August 31 – Crate & Barrel Investing To Enhance Omnichannel Operations
To advance its omnichannel capabilities, Crate & Barrel Holdings has launched “Bring it Home,” a multi-year investment plan centered on the customer experience and designed to pave the way for continued growth across the organization. From: HomePage News
August 31 – J.C. Penney Announces $1B Turnaround Plan
The struggling department store will upgrade its tech, stores and customer experience, but is unlikely to follow rival Macy’s in leaving the mall. From: Retail Dive
August 30 – Walmart’s e-Grocery Sales Share Hits Record High
The retailer accounted for nearly 36% of all U.S. online grocery sales in Q2, up 5 percentage points from the same period in 2022, per Brick Meets Click and Mercatus. From: Grocery Dive
August 30 – Maverik Completes Acquisition of Kum & Go
The deal grows the chain’s footprint to more than 800 c-stores across 20 states. From: Convenience Store News
August 29 – Why Both ALDI and Lidl Pose a Threat to Grocers Across the U.S.
Report from dunnhumby details retailers’ trajectories in the American market. From: Progressive Grocer
August 29 – Big Lots CEO Says Trends Will Reverse After Q2 Comps, Earnings Slide
Big Lots did better than analysts anticipated in the second quarter although sales and comparable sales declines were significant. From: HomePage News
August 29 – Best Buy Q2 Sales, Profits Decline as Consumers Avoid Buying Electronics
But the company noted some momentum in the quarter and predicts the category is set to rebound. From: Retail Dive
August 29 – Giant Eagle Appoints New CEO
Bill Artman elevated from interim position, along with several other C-suite changes. From: Progressive Grocer
August 28 – Nordstrom Q2 Earnings Surprise Analysts
As it winds down its Canadian operations, Nordstrom managed a big earnings beat and a smaller one on revenues. From: HomePage News
August 28 – Sheetz Plans Findlay, Ohio Food Prep, Dist. Center
The planned facility will provide support for growth in two large Midwest states. From: StoreBrands Today
August 28 – Rite Aid Reportedly Preparing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing
A filing could help the retailer restructure $3.3 billion in debt and address a slew of lawsuits alleging it unlawfully filled opioid prescriptions. From: Retail Dive
August 28 – Sprouts Farmers Market to Add 10 Stores in Next 3 Months
The Phoenix-based organic grocery chain will open stores in California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Maryland, Nevada and North Carolina. From: StoreBrands Today
August 25 – Nordstrom Pushes Ahead with Rack Expansion Despite Declines
The company has opened eight new Rack stores so far this year and plans 11 more by the end of the year. From: Retail Dive
August 25 – Dollar Tree Q2 Comps Gain, Earnings Slip as Store Makeovers Progress
Year over year, company comparable sales advanced 6.9% while those for Dollar Tree stores increased 7.8% and those for Family Dollar gained 5.8%. From: HomePage News
August 25 – Big Y Expands Its C-store Format
Two new sites bring the retailer’s total convenience store count to 16. From: Convenience Store News
August 25 – Private Brands, Consumables Grow At Dollar Tree
The retailer reported continued growth in both segments as consumers across multiple income levels seek out products offering added value. From: StoreBrands Today
August 25 – Ulta Beauty Posts Q2 Gains with Lift from New Beauty Appliances
In discussing product category developments in a conference call, Dave Kimbell, Ulta CEO, said the hair tools segment, although challenged in lapping several years of strong growth, enjoyed improved sales trends versus the first quarter. From: HomePage News
August 25 – Zulily, Chef Stone Partner to Help Parents Feed Back-to-School Kids
Zulily has partnered with chef Curtis Stone to create easy, affordable and nutritious recipes for kids of all ages designed to help families reduce back-to-school pressure and to-do lists. From: HomePage News
August 24 – Why Save A Lot’s CEO is Bullish on Independent Grocery Retailers
At a time when other grocery chains are angling to acquire as many stores as they can, Save A Lot has been moving squarely in the other direction. From: Grocery Dive
August 24 – No Standing Still for Walmart, Sam’s Club Operations
In Walmart’s second-quarter conference call, Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon reiterated a theme that value and convenience are key advantages that draw a warm response from Walmart customers in the United States and beyond. From: HomePage News
August 24 – Home Depot Hub Helps Young Homeowners Become Better
The virtual workshops provide expert, step-by-step guidance on projects such as how to paint a room, replace light fixtures or install a faucet. From: HomePage News
August 24 – Burlington Set to Convert Former Bed Bath & Beyond Stores After Strong Q2
