October 30 – Tractor Supply Q3 Earnings Beat Street As Sales Lag
Despite lower revenue than expected, Tractor Supply beat a Wall Street earnings estimate in the third quarter. From: HomePage News
October 30 – Kroger-Albertsons Proposed Mega-Merger Is a Threat to Workers and Shoppers Alike
Union rep weighs in on implications of pending high-profile deal. From: Progressive Grocer
October 30 – Primerica: Middle-Class Spending Power Improves
The Primerica Household Budget Index reading for September 2023 indicated that the average purchasing power for middle-income households was 99.3%, up from 97.4% in August. From: HomePage News
October 27 – QVC, HSN Ready Streaming Shows with Chef Curtis Stone, Lifestyle Experts
In another initiative, the Holiday Magic Curated Collections launches November 1 on QVC+ and HSN+, featuring holiday-themed views on meals, seasonal indoor and outdoor decorations, festive fashion and gifts. From: HomePage News
October 27 – Amazon Touts AI Advances in Exceeding Q3 Expectations
The third quarter saw Amazon blow by financial expectations and finish with almost $10 billion in profits. From: HomePage News
October 27 – Lowe’s Rolls Out Gift Center, Holiday Discounts for Pros
Alongside other retailers creating holiday gift shops, Lowe’s debuted its Gift Zone, where shoppers can choose from a range of categories like tools, apparel, smart home products and stocking stuffers. From: Retail Dive
October 27 – Newell Brands Q3 Sales Slip but Earnings Still Beat Street
In a conference call, CEO Jonathan Johnson said the Overstock name isn’t going away forever and will be revived as part of a portfolio of brands the company envisions as it advances its home-centric Bed Bath & Beyond operation. From: HomePage News
October 26 – Claire’s launches in-store partnership with Kohl’s
The fashion accessories brand has partnered with Kohl’s to roll out an assortment of on-trend jewelry, accessories and cosmetics, along with seasonal items, to more than 700 Kohl’s locations across the country. From: Chain Store Age
October 26 – CEO Johnson: Overstock.com Revival Planned as Bed Bath & Beyond Relaunch Progresses
Johnson pointed out Overstock is reviewing opportunities to acquire new operations that can fit into its envisioned brand portfolio. From: HomePage News
October 26 – HomeGoods Halts E-Commerce Operation
The TJX Cos. has shut down the e-commerce component of the HomeGoods website. From: HomePage News
October 26 – Neiman Marcus Preps for the Holidays with Christmas Book, Fantasy Gifts
This year’s Christmas Book, Fantasy Gifts and other perks are all part of Neiman Marcus’ history of offering high-end gifts and experiences to luxury shoppers. From: Retail Dive
October 25 – Rebirth of buybuy Baby Physical Stores Due in November
Dream On Me will open four brick-and-mortar buybuy Baby stores in New Jersey after acquiring the leases on 11 locations as part of the Bed Bath & Beyond bankruptcy, according to published reports. From: HomePage News
October 25 – Yeti Drinkware, Coolers Launching at Tractor Supply
Tractor Supply Co. will roll out an assortment of Yeti products beginning October 30 at select stores with a broader range online at tractorsupply.com. From: HomePage News
October 25 – JCPenney Spotlighting Holiday Entertaining & Gifting Value
JCPenney reported it has been doing research ahead of the holidays and plans to provide an abundance of products with a focus on value in gift-giving and hosting. From: HomePage News
October 25 – H-E-B is Leaning into a Diverse Array of Store Formats and Facilities
The retailer is expanding its supermarket footprint while also digging deeper into convenience stores, discount shops and its e-commerce fulfillment centers. From: Grocery Dive
October 24 – West Elm Updates Kids Registries
In addition, the new West Elm Baby and Kids registry allows customers to add items from all Williams-Sonoma brands, including Pottery Barn Kids, to their registry. From: HomePage News
October 24 – BJ’s Early Black Friday Sale Spotlights Housewares
BJ’s Early Black Friday event, which BJ’s dubbed “Friyay,” gives the wholesale club’s members early holiday shopping access to bargains on home goods, toys, technology, televisions and other gifts. From: HomePage News
October 24 – Overstock Changing Corporate Name to Beyond as CMO Departs
“Changing our corporate name to Beyond, Inc. sets us up well for a brighter future,” said Jonathan Johnson, the company’s CEO. From: HomePage News
October 24 – Numerator: Consumer Halloween Priorities Include Home Decor, Value
