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 young people and their communities with insights and resources on issues impacting teens. From: Drug Store News
May 30 – Costco Beats Q3 Earnings Estimate Despite Lower Big-Ticket Spending
Costco beat a Wall Street estimate on earnings in the third quarter, although it came up a bit short on revenues as lower discretionary spending on big-ticket items pressured results. From: HomePage News
May 30 – Kroger, Albertsons Merger Faces Opposition From Parent Group
The most impactful stories in grocery for the week ending May 26. From: Supermarket News
May 30 – Private Brand Growth On Tap at Dollar Tree
The discount retailer sees opportunities to expand its store brand assortment at its Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores. From: StoreBrands Today
May 30 – Northeast Grocery Gets New CIO
Scott Kessler will lead tech initiatives for Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops parent. From: Progressive Grocer
May 30 – Strong Traffic Lifts Ulta Q1 Comp as Earnings, Revenue Beat Wall Street
Dave Kimbell, Ulta CEO observed that category growth in the beauty sector remains healthy but is moderating after two years of unprecedented growth. From: HomePage News
May 26 – The Fresh Market opens 160th Store
The Fresh Market, Inc. believes it has a distinct advantage over the competition by claiming it offers fresh food that is hard to find and ingredients that come from all over, including locally. From: Supermarket News
May 26 – Big Lots Looks to Sharper Values, Promotions After Q1 Stumble
Bruce Thorn, Big Lots president and CEO, said, “Our business has grown significantly over the past two years as we benefitted not only from home-related spending, but (also) from the positive growth fueled by our Operation North Star initiatives. From: HomePage News
May 26 – Aldi Says its Latest Price Cuts Will Save Shoppers More Than $60M
The promotion extends the grocer’s Aldi Price Promise by focusing the discount on seasonal items. From: Grocery Dive
May 25 – Dollar General Promotes Deckard to Lead Growth, Emerging Markets
In his new role, the company announced, Deckard will oversee Mi Súper Dollar General in Mexico, Popshelf and DG Well Being, along with the company’s real estate and decision science and analytics teams. From: HomePage News
May 25 – Dollar Tree Q1 Earnings Hit by Shrink, Sales Mix Shift
Dollar Tree said shrink and purchasing shifts to consumables across its assortment impacted its first-quarter performance as earnings came up short of analyst estimates despite a revenue beat. From: HomePage News
May 25 – Best Buy CEO Barry Expects Tech Sector Rebound After Q1 Comp Slide
Best Buy CEO Corrie Barry said the company expects the innovation cycle to pick up as well with the cloud, augmented reality, generative AI, and expansion of broadband access playing roles. From: HomePage News
May 24 – FTD Creates New Global Floral/gifting Platform with Merger
According to the companies, FTD florists will see increased support, enhanced services and a nearly doubling of the number of orders flowing into the network. From: Chain Store Age
May 24 – Walmart Gears Up New Store-Based Fulfillment System
The Market Fulfillment Center is part of a Walmart strategic initiative focused on expanding the use of its stores as distribution centers to enhance the shopping experience for customers wherever they are, the company noted. From: HomePage News
May 24 – HomeGoods Austin Dinner Promotion Set to Inspire Shoppers Everywhere
Dubbed A Taste of HomeGoods, the physical initiative is taking place in Austin, TX, on Wednesday, May 31. From: HomePage News
May 24 – Kohl’s Q1 Profit Surprises Wall Street as Home, Beauty Emphasis Builds
Kohl’s is working to improve results by rebuilding its core home business as well as by growing underrepresented categories such as gifting, pets and outdoor. From: HomePage News
May 24 – Dick’s Plans 9 House of Sport stores in 2023 as Sales Rise 5.3%
The retailer reported that comps were up 3.4% in the first quarter, while net income increased by 17%. From: Retail Dive
May 24 – Afterpay Offers Credit-Alternative Shopping Connection to Retailers, Brands
Buy now pay later (BNPL) operators are becoming retail fairs where brands have raised their tents alongside the credit providers that enable purchases. From: HomePage News
May 24 – H-E-B Continues to Expand in North Texas
H-E-B is calling the new Plano fulfillment center “futuristic,” according to WFAA. From: Supermarket News
May 23 – Comp Gains Boost BJ’s Q1 Results
BJ’s Wholesale Club posted lower adjusted net income for the first quarter while comparable sales advanced versus the year-past period. From: HomePage News
May 23 – Lowe’s Q1 Beats Wall Street Despite Lower Comps
Tough spring weather and weaker lumber prices contributed to a mixed quarter at Lowe’s Cos., yet one in which the company managed to exceed Wall Street expectations. From: HomePage News
