June 28 – Off-Price Retailer Bealls Names Less Senior Marketing VP
Less leads brand marketing, e-commerce and guest strategy including supervising Bealls loyalty programs. From: HomePage News
June 28 – Jim Pattison Group Acquires Save Mart
Modesto, Calif.-based Save Mart, a Kingswood Capital Management LP portfolio company, has almost 200 Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx stores in California and western Nevada. From: Progressive Grocer
June 28 – Consumers Seeking Budget Relief by Cooking at Home
According to Primerica, the perception may be influencing individual financial habits with 80% of households reporting they have been cooking more meals at home rather than dining out or ordering takeout over the past year. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Amazon Same-Day Delivery Site in California Achieves Eco Certification
Amazon reported it achieved the certification through use of established and innovative technology that helps the site reduce carbon emissions and operate more efficiently. From: HomePage News
June 27 – BJ’s Wholesale Club to open new stores in New Jersey, North Carolina
BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced the locations of its newest clubs, set to open in early 2025. From: Supermarket News
June 27 – Kohl’s Taking More Returns from Diverse Retail, Brand Partners
Kohl’s asserted that the expanded returns service will enhance the customer experience by offering shoppers convenience while leveraging the strength of Kohl’s national store base and supply chain network. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Store Closures Loom as Walgreens Q3 Earnings Come Up Short
Walgreens Boots Alliance, which fell short of third-quarter earnings estimate despite better-than-expected revenues, reported it is reconfiguring its retail pharmacy operations in a plan that includes closing underperforming stores. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Study: TikTok Ban Would Upset GenZ the Most
Numerator noted that TikTok Shop customers are more likely to be low-income, LGBTQ+ and/or GenZers and spend an average of $28 on the platform three times a year. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Saks to Grow Fifth Avenue Club Format in Major Markets
Through the Fifth Avenue Club, clients connect with a stylist for a consultation to discuss style preferences, wardrobe needs, sizing and designer preferences. From: Chain Store Age
June 27 – Deloitte: Travel Costs Impact Consumer Summer Getaway Choices
The Deloitte Summer Travel Survey revealed travel interest among consumers in the United States in 2024 is similar to last year, although they are likely to take fewer trips, and travel prices are playing a bigger role in keeping people home. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Grilling Rates High Among Planned July 4th Activities
“We’re not just celebrating a milestone; we’re celebrating a century of being part of every neighborhood we serve,” said Kim Lefko, Ace chief marketing officer From: HomePage News
June 26 – Report Reveals Keys to Cultivating Brands for GenZ
78% of Gen Z belong to one or more communities specifically related to their interests, hobbies or extracurricular activities. From: HomePage News
June 25 – Walmart Previews Housewares Deals Ahead of Big Summer Savings Event
Consumers can shop thousands of deals on popular items from Walmart’s assortment including home, toys and travel as well as back-to-school season merchandise. From: HomePage News
June 25 – Amazon Prime Day Starts July 16 with Expansive Slate of Deals
Prime Day provides members in the U.S. with an opportunity to enjoy savings from small businesses on the platform, with early-access deals already available. From: HomePage News
June 24 – Macy’s Opens Summer with Musically Themed Promotion
Macy’s website landing page features a presentation dubbed This Week’s Greatest Hits that has included an assortment of designations: Backyard Party, Pool Party, Getting Ready for the Party, and Designer Glasses. From: HomePage News
June 24 – Home Depot Foundation funds housing to help veterans battling homelessness
The funding will support the construction of more than 300 new housing units and the repair of nearly 200 additional units, bringing much-needed stability and comfort to veterans across the nation. From: Chain Store Age
June 24 – Target Partners with Shopify to Expand Retailer’s Marketplace Assortment
Target plans to bring select Shopify merchant products into its physical stores, which would make it the first mass merchant to do so. From: HomePage News
June 24 – Walgreens honors veterans, active-duty military on Independence Day
Beginning July 4 through July 7, customers with a valid military ID or proof of service will receive 20% off eligible regular-price products with MyWalgreens, at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide. From: Drug Store News
June 24 – Walmart Promoting ‘Spicy’ Summer Fun in TikTok-Aligned Campaign