Overall, Numerator anticipates Halloween spending to be on par with last year. From: HomePage News
October 23 – Belk Launches Latest Charity Sale November 3
Since it began in 2006, Belk charity sales have raised over $105 million and helped more than 6,000 nonprofit organizations over the years, the company noted. From: HomePage News
October 23 – Walmart Pledges Ethical AI, Tech Application
To address concerns about digital innovation’s effects, Walmart has promised to use AI conscientiously, spelling out six commitments regarding its application of artificial intelligence and other technology. From: HomePage News
October 23 – Shopping Centers Group Forecasts 3.8% Holiday Sales Increase
Eight-in-10 survey respondents said they expected to spend about the same as or more than they did last year during the holiday season versus 73% in 2022. From: HomePage News
October 23 – Ace Hardware Relocates Corporate Headquarters
Ace has relocated its corporate headquarters to the former McDonald’s Corporate Campus in Oak Brook, Illinois. From: Hardware Retailing
October 20 – Deloitte: Concerned Consumers Still Expect Higher 2023 Holiday Spend
A survey from business services firm Deloitte indicates that consumers will spend more in this year’s holiday season than they did in any since the COVID-19 pandemic. From: HomePage News
October 20 – Kohl’s Debuts Front-of-Store Holiday Gift Shops
The department store has also expanded its assortment of goods, including home decor — with most items priced under $30 — and cold-weather accessories and fashion jewelry. From: Retail Dive
October 19 – Wegmans Opens First Manhattan Location
Wegmans developed the store for the neighborhood and even includes a service charcuterie counter and a champagne-oyster bar. From: HomePage News
October 19 – Kohl’s Spotlights Home Items in Holiday Push
Kohl’s is providing an expanded assortment of home merchandise including unique and on-trend tabletop items, barware and throws among other products, with most items priced under $30. From: HomePage News
October 19 – Macy’s Introduces Holiday ‘Gifts We Love’ List
Macy’s has released its “Gifts We Love” list, a curated holiday selection of home, beauty, toys, accessories and unique items. From: HomePage News
October 19 – NRF: Consumers Plan More Spending This Holiday Season
The survey indicated that 92% of adults in the United States plan to celebrate events such as Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa this year, on par with last year. From: HomePage News
October 19 – Vachris to Succeed Jelinek as Costco CEO in January 2024
Craig Jelinek will step down as CEO, effective January 1, 2024, at which time the chief executive post will pass to Ron Vachris, Costco’s president and COO since February 2022. From: HomePage News
October 18 – Meijer Makes Moves to Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Meijer is supporting Military Family Appreciation month this November with a new virtual event dubbed “Roadmap to Retail.” From: Progressive Grocer
October 18 – Walmart Promises Big Savings, Easier Shopping for the Holidays
Walmart will deliver deeper savings on the most popular gifts across home, apparel, beauty, electronics and toys, the company indicated. From: HomePage News
October 18 – Amazon Collaborates in Coalition to Fight Fake Reviews
The group has agreed to address key concerns to protect consumers and partners from fake reviews, including the development of common standards and definitions for use throughout the industry around what constitutes a fake review and other content moderation terms and measurements. From: HomePage News
October 18 – NRF: Retail Sales Still Advancing Despite Headwinds
The National Retail Federation said today that retail sales continued to push forward in September even as consumers faced continuing economic pressures. From: HomePage News
October 18 – Wayfair Serving Up Housewares Deals for Second 2023 Way Day
In a brick-and-mortar twist, Wayfair will offer additional store-only offers at AllModern and Joss & Main physical retail stores. From: HomePage News
October 17 – Deloitte: Holiday Spending Heading Back to Normal
According to the annual “2023 Deloitte Holiday Survey” consumer spending is expected to surpass pre-COVID pandemic levels for the first time. From: Chain Store Age
October 17 – Albertson’s Countered Q2 Headwinds Ahead of Pending Kroger Merger
As its acquisition by The Kroger Co. proceeds, Albertsons Cos. beat Wall Street second-quarter sales and earnings estimates despite a net income decline. From: HomePage News