May 23 – Williams-Sonoma Eyes Renewed Growth After Q1 Hit by Soft Furniture Demand
Laura Alber, Williams-Sonoma president and CEO, said in a conference call that despite the tough macroeconomic environment, the company continued with operational, collaborative and brand initiatives. From: HomePage News
May 23 – Survey: More Online Shoppers Say Seeing Is Believing
Among the features that made consumers more likely to purchase were 360-degree images, 3D models and user-generated videos. From: HomePage News
May 22 – Juniper Research: E-Commerce Growth Requires Payment Flexibilit
The report asserted that younger consumers are most enthusiastic about new ways of shopping. From: HomePage News
May 22 – Store Closing Sales Begun at 10 Christmas Tree Shops
Christmas Tree Shops is closing 10 locations in seven states as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy actions. From: HomePage News
May 22 – Numerator: Consumers Turning to DIY Outdoor, Home Projects
When it comes to home improvement projects, in-store shopping continues to reign supreme. Through the 2023 first quarter, in-store shopping penetration was 87% versus 32% online, according to Numerator. From: HomePage News
May 19 – Albertsons Adds New General Counsel as Kroger Merger Proceeds
The Kroger Co., Albertsons Cos. has announced that Tom Moriarty will join the company as executive vice president and general counsel, effective June 5. From: HomePage News
May 19 – Meijer Opens More Supercenters in the Midwest
The new stores feature convenient digital shopping solutions, including Shop & Scan, which allows shoppers to enter barcodes via a mobile app and bag their items as they shop, making checkout convenient, Meijer stated. From: HomePage News
May 19 – Ross Q1 Beats Wall Street Estimates as It Pursues Value
Ross had a solid quarter, with sales and earnings gaining enough to beat Wall Street estimates. From: HomePage News
May 19 – Ace Says Weather Dampened Q1 Sales
Unseasonable weather was a contributing factor to the first sales and profit decline at Ace Hardware Corp. in more than six years, the cooperative asserted. From: HomePage News
May 19 – Target Sponsors Summer Events in HQ Hometown
In addition to its support of summer events and programming, the Target Foundation awards Hometown Foundation Grants that foster entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing and asset building. From: Progressive Grocer
May 18 – L.L. Bean to open new corporate headquarters in June
The Company expects to complete its new 390,000-sq.-ft. corporate headquarters in Freeport, Maine on June 15, 2023, marking the close to an eight-year, $110 million project. From: Chain Store Age
May 18 – Macy’s Adding More In-Store Backstage Operations
As it adds new formats to spur growth, Macy’s continues to expand its off-price operation, adding 10 new Backstage store-within-store locations throughout the United States opening from May through July. From: HomePage News
May 18 – Walmart Q1 Boosted by Values in Everyday Needs
John David Rainey, Walmart executive VP and CFO said in a conference call: “Higher-income shoppers looking for value helped boost Walmart sales in the quarter”. From: HomePage News
May 18 – Container Store Comps Slip in Its Q4 As New Initiatives Launch
The Container Store came up short of a Wall Street earnings estimate as comparable store sales in its fiscal fourth quarter fell. From: HomePage News
May 18 – Spencer’s & Spirit Halloween in big expansion of NJ corporate headquarters
The new office area will provide the company with space to accommodate its growing workforce. From: Chain Store Age
May 17 – Trader Joe’s Stands Firm on Opting Out of E-commerce
Trader Joe’s believes that e-commerce would disrupt the company’s focus on value and that it would have trouble replicating online the “treasure hunt” in-store shopping experience it has cultivated over so many years. From: Grocery Dive
May 17 – Wakefern Expands In-Store Retail Media with Freeosk
Following a successful pilot, Wakefern is placing Freeosk units in 95 ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer stores to transform ordinary in-store spaces into discovery destinations for new products and categories. From: Progressive Grocer
May 17 – TJX Q1 Tops Earnings Expectations as Sales Just Miss Street Estimate
Sales of home merchandise were down as the company continued to cycle a COVID-19 pandemic-related sales surge in the category, John Klinger, executive VP and CFO, said in the conference call. From: HomePage News
May 17 – Target Q1 Beats Street with Value Play to Appease Wary Shoppers
The company is adjusting operations to emphasize its value proposition even as it looks to keep on-trend goods flowing to consumers, yet it also has been forced to make some difficult choices because of organized retail crime. From: HomePage News
May 17 – Meijer Opens 2 Supercenters in Ohio
