News

New York City -- Target Corp.’s launch of its latest limited edition collection, by designer Jason Wu, went off relatively problem-free compared with its Missoni launch last fall.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Wal-Mart Stores isn’t about to let the grass grow under its feet in Canada. The discounter plans to spend about $753 million this fiscal year to expand its store presence in Canada, before rival Target Corp. begins its push in the country.

Target appears to have salvaged its fourth-quarter sales results with a 4.3% same-store sales increase in January to offset a disappointing 1.6% increase in December and a 1.8% increase in November.

There has been a lot of chatter in our industry circles — really, everywhere — about the recent big announcement from J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson regarding the iconic brand’s plans for the future. Anyone who’s visited a J.C. Penney lately — present company included — can see the brand needs to make some changes. They’ve been losing traction to competitors like Target and Kohl’s in recent years, and, in my opinion, have had some trouble defining themselves in a fairly crowded and competitive segment. Similar to the issues facing Sears, J.C.

HONG KONG — Walmart's Greg Foran will be packing his bags and heading to China. The SVP for Walmart International has been named CEO of Walmart China, effective March 1, and will relocate to China, pending work visa approval.

New York City -- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market is testing a mobile self-scanning device at its store in Burbank, Calif., according to a report on Fresh & Easy Buzz, an independent blog that follows the chain.

The scanning system, from Motorola, features a hand-held scanner device, which customers carry with them as they shop the store, the report said. Shoppers then scan the product codes on the items they purchase as they shop. The system allows shoppers to keep real time track of their purchases as they shop.
 

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu continues to implement its strategic plan to remove permanent expenses and cut down operating costs with plans to reduce its national work force by an estimated 800 positions. The affected positions include those at all company offices and crosses most departments, excluding, for the most part, store level associates.Associates whose positions are eliminated will be eligible for severance and outplacement services based on the company's eligibility guidelines.

Entry into Canada promises to be an uphill battle for Target as an announcement by Walmart Tuesday morning reaffirmed.