Burlington Stores didn’t disappoint in the second quarter, beating a Wall Street earnings expectation and equaling a revenue prediction as it prepared to add new stores and to relocate stores into former Bed Bath & Beyond locations it secured in a bankruptcy auction. From: HomePage News
August 23 – Williams-Sonoma Q2 Earnings Beats Wall Street as Sales Shift
The top line of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. suffered in the second quarter when it came to comps, but earnings beat expectations as sales shifted across home categories. From: HomePage News
August 23 – Ace Emphasizes Growth in Preparing Its Annual Convention
“With over 100 new stores already opened for the year, we remain enthusiastically bullish about the continued prospect for new store growth,” stated. Ace Hardware President and CEO, John Venhuizen. From: HomePage News
August 22 – Giant Food Closing 3 Fulfillment Centers
Shutdowns include Virginia facility that just opened in May. From: Progressive Grocer
August 22 – BJ’s Q2 Revenues Lag Despite Membership, Traffic Gains
BJ’s Wholesale Club earnings topped Wall Street estimates in the second quarter, but revenues fell short despite ongoing growth in memberships. From: HomePage News
August 22 – Macy’s Surpassed Expectations in Q2 Despite Declines in Key Metrics
Macy’s has defined its five growth vectors as private brand reimagination, digital marketplace, luxury, personalized offers and presentation, and small-format off-mall locations. From: HomePage News
August 22 – Caputo’s Opens 10th Store in Chicago Area
This is the 10th Chicagoland site for the independent chain, known locally as Caputo’s. From: Progressive Grocer
August 21 – Coborn’s President and COO to Retire; Successor Named
David Best to take on role when Dave Meyer departs. From: Progressive Grocer
August 21 – Tractor Supply Seeking New Vendors Via ‘Growing Life Out Here’ Event
Participants will have the chance to present products to leaders and experts on the Tractor Supply merchandising team, the company stated From: HomePage News
August 21 – Bhargava Appointed Pottery Barn President
In her 23 years at the company, Monica Bhargava has taken on a broader scope of leadership culminating in her recent position as Williams-Sonoma chief design officer. From: HomePage News
August 21 – Dollar General Opens Dual Distribution Center in Nebraska
As the company continues its growth path, Dollar General celebrated the August 19 grand opening of its Blair, NE distribution center, the first dual facility combining the efficiencies of traditional and DG Fresh supply chain functionalities. From: HomePage News
August 21 – Independents Withstand Inflation, Competition, Supply Chain Issues: Study
NGA/FMS research shows operators focusing on margin and expense management, investing in stores, associates and communities. From: Progressive Grocer
August 18 – LTK: Holiday Shoppers Starting Earlier, Tapping Creators for Inspiration
The study indicated creators are now the most trusted source of holiday shopping inspiration for Gen Z and Millennials, surpassing social media ads and celebrities. From: HomePage News
August 18 – Paint Producers Promote Contrasting Color-of-the-Year Tones
Contrasts exist in recent 2024 color-of-the-year selections from major paint and finish companies, now including Behr and Valspar, giving consumers more choice among recommended color trends From: HomePage News
August 18 – Home Helps Ross Stores Q2 Exceed Expectations
In a conference call, Barbara Rentler, Ross CEO, said home merchandise had performed above the chain average in the second quarter and that the company feels that it has significant growth potential in the category. From: HomePage News
August 17 – Ace Posts Q2 Comp Sales, Earnings Advances
Ace said it saw revenue gains across a majority of departments with lawn and garden, paint and grilling showing the largest increases. Digital operations made a positive contribution to revenues, too. From: HomePage News
August 17 – Magni Named Macy’s Chief Customer & Digital Officer
Macy’s has appointed Massimo Magni chief customer and digital officer to guide the company’s web-based strategy. From: HomePage News
August 17 – Walmart Beats Q2 Expectations, Promotes McLay to International CEO
As it introduced its second-quarter financial results, Walmart revealed that Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, is retiring. Kath McLay, Sam’s Club president and CEO, will take her spot at Walmart International. From: HomePage News
August 17 – Meijer Seeks Eco-Friendly Suppliers for Upcoming Summit
Scheduled for Oct. 11-13, the virtual event will feature suppliers offering sustainable products in the food, health and beauty, everyday essentials, pets, apparel and general merchandise categories. From: Progressive Grocer
August 16 – Aldi Acquiring Winn Dixie, Harveys Supermarket to Boost U.S. Presence
The stores are located across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. From: HomePage News
August 16 – Home Helps TJX Post Stronger-than-Anticipated Second Quarter