The new stores feature convenient digital shopping solutions, including Shop & Scan, which allows shoppers to scan barcodes via a mobile app and bag their items as they shop to make checkout convenient. From: Drug Store News
May 17 – Hartville Hardware Leaders Presented with Legacy Award
The award was presented at the Lake Township Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner on February 28. From: Hardware Retailing
May 16 – Fareway Celebrates 85th Anniversary with New Store in Iowa
Fareway is also celebrating 85 years of green initiatives including recycling, reusing and reclaiming. From: Progressive Grocer
May 16 – Kroger Goes Mobile with New USO Food Kitchens
As part of the launch of the Midwest USO Mobile Food Kitchen, more than 100 Kroger associates put together thousands of care packages that the USO will distribute to deployed military service members. From: Progressive Grocer
May 16 – ISM: Services PMI Indicates Ongoing Sector Growth
Economic activity in the services sector expanded in April for the fourth consecutive month as the Institute for Supply Chain Management Services Purchasing Managers Index, based on a poll of purchasing and supply executives in the United States, grew to 51.9%. From: HomePage News
May 16 – Canadian Retail Investor Plans New Home Stores in Former Bed Bath & Beyond Sites
According to a press release, the Rooms + Spaces stores will cater to modern shoppers who want their homes to reflect their unique personalities and styles. From: HomePage News
May 16 – NRF: Retail Sales Make April Comeback
In announcing the sales results, NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said, “Retail sales rebounded in April, reflecting consumer resilience in the face of elevated economic uncertainty. From: Home Page News
May 16 – Home Depot Q1 Earnings Decline but Top Wall Street Expectations
The first quarter brought lower sales and earnings at Home Depot as an increasingly wary consumer and poor weather put a damper on spring business, the company announced. From: HomePage News
May 16 – Ace Hardware Donating 1 Million American Flags
In a collaboration with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Ace Hardware is honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country by giving away 1 million American flags nationwide during Memorial Day weekend. From: Hardware Retailing
May 15 –Trader Joe’s Names New CEO
Bryan Palbaum to take the helm as Dan Bane readies to retire at end of grocer’s fiscal year. From: Progressive Grocer
May 15 – Smith Named Nordstrom CFO, Maher Departs
The company also announced today that Michael Maher, interim CFO, has informed the company that he will be leaving Nordstrom to pursue other opportunities. From: HomePage News
May 15 – At Home Reworks Finances to Capitalize on ‘Competitive Exits’
With Bed Bath & Beyond and Tuesday Morning liquidating, At Home Group is reconfiguring finances to chase their former customers. From: HomePage News
May 15 – Williams-Sonoma Highlights Sustainability with GreenRow Brand
GreenRow’s debut assortment features products ranging from dinnerware, table linens and home decor to living, bedroom and dining furniture, rugs, bedding, bath, baby, lighting, pillows, throws and curtains. From: HomePage News
May 15 – Costco, Walmart Join Biden Administration’s Supply Chain Data Exchange
Fifty-three companies representing the end-to-end supply chain are now part of the Department of Transportation’s Freight Logistics Optimization Works. From: Retail Dive
May 12 – Numerator: Mother’s Day More Celebrated but Father’s Day Gets More Gifting
More consumers plan to celebrate Mother’s Day than Father’s Day, with 88% of survey participants saying they will celebrate with Mom, compared to 79% with Dad. From: HomePage News
May 12 – Best Buy Restructures Membership Programs
My Best Buy Memberships, as the package is entitled, includes a new program tier at a more affordable price that offers exclusive prices and access to highly anticipated product releases. From: HomePage News
May 12 – Marshalls Launches ‘The Edit’ Report of Buyer Trend Insights
The TJX Corp. banner is introducing The Edit by Marshalls alongside an all-new community of 22 creators dubbed Mbassadors who will share trends and merchandise from the report. From: HomePage News
May 12 – As Shoppers Look for Savings, Nordstrom Hopes Rack Stores Can Fuel its Revival
Nordstrom Rack has formed a dedicated leadership team, which includes some off-price veterans. It sharpened its focus on the well-liked brands that sell well. From: CNBC
May 11 – NRF: Fed’s Inflation Battle Continues, Outlook Uncertain
Consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of GDP, grew 6.5%, up from 0.1% in the previous quarter, as disposable personal income gained 8.4%. From: HomePage News
May 11 – Chedraui USA Poised for Growth Out West
Chedraui USA, parent company of the El Super, Smart & Final and Fiesta Mart banners, and the fourth largest grocery retailer in California, is setting itself up for major growth and a new logistics integration effort. From: Progressive Grocer