October 17 – Target Retirements Recast Executive Suite
Mulligan will remain in his current role until February 2024, at which time he will transition to a strategic advisor role through February 2025, Target noted, while Ward will transition to a strategic advisor role through April 2024. From: HomePage News
October 17 – Foxtrot Opens 6th D.C. Area Location
In all, Foxtrot operates 32 stores in the United States, mainly in the markets of Washington, D.C., Chicago, Dallas and Austin, Texas. From: Progressive Grocer
The Giant Company Names New CFO
The Ahold Delhaize banner announced the appointment of Rebecca Lupfer as chief financial officer and Dave Lessard as senior vice president of operations, customer experience and perishable distribution. From: Grocery Dive
October 16 – Walmart, Amazon Moving to Boost Fulfillment Networks
Next-generation facilities, as the company designates them, operate with skilled associates backed by technology and machine learning to provide faster shipping and delivery while increasing fulfillment capacity for Walmart.com orders. From: HomePage News
October 16 – NRF: Possible New China Import Duties Could Hurt U.S. Consumers
The study, Estimated Impacts of Changes to China’s Tariff Status, examines how ending the country’s permanent normal trade relations trade status could impact the toy, furniture, apparel, household appliances and footwear. From: HomePage News
October 16 – Rite Aid Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection, Appoints Stein CEO
The company stated that its board of directors has appointed Jeffrey Stein as CEO and chief restructuring officer, effective immediately. From: HomePage News
October 16 – Grocery TV Now at 4,000 Stores
During the past year, Grocery TV has teamed with such food retailers as Schnucks, Smart & Final, and Coborn’s while expanding its network to additional in-store locations. From: Progressive Grocer
October 13 – JCPenney, Chef Martinez Collaborate on Mexican-Themed Housewares
The collection features high-grade cookware, tools, kitchen textiles and small appliances, JCPenney indicated, at prices from $19.99–$199.99. From: HomePage News
October 13 – Vasos Returns as Dollar General CEO
After the company posted disappointing second-quarter results, Vasos takes up the chief executive role that he filled from June 2015 to November 2022 before aiding Dollar General as a senior advisor through April of this year. From: HomePage News
October 13 – Amazon Moved Fast to Drive Prime Big Deal Days Success
Amazon said Prime members saved over $1 billion across millions of deals during the two Prime Big Deal Days, October 10 and 11 .From: HomePage News
October 13 – Party City Emerges from Bankruptcy, CEO to Exit
Brad Weston will step down from his role, effective Nov. 3 and current President and Chief Commercial Officer Sean Thompson will become the company’s interim CEO. From: Retail Dive
October 12 – True Value Sponsors Habitat for Humanity Carter Work Project
This year’s Carter Work Project was a signature build event of Habitat for Humanity International and took place Oct. 1-6 in Charlotte, North Carolina. From: Hardware Retailing
October 12 – Ross Fills Top Operations Post with Former Canadian Tire Executive
Brinkley was president of SportChek, a subsidiary of Canadian Tire Corp. that sells sporting goods, footwear and apparel from more than 400 locations across Canada. From: HomePage News
October 12 – Home Merchandise Generates Strong Prime Big Deal Days Sales
In shopping the sale, 55% of households placed two or more separate orders, bringing the average household spend to $124.09. From: HomePage News
October 12 – Wegmans Readies Pennsylvania, New York Stores
The Regional grocer prepares for the Manhattan grand opening, while the Yardley location is in hiring mode. From: Progressive Grocer
October 11 – Health Services Vet Wentworth Named Walgreens Boots CEO
WBA said Wentworth is joining the company at a pivotal time as it focuses on right-sizing the business while driving execution and creating greater value for employees, patients, customers and shareholders. From: HomePage News
October 11 – Numerator: Home a Top-Shopped Category during Prime Big Deal Days
Among verified purchasers, according to market researcher Numerator, 23% of Big Deals Days shoppers bought something for the home, tied with Household Essentials and three points beyond Apparel & Shoes. From: HomePage News
October 10 – Holiday Hope for Housewares to Close Out Demanding 2023