The TJX Cos. posted better-than-expected financial results in the second quarter as its home product business rebounded. From: HomePage News
August 16 – Target’s Q2 Profits Beat Expectations Despite Soft Sales
Target’s sales softness is due to softer macro trends and the residual fallout from the Pride merchandise controversy, analysts with Telsey Advisory Group, led by Joe Feldman, said in a Wednesday note. From: Grocery Dive
August 15 – Home Depot Beats Street in Q2, but Comps, Earnings Slip on Spending Shift
In a conference call, Billy Bastek, executive vice president, merchandising, stated six of Home Depot’s 14 merchandising departments posted positive comps, including building materials, outdoor garden, hardware, plumbing, tools and millwork. From: HomePage News
August 15 – NRF: Retail Sales Picked Up Momentum in July
The United States Census Bureau has released figures demonstrating that overall retail sales in July were up 0.7% from June and 3.2% year over year. From: HomePage News
August 15 – Early Holiday Shoppers Mulling Ways to Combat Inflation
81% of consumers responding to a Shopkick survey say they’ll use shopping rewards apps and/or coupons as part of their holiday purchasing strategy to combat inflation. From: HomePage News
August 15 – Trader Joe’s Confirms its Stores will Never Include Self-Checkout
In a company podcast, the grocer’s new CEO and president slammed the popular checkout method as being bad for employees and too much work for shoppers. From: Grocery Dive
August 15 – Retail Sales Increased 0.7% in July, better than Expected as Consumer Spending is Holding Up
Consumer spending held up well in July as inflation slowed, with retail sales turning in a stronger-than-expected showing for the month, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. From: CNBC
August 14 – ISM: Services Purchasing Managers Index Down from June but Sector Still Growing
According to the latest Institute for Supply Management Report on Business, economic activity in the services sector, including retail, expanded in July for the sixth consecutive month as the sector’s Purchasing Managers Index registered 52.7% down from 53.9% in June. From: HomePage News
August 14 – Michaels Refreshes Brand Identity
Michaels said the brand revamp will encompass every customer touchpoint — video, digital marketing, store signage and the online experience. From: Retail Dive
August 14 – Persimmon Debuts at Lowe’s as HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year
Available at Lowe’s stores across the United States and on Lowes.com, the designer-inspired Color Collection of the Year includes 10 paint shades, and the retailer offers showcases of the looks in room settings with home furnishings and housewares to demonstrate how they fit together. From: HomePage News
August 14 – Neiman Marcus Cuts Corporate Staff to Boost Cross-functional Collaboration
The layoffs are part of a strategic realignment announced in February, the company also said. From: Retail Dive
August 14 – Ollie’s, Burlington Celebrate National Bargain Hunting Week
This week is National Bargain Hunting Week with Burlington Stores and Ollie’s announcing their own celebrations of the event. From: HomePage News
August 11 – Newegg Expands AI-Based Shopping Initiatives with Review Summaries
Using ChatGPT, Newegg is offering shoppers the option of referencing concise AI customer review summaries on product pages as a way of helping them make more informed decisions quickly and easily. From: HomePage News
August 11 – NRF: Consumer Spending Slows as Fed Fights Inflation
Consumer spending growth is slowing as the economy settles down amid higher interest rates intended to reduce inflation, NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz noted in the August NRF Monthly Economic Review. From: HomePage News
August 11 – Hy-Vee, Uber Kick Off Partnership with Exclusive NFL Sweepstakes
Shoppers across grocer’s Midwestern footprint can now access same-day grocery delivery. From: Progressive Grocer
August 10 – Container Store Launches College Pop-Up Shops
Through the fall back-to-school season, hundreds of thousands of collegians will have convenient access to Container Store products that can support student lifestyles through their academic journey, the partners noted. From: HomePage News
August 10 – Dillard’s Q2 Comes Up Short, Still Tops Wall Street Expectations
In announcing the financial results, company CEO William Dillard, said, “The cautious consumer we noted in the first quarter continued in the first few weeks of the second, leading to a sales decline of 3%. From: HomePage News
August 10 – Target Preparing New Fall Designer Collection
The collection will include more than 100 colorful pieces across the home, adult and kids’ apparel, accessories, outdoor play and pet product segments, the company noted. From: HomePage News
August 9 – Big Y Reveals Sales and Marketing Leadership Team Changes