May 11 – Sur La Table Taking Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons to Attract Shoppers
Consumers can use their blue valid coupon to enjoy 20% off a single item across a range of cookware, bakeware, kitchen electrics, tools and gadgets, cutlery, tabletop items and other household goods, Sur La Table announced. From: HomePage News
May 11 – Dillard’s Q1 Sales, Earnings Slip but Beat Wall Street Estimates
Comparable store sales and earnings slipped in Dillard’s first quarter as sales trends softened through the period, but the retailer still managed to beat Wall Street estimates. From: HomePage News
May 11 – Former Target CFO heads to Nordstrom
Cathy Smith, who was previously chief financial officer at Target, will be Nordstrom’s CFO as of May 29, From: Retail Dive
May 11 – Grocery Outlet Revises Full-year Outlook After Robust Q1
Grocery Outlet’s President and CEO R.J. Sheedy credits strong same-store sales results, gross margin expansion and bottom-line leverage to the company’s Q1 results. From: Grocery Dive
May10 – iRobot Q1 Sales, Earnings Slide
Given its pending acquisition by Amazon, announced in August 2022, iRobot’s practice of providing full-year financial guidance remains suspended, the company noted. From: HomePage News
May10 – Office Depot Comps Slip but Parent ODP Posted Q1 Gains
Office Depot closed 21 stores in the quarter to end the period with 959 retail locations. Comparable sales dipped 3%. From: HomePage News
May10 – Christmas Tree Shops Files Chapter 11, Plans Some Store Closings
Christmas Tree Shops hopes to complete its financial restructuring and emerge from Chapter 11 before the end of August From: HomePage News
May10 – Joann CEO Exits the Company after ‘Challenging’ Year
Chief Customer Officer Chris DiTullio and Chief Financial Officer Scott Sekella will lead the interim Office of the Chief Executive Officer. From: Retail Dive
May 9 – Southeastern Grocers Partners with Animal Welfare Orgs for National Pet Month
EG’s Community Bag with a Giving Tag program has supported more than 8,000 nonprofit organizations and prevented using more than 13.5 million single-use plastic bags1 since 2019. From: Drug Store News
May 9 – Fight Against Organized Retail Crime Continues Amid Legislation, Increased Advocacy
The Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act, or INFORM Act, has been signed into law and will take effect in June. From: HomePage News
May 9 – NRF: Import Volume Remains Low as Import Demand Stays Soft
“Consumers are still spending, and retail sales are expected to increase this year, but we’re not seeing the explosive demand we saw the past two years,” said NRF VP for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold. From: HomePage News
May 9 – Food Lion Remodels 29 North Carolina Stores
All of the remodeled stores will offer pickup service, delivery or both, reflecting a broader effort by Food Lion to expand omnichannel capabilities across its 10-state market. From: Grocery Dive
May 8 – Walmart Taps Company Veteran as Chief Merchant
Latriece Watkins will be the first woman and person of color to take the job, according to Bloomberg. From: Retail Dive
May 5 – Molly Baz Brings the Fun to Crate & Barrel Collection
According to Crate & Barrel, the collection features modern, multi-functional pieces for hosting a large crowd or brightening an everyday dinner for one. From: HomePage News
May 5 – Williams-Sonoma Banners Launching Multiple New Collaborations
Pottery Barn has unveiled the new collaboration with Sweet July, a lifestyle brand founded by restaurateur, chef, author and entrepreneur Ayesha Curry. From: HomePage News
May 5 – Qurate Points to Turnaround as Q1 Earnings Beat Analyst Expectations
Qurate Retail reported the company turnaround plan is taking hold as its first-quarter loss was less than Wall Street expected, and sales were more. From: HomePage News
May 5 – CVS Beats Wall Street As It Revamps Corporate Structure
Amid reorganizing the company, CVS Health posted lower net income that was still good enough to beat a Wall Street estimate, and it recorded a front-end comp gain. From: HomePage News
May 5 – BJ’s Names Bob Eddy as Chairman
Eddy will take over the chairman’s role from Chris Baldwin, a former BJ’s executive who has served in the position since June 2022 From: Grocery Dive
May 4 – Ingles Reports Increased Sales for Q2, First Half of FY23
The regional grocer upped capital expenditures for the time periods. From: Progressive Grocer
May 4 – Hamilton Beach Q1 Pressured by Frugal Consumers, Rebalancing Retailers
The company anticipates continued progress with its strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth, expand operating margin and generate strong cash flow over time From: HomePage News
May 4 – Wayfair Seeks Return to Profitability After Q1 Wall Street Beat
