters reported. The move comes as the retailer works on coordinating efforts after an alleged foreign bribery scandal.

In a memo sent by CEO Mike Duke, the retailer said that starting on Dec. 1, its compliance, ethics, investigations and legal units will become one organization under executive VP, general counsel and corporate secretary Jeff Gearhart.

MIDDLEBORO-LAKEVILLE, Mass. — Ocean Spray has expanded its line of cranberry cocktail products to include the new Low Tart Cranberry Juice Cocktail and 2/3 Less Sugar Cranberry Juice Cocktail.

CHICAGO — So who's more influential: the Facebook mom, or the mom chatting up other moms at the school drop-off?

BEIJING — Speaking at an event in Beijing, Walmart president and CEO, Mike Duke, outlined Walmart's plans to create a more sustainable global supply chain.

"Today I'm proud to announce a series of steps and commitments that will make Walmart's supply chain, in the United States, here in China, and around the world, more sustainable," said Mike Duke, President and CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "The impact of these commitments will be global and make a difference with products sold around the globe."

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Wednesday announced a pair of executive appointments — Marnette Perry will assume the role of SVP strategic initiatives and operations, while Michael Ellis has been named SVP retail divisions.

Do you know a retailer under the age of 40 who is making an impact in his or her company?

Chain Store Age magazine, a sister publication of Retailing Today, is accepting nominations for its Rising Stars: 20 under 40 awards, which will recognize retailers who are making their marks in their companies and in the retail industry.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is being hit by yet another lawsuit, as a proposed class action was filed Monday alleging that the world’s largest retailer and its staffing agencies broke federal minimum wage and overtime laws. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court of Illinois' Eastern Division claims that Wal-Mart and its staffing firms Labor Ready and QPS required temp workers in the Chicago area to arrive early for work, stay late, and work through lunches and breaks without pay.