Controversial New Process for Regulations
On April 6, President Biden issued the Executive Order (EO) “Modernizing Regulatory Review” that will change the process by which federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Departments of Transportation and Labor promulgate their regulations. The White House says these changes will improve the process, but administrative law experts believe the new […]
U.S. Retail Intelligence – June
May 31 – Albertsons Rebrands ‘Signature’ Private Label Assortment The grocer is rolling out its Signature SELECT brand that features a new logo and packaging design to stores across the U.S. From: StoreBrands Today May 30 – Walgreens Announces Winners for the 2023 Expressions by Walgreens Art Challenge Walgreens established Expressions to educate, empower and equip […]
The Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023
On April 26, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 (H.R. 2811) to suspend the federal government’s debt ceiling through either March 31, 2024, or a $1.5 trillion increase when the current $31.4 trillion ceiling runs out, whichever comes first. It’s not unusual for Congress to raise the debt […]
Transpacific Contract Negotiations Finalized
The majority of ocean contracts covering containers moving between Asia and the United States have been finalized. The contracts being signed contain rates that are substantially lower than the rates that were finalized in April 2022. The previous two contract cycles saw spot rates skyrocket to record high levels before finally subsiding in the fall […]
U.S. Retail Intelligence – May
April 28 – Amazon Cites Expanded Home Selection in Reporting Q1 Profit Amazon turned to profits in the first quarter and beat Wall Street earnings and sales estimates with the e-commerce giant noting the contribution of an expanded home assortment led by a new Martha Stewart program. From: HomePage News April 28 – Time […]
Proposed PFAS Standards from the U.S. EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken steps to set maximum levels for certain polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public drinking-water systems, and to designate certain PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or CERCLA (the Superfund law). PFAS are chemicals that have been used for decades […]
West Coast Ports Still Operating Without a Contract
Contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) ports remain at a standstill. After 10 months of negotiations, there has been very little progress in resolving key issues such as automation and wages. The PMA recently called out the ILWU for intentional work slowdowns causing delays at […]
Curbing Counterfeits
On Dec. 29, 2022, President Biden signed an omnibus bill to fund the federal government for remainder of Fiscal Year 2023 ending Sept. 30. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, provides $1.7 trillion for agencies and programs, and the 4,000 page bill also includes unrelated legislative items that hitched a ride for final passage. One important […]
New Container Vessels Poses a Problem for the Carriers
Ocean carriers have a problem on their hands. Aside from a lackluster Asia to U.S. shipping market, carriers are about to be inundated with brand new containerships. This couldn’t happen at a worse time for the carriers. They are already being forced to slash freight rates to unprofitable levels in an effort to fill container […]
U.S. Retail Intelligence – February
January 31 – Dollar General President/CFO Plans to Retire in June John Garratt, president and CFO at Dollar General Corp., has announced his intent to retire, effective June 2. From: Progressive Grocer January 30 – Tops Completes $1.4M Remodel in New York In December, Tops unveiled a $1.8 million store renovation in Canandaigua, N.Y. Last fall, the […]