Walmart stated it developed the Spicy Summer promotional campaign to generate consumer excitement and establish itself as a go-to destination for seasonal needs and novelties. From: HomePage News
June 24 – Exclusive Research: The Top 100 Convenience Store Chains of 2024
From: Convenience Store News
June 21 – Dollar General Names New Marketing Chief Among Several Leadership Moves
Dollar General Corp. appointed Tony Rogers senior vice president and chief marketing officer in one of several leadership moves by the retailer. From: HomePage News
June 21 – Hy-Vee Awards $50K in Grants to Local Minority, Women-Owned Businesses
The event featured an expo that offered resources for small businesses, as well as learning opportunities through breakout sessions, one-on-one mentoring with Hy-Vee store leaders, the chance to learn about local brands and more. From: Drug Store News
June 21 – Circana: Discounts Remain Key Motivator Amid Flat Retail Comps in May
Circana said a recent consumer survey showed 40% of consumers made a purchase rather than delay spending because of a discount offer. From: HomePage News
June 21 – Pottery Barn Kids, Teen Release Roller Rabbit Collection
Available now exclusively at Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen, the Roller Rabbit collection includes two product lines, one for children’s rooms and one for dorm rooms offered under the respective Pottery Barn banners. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Festival Foods Is Expanding in Wisconsin
Each new store will offer guests a blend of familiar and new experiences, including an in-store Caribou Coffee kiosk with indoor café seating. From: Progressive Grocer
June 20 – Census Bureau May Sales Report Indicates Cautiously Expanding Economy
Separate from the reported Census Bureau retails sales, the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor states earlier this month that retail sales were up 1.2% seasonally adjusted month over month in May and 2.88% year over year. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Older Consumers Continue to Lead Spending in 2024
Consumers aged 55 and older were the only group to increase their spending on discretionary general merchandise in May. From: Chain Store Age
June 20 – Kroger Ready to Defend Proposed Merger as Q1 Exceeds Expectations
Earnings slipped at The Kroger Co. in the first quarter but still beat analyst estimates as the company prepares to defend its proposed merger with Albertsons Cos. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Target Continues GenAI Transformation with New Employee Support Tool
The Store Companion tool is a GenAI-powered chatbot Target designed to answer on-the-job process questions, coach new employees and support store operations management, among other functions. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Midwest Retailer Names New CEO, Chief Stores Officer
Blain’s Farm & Fleet has named Mark Hasting has been CEO and president, while current CEO Jane Blain Gilbertson will take on a new role as executive chair of the board and will remain the sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply. From: Chain Store Age
June 18 – Tractor Supply Partners with Revionics to Optimize Omnichannel Pricing
Tractor Supply Co. has selected Revionics, a provider of retail pricing, promotion, markdown and analytics solutions, to implement an intelligent pricing platform that can help the retailer scale loyalty-enhancing pricing across its retail network. From: HomePage News
June 18 – Poshmark Adds Live Events to Boost Sales, Community Engagement
To introduce Posh Party Live, Poshmark is hosting an ongoing series of events featuring more than 20 digital creators who will serve as hosts alongside Posh Ambassador community members. From: HomePage News
June 18 – JCPenney Installs New Sorting Technology to Upgrade Reno DC
JCPenney expects the upgrade to improve the customer experience by completing orders more accurately and shipping them out faster. From: HomePage News
June 17 – Office Depot, Dormify Partner on Back-to-College Program
A purveyor of dorm room decor and essentials, Dormify offers stylish furniture and dorm room needs, Office Depot noted. From: HomePage News
June 17 – Survey: Men Are Primary Gift Card Purchasers for the First Time
Men are about 20% more likely to purchase physical cards than women, and half of surveyed consumers are also purchasing gift cards through digital channels. From: HomePage News
June 17 – Home Hardware Stores Appoints Chief Retail Operations Officer
Home Hardware Stores Ltd. announced the appointment of John Pierce to the role of chief retail operations officer. From: Hardware Retailing
June 17 – Beyond Streamlines Leadership as Bed, Bath & Beyond CEO Holt Departs
With the change in executive structure, Beyond has streamlined marketing and merchandising leadership functions across its three main banners, the company stated. From: HomePage News
June 17 – Fintech To Take Aaron’s Private by End of 2024
