News

MOORESVILLE, N.C. —  Following a disappointing second quarter and a pledge to improve going into the second half of the year, Lowe's has launched a new brand strategy to help better position itself as a market leader in home improvement retailing. The company's new tagline, "Never Stop Improving," will replace "Let's Build Something Together," in a new advertising campaign that launched Monday.

NEW YORK — One-in-six Americans (15%) uses an e-reader device, a new study from Harris Interactive found. This is up from less than 1-in-10 (8%) last year. 

Widespread reports surrounding the launch of the Missoni for Target brand last week had surging demand causing the company’s website to crash and stores disappointing customers because they prematurely ran out of merchandise. The unexpected run on Missoni even prompted the company to take the unusual step of issuing a public statement.

NEW YORK, and KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Duane Reade has added Smith Electric Vehicles' Newton zero-emission, all-electric commercial trucks to its delivery fleet.

With the addition of these medium-duty trucks, Duane Reade is the first retail pharmacy in the United States to choose fleet electrification through a pilot program with Smith Electric Vehicles, a global leader in zero-emission, all-electric commercial vehicles.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Trey Johnson to the newly created position of SVP food. Johnson will report to Dorlisa Flur, EVP and chief merchandising officer.

CHICAGO — Searching for the best bargains has become pastime among shoppers, according to research conducted by Mintel Inspire.

According to the latest data, Mintel found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. moms said they're spending more time looking for sales, discounts and coupons, compared with last year; while 28% of U.K. consumers were classified by Mintel as "bargain hunters" due to their dedication to comparing prices and reading online reviews.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, World’s Foremost Bank, has entered into a $411.7 million commitment with Royal Bank of Canada under an outstanding series of variable funding notes issued by Cabela’s Credit Card Master Note Trust. The commitment is for three years and accrues interest at a variable rate of commercial paper plus a spread.

HOLLYWOOD — Frederick’s of Hollywood Group announced that former Gap executive Don Jones has joined the company as president and COO.   

Jones, who most recently served as CEO of Pogan Retail, a consulting firm he founded in 2003. Prior to founding Pogan, Jones served  as SVP stores and operations for Gap Inc., where he was responsible for Gap,  Gap Kids and Gap Body retail stores.  

During his career, Jones also held leadership positions at Target, Ikea, Filene's and Macy's.

NEW YORK — Tiffany & Co. said Thursday it plans to open a store in New York’s SoHo neighborhood in September 2012.

The 7,000-sq.-ft. store will occupy a space that combines two locations -- 97 Greene Street and 106 Wooster Street. 

The 2012 opening corresponds to Tiffany’s 175th anniversary of its founding on Lower Broadway in the 1850s.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is teaming up with OptumHealth to become the first to provide "virtual clinics" in a retail pharmacy setting.

Rite Aid announced Thursday the launch of NowClinic online care services at select Rite Aid stores in the Detroit area. NowClinic allows Rite Aid customers to interact in real time with doctors and OptumHealth nurses.