In a joint announcement, Lowe’s, Sherwin-Williams and HGTV described the collection as gentle, bright shades that take a new twist on traditional color combinations. From: Progressive Grocer
August 9 – Office Depot Parent Beats Street Earnings Estimate Despite Softer Consumer Sales
The ODP Corp., parent of Office Depot, beat a Wall Street earnings estimate, although second-quarter revenue didn’t meet expectations. From: HomePage News
August 9 – iRobot Tops Wall Street Q2 Estimate Despite Deeper Loss
Although iRobot Corp.’s second-quarter earnings slipped, the company managed to beat a Wall Street estimate as it continues to await the conclusion of its merger with Amazon. From: HomePage News
August 9 – Grocery Outlet’s net sales eclipse $1B for the first time
Comparable store sales increased 9.2%, driven by a 9.1% increase in transactions as the chain continued to welcome new shoppers. From: Grocery Dive
August 8 – Sur La Table Has Parents in Mind with Back-to-School Selection
In the initiative, the focus, Sur La Table maintained, is on kitchen essentials that can help with quick school lunches, fast-tracked weeknight dinners and other fast meals prompted by busy academic and activity schedules. From: HomePage News
August 8 – Amazon Sets a Second Prime Sale for October, Again
Amazon will hold a second sale event in October, open to Prime members in 19 countries, Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, said in a LinkedIn post Tuesday. From: Retail Dive
August 8 – Pottery Barn Rolls Out More from Julia Berolzheimer Brand
The assortment includes tabletop, textiles, accessories, décor and baby gifts in pale pastels featuring delicate floral patterns and scalloped edges. From: HomePage News
August 8 – Macy’s Positions as Bigger Back-To-School Resource
In the back-to-school/college season, Macy’s noted that consumers can take advantage of various promotions including Buy More, Save More events, Start Money Bonus Days, and the company’s One Dale Sale. From: HomePage News
August 8 – Nordstrom Rack Adds Another Store to its 2024 Lineup — Here’s the List
April, Nordstrom Rack unveiled a new logo, inspired by the Rack logo used in the 1970s and 1980s, but modernized for today. From: Chain Store Age
August 8 – Sales Up, Income Down for Weis Markets During Q2
The Independent Grocer is investing in store improvements and focusing on value. From: Progressive Grocer
August 7 – TJX Opening Its 50th HomeSense Store with Florida Location
HomeSense is more furniture oriented than its sibling TJX banner HomeGoods, although their assortments overlap somewhat. From: HomePage News
August 7 – Home Depot Slashes Carbon Emissions, Eyes Electric Power tools
The Home Depot is updating its carbon reduction goals and phasing gas-powered outdoor equipment out of its inventory. From: Chain Store Age
August 7 – Rite Aid Appoints Jeanniey Walden Chief Marketing Officer
Rite Aid has named Jeanniey Walden its SVP and chief marketing officer, making permanent the interim role that the veteran marketing executive has held since March 2023. From: Progressive Grocer
August 7 – Kroger, Albertsons CEOs Discuss Benefits of Proposed Merger
The deal between the two companies could close as soon as January 2024, though the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is still reviewing the potential merger. From: Progressive Grocer
August 7 – NRF: Cargo Volume Picking Up at U.S. Ports Ahead of Holidays
Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett said double-digit year-over-year decreases in cargo volume this year occurred despite increased consumer spending and U.S. employment. From: HomePage News
August 7 – Space, Dinosaur Themes Enliven West Elm Kids National Geographic Collection
The company stated that with every item in the new collection, the Williams-Sonoma banner wants to encourage exploration of thought and scientific wonder while deepening respect for the planet among its youngest customers From: HomePage News
August 7 – Whole Foods Outlines Progress on Food Waste, Packaging and Green Energy
Moving forward, Whole Foods intends to make 100% of its own packaging, including private label and in-store food service packaging, reusable, recyclable or compostable. From: HomePage News
August 7 – Overstock Attracts New Suppliers with Bed Bath & Beyond Rebrand
The onboarding of new suppliers has picked up with the IP acquisition, which Overstock has used to brand itself under the Bed Bath & Beyond name. From: Retail Dive
August 4 – The Container Store Expanding its Small-Format Concept
The home storage and organization products retailer plans to open six new small format stores in fiscal 2023, with an additional three planned for the first quarter of 2024. From: Chain Store Age
August 4 – CB2 Launches Fall Home Furnishings, Housewares
CB2 is focusing on sustainability this fall and weaving in earth-friendly materials such as Forest Stewardship Council-certified woods. From: HomePage News
August 4 – C&S Wholesale Grocers Announces CEO Transition