The company anticipates continuing operations under its existing brand names and will maintain its headquarters in Atlanta. From: HomePage News
June 14 – Office Depot Campaign Highlights Breadth of Product Offering
The campaign is running nationally in the United States across social media, in online displays and via streaming services such as ESPN, Paramount+, ABC and Peacock. From: HomePage News
June 14 – Restoration Hardware Commits to Expansion After Larger-Than-Expected Q1 Loss
In a letter to stakeholders, Gary Friedman, RH CEO, stated: “We are pleased to report that our demand trends inflected positive in the first quarter and continue to build momentum despite operating in the most challenging housing market in three decades.” From: HomePage News
June 14 – Ace Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Parties and Video
A nationwide celebration scheduled for Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at participating Ace stores nationwide, the event will offer exclusive deals, engaging demos and related attractions, the company maintained. From: HomePage News
June 14 – Harris Teeter to Open New South Carolina Location
Located on Lady’s Island in Beaufort, the new store will feature grocery retail, pharmacy, and a Harris Teeter Fuel Center From: Supermarket News
June 13 – Numerator: Positive Consumer Confidence Holds Steady in May
Black and Gen Z consumers are the most optimistic about their financial situations, while White consumers and Boomers Plus are the most negative, according to Numerator research. From: HomePage News
June 13 – Williams-Sonoma Declares Two-for-One Stock Split
Williams-Sonoma stated it would conduct the split via a stock dividend to make its shares more accessible to investors and employees. From: HomePage News
June 13 – Kantar Ranks Amazon as Most Valuable Retail Brand, Followed by Home Depot and Walmart
According to Kantar, the top global retail banners increased their brand value by 4% in a year when low-priced purveyors did especially well. From: HomePage News
June 12 – Wayfair Sets 2030 Zero Waste Target in Latest Responsibility Report
The zero-waste target aims to direct more than 90% of Wayfair’s operational waste away from landfills and incineration. From: HomePage News
June 12 – Container Store Opening Two More Small-Format Stores in Metro D.C.
At each store, shoppers will find a curated assortment of storage and organization items for all areas of the home. From: HomePage News
June 12 – Ollie’s Beats Q1 Expectations, Continues Store Expansion
Ollie’s opened four new stores in the quarter, ending the period with 516 locations in 30 of the United States. From: HomePage News
June 11 – Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Enlists Earthbound Agency for Walmart Expansion
The assortment ranges from elevated wooden tables to comfortable accent chairs, including the Drew Chair, which sold out in 72 hours, according to the brand partners. From: HomePage News
June 11 – At Home Launching Colorful Collaboration with Designer Joy Cho
At Home developed Oh Joy! products to be suitable for small spaces, such as college dorms and apartments, and for anyone who wants to bring colorful flare into their households. From: HomePage News
June 11 – Lowe’s Promotes Wilson to Chief Marketing Officer
Wilson will oversee strategic brand and product marketing, loyalty and personalization, promotional planning, creativity and media, as well as Lowe’s retail media network. From: HomePage News
June 11 – Import Volume Gaining as Retailers Stock Up for Holidays, Preempt Tariff Hike
Global Port Tracker predicts import volume in the first half of 2024 to total 12.1 million TEU, up 15% from the same period last year. From: HomePage News
June 10 – Walmart will change over to digital shelf labels
Process is expected to be complete by 2026. From: Supermarket News
June 10 – Heinen’s Expands in Illinois
Heinen’s intends to build a new store, following the teardown of a previous Butera supermarket on the site. From: Progressive Grocer
June 10 – Joann Names Interim CEO, New Board Members
After declaring bankruptcy and planning to go private, craft specialist Joann has appointed Michael Prendergast acting CEO and introduced a new board of directors. From: HomePage News
June 10 – NRF: Retail Sales Warmed Up in May
Retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, gained 1.35% seasonally adjusted month over month and 3.03% unadjusted year over year in May, according to Retail Monitor. From: HomePage News
June 10 – Ace Hardware Reaches Milestone in Home Services Coverage
Home services vary by location and include handyman, plumbing, electrical work, painting, heating and cooling, carpentry and general home maintenance. From: Hardware Retailing
June 10 – Crate & Barrel Launches Collection with Fashion Designer Laura Kim
Kim’s first home and housewares collaboration includes over 110 unique pieces across kitchen, decor and entertaining essentials. From: HomePage News