The previously announced return-to-profits initiative by Wayfair took a step forward as the company reduced adjusted losses and bested Wall Street expectations for the first quarter. From: HomePage News
May 4 – Nordstrom to Shutter its Downtown San Francisco Stores
The stores are in the city’s downtown shopping district, which has been hit by dramatic shifts in work habits and a decline in tourism. From: Retail Dive
May 3 – Kroger Elevates E-Commerce Pro
The grocer reported the promotion of Jordan Poff to VP of retail and e-commerce operations. From: Progressive Grocer
May 3 – J.C. Penney Profits Tumbled Last Year, as Sales Edged Down
The department store’s investments are hitting its bottom line, but could fuel its comeback, according to owner Simon Property Group’s CEO. From: Retail Dive
May 3 – Dollar Stores Emerging into Shopping Mainstream
National brands are becoming more important to dollar store retailers as they become mainstream shopping destinations for a wider range of consumers, From: HomePage News
May 3 – Crate & Barrel Makes Play for Bed Bath & Beyond Registries
Crate & Barrel is looking to win over Bed Bath & Beyond registry customers who could run into problems with the company liquidating. From: HomePage News
May 3 – Workshop at Macy’s Aids Diverse Entrepreneurs
The Workshop at Macy’s provides an opportunity for diverse and women-owned retail businesses, the company noted From: HomePage News
May 3 – Publix Q1 Sales Grow but Earnings Stall
Net and comp sales at Publix gained in the first quarter but earnings came in essentially flat. From: HomePage News
May 3 – Kroger, Albertsons Merger Could Cost Workers $300 Million Annually
Economic Policy Institute report casts negative net over $24.6 billion deal. From: Supermarket News
May 2 – Dollar Tree Hires Former Dollar General Exec to Improve Supply Chain Performance
Dollar Tree Inc. has been added to its executive leadership team with the hire of Mike Kindy as chief supply chain officer. From: Progressive Grocer
May 2 – Wayfair Digital Design Studio Gives Customers New View of Potential Purchases
The Digital Design Studio is a kiosk that allows customers to create and interact with a variety of design layouts and view products in a digital 3D room at photorealistic quality From: HomePage News
May 2 – eBay Beats Q1 Earnings Estimate, Adds Global Emerging Markets Manager
Among highlights of the quarter, eBay pointed out that it had launched a social page in the Seller Hub enabling store sellers to publish and promote their listings to multiple linked social accounts using a single tool. From: HomePage News
May 2 – 7– Eleven Parent Company Makes Case for Food-Focused Strategy
Seven & i Holdings cites its food expertise and fresh food offerings as drivers for global growth. From: Convenience Store News
May 2 – Miniso Opening Times Square Flagship Store
In announcing the store opening, Jack Ye, Miniso founder and CEO, said, “The opening of the Times Square store is a crucial step towards our transformation and upgrade. From: HomePage News
May 2 – Kohl’s Faces Timely Housewares Upside in Resetting as a Gift Destination
CEO Tom Kingsbury identified a need to broaden Kohl’s approach to the consumer, and the retailer already has moved certain home and gift merchandise up front on the sales floor From: HomePage News
May 1 – Anthropologie Group Shuffles Leadership Team as it Preps for Growth
In a statement, the company said it made these appointments to position itself for future growth. From: Retail Dive
May 1 – Do it Best Names New Director of Communications
Do it Best has named Allison Meyer as its newest director of communications, effective immediately. From: Hardware Retailing
May 1 – Aldi Plans to Open 120 Stores in 2023
Aldi’s latest announcement reflects a multiyear effort by the grocer to deepen its presence in the United States From: Grocery Dive
May 1 – At Home Kicks Off College Promotion in Time for Decision Day
To help engage students and their parents, At Home is running a sweepstakes where 20 lucky participants will win $500 gift cards to shop At Home. From: HomePage News
May 1 – QVC Seasons Recipe for Celebrity Chef Success with Authentic Stories
QVC’s most recent collaboration involves chef Carla Hall. From: HomePage News
May 1 – The Container Store Launches Clothing Resale, Sustainability Programs
The Container Store also is launching a Sustainable Living event, which highlights the company’s eco-friendly products, the company noted. From: HomePage News
May 1 – Rite Aid Opens 4th Small-Format Store in Rural Virginia
The smaller format stores feature a full-service pharmacy and a retail assortment of health and wellness products. From: Progressive Grocer
May 1 – Ahold Delhaize Names New CFO
Ahold Delhaize described Poots-Bijl as an executive with a “long-standing finance career” who would help the execute its growth strategy, called Leading Together, which the company announced in 2018 and then expanded in 2021. From: Grocery Dive