C&S Wholesale Grocers announced Thursday that CEO Bob Palmer will retire on Oct. 2 and that longtime company leader Eric Winn will take over the top role. From: Grocery Dive
August 4 – Qurate Retail Q2 Falls Short of Wall Street Expectations
As the company pursues its turnaround strategy, Qurate Retail missed analyst estimates for second-quarter sales and earnings, with adjusted profits falling into loss territory. From: HomePage News
August 4 – Amazon Q2 Features Big Earnings Turnaround
In pointing out highlights since the quarter ended on June 30, Amazon stated that its Prime Day event, held July 11-12, was its biggest ever. From: HomePage News
August 4 – L.L. Bean Expanding on Several Fronts
The expansion follows L.L. Bean’s second-strongest revenue performance in the company’s history, with annual net revenue totaling $1.8 billion for 2022. From: Chain Store Age
August 3 – Costco Posts Solid July Comps
In a conference call, Costco noted that store traffic increased 6.4% in the U.S. versus July a year past. From: HomePage News
August 3 – Hamilton Beach Touts 2023 Back Half Strength as Q2 Earnings, Revenue Slip
Although sales and profits fell in the second quarter, Hamilton Beach still sees revenues for the year coming in flat and operating income gaining against 2022 due to a stronger expected performance in the back half of 2023. From: HomePage News
August 3 – Wayfair Earnings Produce Big Q2
Niraj Shah, Wayfair CEO, noted that Wayfair is encouraged by recent customer data including sequential growth in active customer count and resulting order activity. From: HomePage News
August 3 – Macy’s Chief Supply Chain Officer Exits
Under Mullahy’s leadership, Macy’s has worked to build out its supply chain network to support its omnichannel operations. From: HomePage News
August 3 – SPECIAL REPORT: HomePage News Ranks Top 50 Housewares Retailers of 2022
The HomePage News Top 50 Housewares Retailers ranking underscores the strength of the top 10 operators in the United States but does indicate that, although the biggest dominate, opportunity exists elsewhere as well. From: HomePage News
August 3 – Dollar General Makes Major Donation to Dolly Parton’s Reading Initiative
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a $1 million donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. From: HomePage News
August 2 – Kuhn Rikon to Open First U.S. Outlet Store
The 1,938-square-foot Nashville location will showcase the Kuhn Rikon branded line of pressure cookers, cookware, “at the table” items (including traditional Swiss-made fondue pots and raclettes) and the entire line of cutlery and kitchen tools. From: HomePage News
August 2 – Publix Sales, Earnings Grow in Q2
“As we enter the last half of the year, our associates remain focused on operational excellence and providing premier customer service,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones, in announcing the financial results. From: HomePage News
August 2 – CVS Q2 Beats Wall Street Expectations
In the second quarter, CVS Health topped analyst estimates although front end comparable sales slipped slightly after a 10% gain in the 2022 period. From: HomePage News
August 2 – The Container Store Turns to Loss in Q1
In the first quarter, The Container Store went from profits to a loss year over year under pressure from macroeconomic conditions that reduced sales and prompted the company to launch promotional initiatives. From: HomePage News
August 2 – Sprouts Farmers Market’s CFO to Retire
Healthy grocer Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. has revealed that CFO Lawrence (“Chip”) P. Molloy will retire at the end of 2023. From: Progressive Grocer
August 1 – 3 Resources to Counter Organized Retail Crime
In the NRF study, 80% of retailers reported an increase in violence and aggression associated with ORC. From: Hardware Retailing
August 1 – Overstock Relaunches Bed Bath & Beyond Online
The online-only Bed Bath & Beyond will place more emphasis not only on furniture but also area rugs, lighting, décor and home improvement. From: HomePage News
August 1 – Tractor Supply Posts Q2 Gains, Growth Plans but Results Fall Short
According to Tractor Supply, the advance in net sales was driven by contributions emerging from the acquisition of Orscheln Farm and Home, new store openings and comp growth. From: HomePage News
August 1 – Numerator: Prime Day Gained in Households but Lagged in Order Size, Spend
According to Numerator, top Prime Day categories consumers purchased included Health & Beauty, at 37%, Home & Garden, at 34%, Electronics, at 26%, Apparel, at 19%, and Grocery, at 14%. From: HomePage News
August 1 – Walmart Ups Refurbished Products Game with Restored Premium
In a blog post, Michael Mosser, Walmart U.S. vp and category lead, marketplace, explained that the premium program builds on the existing Walmart Restored initiative to provide more high-quality refurbished items at everyday low prices. From: HomePage News