June 7 – Walmart Advances Delivery Tech, Sam’s Club Taps Customer Feedback to Power Initiatives Walmart continues to build out services and features to increase shopper order and delivery convenience through use of its app and other tech-based initiatives. From: HomePage News
June 7 – Marshalls Announces New Women’s Empowerment Programming with Chopra Jonas
A slate of new and returning programming will run as part of the Marshalls Good Stuff Social Club as the banner continues its mission to help women access the “good stuff” in life and achieve their ambitions. From: HomePage News
June 7 – Foxtrot is Returning — but with Plenty of Questions About its Future
Founder Mike LaVitola plans to reopen several locations this summer, yet it’s unclear how he’s been involved with the retailer amid its bankruptcy process. From: Grocery Dive
June 7 – TJX To Expand into Mexico in Joint Venture with Grupo Axo
TJX announced under the terms of the agreement, the company would own 49% and Axo would own 51% of the joint venture, which will comprise what is now Axo’s off-price, physical store business in Mexico. From: HomePage News
June 6 – SPECIAL REPORT | Transforming Retail: The Practical Applications of Generative AI
Among retailers, Amazon has been conspicuous in touting its applications of AI. In part, that’s due to the fact that its Amazon Web Services Business is offering AI support to its business customers. From: HomePage News
June 6 – Kirkland’s Posts Physical Store Comp Gain in Q1 While Cutting Losses
Kirkland’s Home managed to cut its losses in the first quarter more than Wall Street expected, and, while overall comps slipped, physical stores posted a gain. From: HomePage News
June 6 – Big Lots Sees Home Product Progress as Comps, Adjusted Earnings Slide in Q1
In a conference call, Bruce Thorn, president, and CEO, said the company is pushing its home business and is seeing some sequential gains in furniture and hard home since the fourth quarter of 2023. From: HomePage News
June 6 – Climate Change Becoming a Bigger Business Issue for U.S. Firms
76.2% of the 3,000 biggest companies in the United States mentioned climate change as a risk factor in their annual financial reports, up from 68.2% a year prior. From: HomePage News
June 6 – Walmart Commits to Increased Employee Investment
Walmart also has boosted centers of excellence for health care, family building and adoption benefits, along with other resources for mind and body. From: HomePage News
June 5 – NRF: Economy Sluggishly Moving in Right Direction
Commenting in the June NRF Monthly Economic Review, NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said the expectation remains for gross domestic product to advance about 2.3% over 2023. From: HomePage News
June 5 – Container Store Expands Elfa Custom Living Space Program
Decor+ by Elfa product construction is steel and solid birch wood, the company noted, and represents a stronger version of the wall-hanging adjustable framework that supports other storage systems under the brand name. From: HomePage News
June 5 – Dollar Tree Forges Ahead Through Q1, Reconsiders Family Dollar Options
Among the quarter’s highlights, as identified by the company, Dollar Tree opened 116 namesake and 41 new Family Dollar stores. From: HomePage New
June 4 – Amazon Using AI To Detect, Divert Defective Product
Project P.I. is an Amazon AI application developed to enhance customer satisfaction and contribute to its efforts to address climate change. From: HomePage News
June 4 – 5 Retail Startups to Watch
A review of five companies that have the potential to change the way retail does business. From: Retail Dive
June 4 – Coresight: Consumers OK with Higher Travel Rates but Still Seek Some Savings
Despite higher services inflation, a study by the market researcher indicates that every week so far this year, consumers have been arranging travel at higher rates than in the last year .From: HomePage News
June 4 – Lowe’s Piloting Apple Vision Style Studio at Select Stores
By bringing the experience to stores, Lowe’s stated, the company can provide shoppers with the opportunity to use Apple Vision Pro in collaboration with a dedicated Lowe’s associate to design their dream kitchen. From: HomePage News
June 3 – RH Debuts Luxury Palo Alto Gallery
Restoration Hardware has debuted its latest gallery in Palo Alto, CA, featuring an assortment that includes merchandise from RH Interiors, Contemporary, Modern and Outdoor with rare art, antiques and artifacts from across the globe. From: HomePage News
June 3 – West Elm Expands Rhode Collaboration
The collection contains new textiles, tabletop items, lighting, decorative accessories, bath, rugs, and a product group designed for college dormitories. From: HomePage News
June 3 – Nordstrom Q1 Loss Bigger Than Expected Even as Comps Gained
As the founding family pursues a buy-out of the company, Nordstrom posted a deeper-than-expected loss in the first quarter, although sales surpassed Wall Street expectations. From: HomePage News