As holiday retail sales forecasts begin to flow in, it will be worth keeping an eye on trends that have become more pronounced during the year to get a sense of where the sales season is in the retail and the housewares sector. From: HomePage News
October 10 – Mintel: Consumers Plan to Discount Their Holiday Spend
A new Mintel research study reveals 44% of consumers in the United States who intend to shop in the 2023 winter holiday season said they plan to do so during a pre-season sales event such as Amazon Prime Day. From: HomePage News
October 10 – NRF: Import Volume Solid but Lighter Than Expected
Cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports has hit its expected peak for the year and looks to gradually slow heading into the holiday season, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the NRF and Hackett Associates. From: HomePage News
October 10 – Walmart Lays Out Plans for Tech Shopping Enhancements
Walmart is developing new ways of applying technology to customer shopping experiences, including new voice commerce capabilities and making it easier for shoppers to determine how the furniture it offers might fit in their homes. From: HomePage News
October 9 – Costco Continued Comp Sales Gains in September
Comp traffic in the U.S. increased 4.5% versus September in the year prior, the company stated in a conference call. From: HomePage News
October 9 – Big Lots Targets Fridays for Holiday Promotions
All-new deals will launch every Friday at each Big Lots location, running through store hours. From: HomePage News
October 9 – Sam’s Club Focused on Membership Discounts Amid Holiday Deals
Joining in retail’s October holiday promotional festivities, Sam’s Club is offering discounts on memberships at $55 for Plus, normally $110, and $15 for Standard, down from $50. From: HomePage News
October 6 – Light September Mall Traffic Came Back Big on Labor Day
Outlet mall traffic over that Saturday, Sunday, and Monday increased by 29.9%, 49.2% and 217.4%, respectively, From: Chain Store Age
October 6 – Sensormatic: Black Friday Still Tops Holiday Retail Traffic Day
Sensormatic Solutions forecasts the busiest shopping days of the 2023 holiday season in the United States will be Black Friday, November 24; Super Saturday, December 23; and the third Saturday in December, December 16. From: HomePage News
October 6 – NRF: U.S. Economy Maintains Slow Growth Despite Turbulence
The new challenges arrive at a time when consumers face the highest interest rates in two decades, gasoline price fluctuations, lower but still substantial inflation affecting household budgets, backsliding consumer sentiment and the resumption of student loan payments. From: HomePage News
October 6 – Kohl’s Preparing Deal Dash Promotion
Bargains will apply to top national brands like Nike, Adidas and Levi’s, as well as Kohl’s exclusive brands including Sonoma Goods for Life and Nine West. From: HomePage News
October 5 – Scheels Opens 250,000-sq.-ft. Store in Phoenix
It’s not the largest location ever opened by the sporting goods store with the Ferris Wheel, but Scheels had to add 100,000 sq. ft. of the former Nordstrom’s to get it done. From: Chain Store Age
October 5 – Hy-Vee Helping Diabetes Patients Access Lower-Cost Insulin
Meanwhile, Hy-Vee said in August that it would open an independent physician-managed Hy-Vee Health infusion clinic in Chicago. From: Progressive Grocer
October 5 – Rite Aid Facing New York Stock Exchange Delisting
NYSE stated that Rite Aid has failed to meet its Minimum Market Capitalization Standard and Minimum Stock Price Standard. From: HomePage News
October 5 – Schnucks Prepares to Debut Another Small-Format Grocery Store
Schnucks also operates small-format stores under its Eatwell Market banner, which is focused on locally sourced goods such as natural and organic foods as well as made-to-order meals. From: Retail Dive
October 5 – Amazon Features Martha, Ayesha Among Prime Bargain Days Deals
Prime members also can save big by shopping more than a million deals from independent sellers on its marketplace platform. From: HomePage News
October 5 – ‘Elf’ Livening Up the Holidays at Pottery Barn
Developed in collaboration with Warner Bros., the exclusive Elf x Pottery Barn home furnishings collection features more than 25 pieces including décor, bedding, tabletop, seasonal accessories and holiday gifts. From: HomePage News
October 5 – Do it Best’s Dan Starr Receives Indiana Award
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb joined the Do it Best team for a tour of the facility and presented Do it Best president and CEO Dan Starr with the Sagamore of the Wabash award. From: Hardware Retailing
October 4 – Target Launches Immersive Toy Experience
The 360-degree feature allows users to explore a virtual room of toys, in order to make discovery easier for at-home shoppers. From: Retail Dive
October 4 – Walgreens, Ace Slate October Initiatives to Take on Competitor Promotions
Walgreens and Ace Hardware are each planning fall promotions in a season that has been filled with promotions as retailing in the United States adapts to Amazon and its autumn Prime Big Deals Days on October 10-11. From: HomePage News
October 3 – Meijer Hits Major Food Diversion Milestone
In addition to its food diversion commitment, Meijer has undertaken a host of sustainability initiatives in recent years. From: Progressive Grocer
October 3 – Macy’s Begins Small-Concept Expansion with New Seattle Bloomie’s
Macy’s has announced plans to expand its compact retail concepts including a third Bloomie’s, the Bloomingdale’s small-format store, opening in Seattle, WA on November 2. From: HomePage News
October 3 – Williams Sonoma Introducing Collection Crafted with Interior Designer Bridges
Williams Sonoma and Williams Sonoma Home have launched a new and exclusive collaboration with award-winning interior designer Sheila Bridges that includes barware, a tray, throw pillows, fireplace items and décor pieces. From: HomePage News
October 3 – Ex-Microsoft Exec to Lead Amazon Device and Services Operation
Panos was Microsoft’s executive vp and chief product officer, leading the Windows + Devices division. From: HomePage News
October 3 – UNFI Parts Ways with President
UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas is slated to add the title of president when Testa departs. From: Grocery Dive
October 3 – Incoming Macy’s CEO Calls Bloomingdale’s Brand a ‘Growth Vehicle’ for the Company
Macy’s CEO Tony Spring and current CEO Jeff Gennette emphasized the strength of its non-namesake brands: high-end department store Bloomingdale’s and luxury beauty retailer Bluemercury. From: CNBC
October 2 – 11 Retailers at Risk of Bankruptcy in 2023
From Joann and Rite Aid to Petco and The Container Store, here’s who’s most at risk in the next 12 months. From: Retail Dive
October 2 – Former FTC Policy Director: Kroger, Albertsons Merger is Facing ‘a Hurricane Storm’
This FTC is not the same agency that approved past mergers, making the current deal on the table challenging, according to multiple sources. From: Supermarket News
October 2 – Bloomie’s Gets Set for Its Seattle Debut
The scaled-down version of Bloomingdale’s focuses on contemporary and casual offerings and convenience. From: Retail Dive
October 2 – Wayfair Expands Kelly Clarkson Home with Ranch-Inspired Collection
The company characterizes Kelly Clarkson Home as a thoughtfully curated collection inspired by French-country style mixed with vintage-inspired looks and heirloom appeal. From: HomePage News
October 2 – Numerator: Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Should Broadly Boost E-Commerce
The fall event will have a significant impact across retailing and especially on e-commerce sales, Numerator asserted. From: HomePage News
October 2 – UPS Leans on Automation to Boost Throughput, Handle Repetitive Tasks
The improvements target challenging facility processes like unloading trailers, sorting small packages and moving irregularly sized shipments. From: Supply Chain Dive
October 2 – Walgreens Chief Information Officer Departs, a Year After he was First Hired
Hsiao Wang is leaving; the pharmacy chain is also still in the process of looking for a new CEO and chief financial officer. From: Supermarket News
October 2 – MoMA Design Store takes cue from retailers’ marketing
The Museum of Modern Art’s Design Store functions more like a retailer than a museum gift shop, particularly in its approach to marketing. The Design Store has done licensing deals with Uniqlo and Casio, developed fashion collections, and expanded to three New York stores and two international locations in Hong Kong and Tokyo as well as an online presence. From: NRF SmartBrief
October 2 – Dollar General Enters 48th U.S. State with First Montana Store
Two additional Montana stores are under construction, one each in Lincoln and Sanders Counties, both of which the company Dollar General expects to open in fall 2023. From: HomePage News
October 1 – 1st Goodwill-Operated Grocery Store in the Works
The Market on Melrose in Roanoke is slated to open in 2024. From: Progressive Grocer
