April 29 – Publix Launches Rapid Delivery in Miami Using Instacart’s Carrot Warehouses
Retailer is 1st grocer to use nano-fulfillment models. From: Progressive Grocer
April 28 – Weis Markets Unveils $150M Cap Ex Plan
Weis Markets continues to make record investments in new stores, remodels, fuel centers, IT upgrades and smaller store improvement projects. From: Progressive Grocer
April 28 – Walmart Extends Fuel Benefit to Enhance Membership
Walmart+ members get an instant discount of up to 10 cents on every gallon of fuel they purchase at participating fuel stations, which now include 12,000 Exxon and Mobil locations across the United States. From: HomePage News
April 28 – Prime Teams with Musician Derulo for First TikTok
Amazon Prime has teamed up with musician, actor and popular TikTok creator Jason Derulo for its debut on the platform. From: HomePage News
April 28 – Belk Mother’s Day Promotion Rewards Pickup Customers
To reward pick-up customers, Belk is bringing back the Great Mom Surprise, running this week and will run through Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8. From: HomePage News
April 27 – Shoppers Can “Just Walk Out” on Bigger, Suburban Amazon Go
The new, suburban version of the Amazon Go store format has opened in Mill Creek, WA, offering an expanded selection of grab-and-go food and beverage items versus the urban manifestation of the concept, as well as retail technology that allows shoppers to skip the cashier. From: HomePage News
April 27 – Housewares Deals Boost Way Day
Today marks the start of Wayfair’s two-day Way Day event, with deep discounts touted on home furnishings and housewares. From: HomePage News
April 27 – Kroger Launches Latest Hiring Event
As labor remains a critical issue at retail, The Kroger Co. announced a spring hiring event scheduled for Saturday, April 30, to fill 23,000 open roles across all departments including retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, supply chain, merchandising, logistics, corporate, pharmacy and healthcare. From: HomePage News
April 27 – H-E-B’s Newest Store to Feature 1st Two-Story True Texas BBQ
122,000-square-foot location in New Braunfels, Texas, will also have the first Home by H-E-B department. From: Winsight Grocery Business
April 27 – Kenneth ‘Wayne’ Orvis to depart Walgreens
After almost 25 years, Kenneth ‘Wayne’ Orvis, is leaving Walgreens, where he most recently served as group vice president of pharmacy and retail operations. From: Drug Store News
April 27 – Dave and Jenny Marrs Collection Boosts Walmart’s Outdoor Assortment
Walmart is launching an outdoor living collection with Dave and Jenny Marrs, a builder and designer duo who host the HGTV show “Fixer to Fabulous.” From: HomePage News
April 27 – Iowa-Based Hy-Vee Seeks to Move Corporate Workers to Retail
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa-based grocery chain Hy-Vee will ask up to 500 of its employees to move from corporate-level jobs to retail positions at its stores, it said in a public statement.
From: NRF SmartBrief
April 27 – Lunds & Byerlys Groceries to be Delivered by Target-owned Shipt
The partnership between grocery competitors will boost Lunds & Byerlys’ delivery order capacity.
From: Star Tribune
April 26 – J.C. Penney Owners Simon and Brookfield Prepared to Buy Kohl’s for $8.6B, NY Post Reports Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management have reportedly pooled their resources to bid $68 per share for Kohl’s, which would value the department store at some $8.6 billion. The New York Post first reported the news, citing unnamed sources. From: Retail Dive
April 26 – Target Rolls Out Summer Seasonal Homewares
As spring struggles into full bloom, Target is introducing its fresh crop of summer home product products for 2022, with hundreds of new items across greenery, décor, bedding, bath, beach, entertaining and related categories. From: HomePage News
April 26 – SpartanNash Unveils New Platform for Independent Grocers
SpecialtyDirect, the new platform from SpartanNash, will assist independent grocery stores with ordering and fulfillment needs. From: Store Brands
April 26 – Wegman’s Extends NYC Metro Advance with First Long Island Store
Wegmans Food Markets has announced it will open its first Long Island store in the community of Lake Grove, NY. From: HomePage News
April 25 – Ace Hardware to Offer Cash Back on Apple Card
Ace Hardware customers can now get unlimited three percent Daily Cash when they use Apple Card with Apple Pay for purchases in the Ace Hardware app, on AceHardware.com and at store locations nationwide. From: Hardware Retailing
April 22 – Tractor Supply Has an Abundant Q1 Harvest
The first quarter was a happy one for Tractor Supply, which posted solid comparable sales gain after a big increase in the year-earlier period and beat Wall Street earnings and sales estimates From: HomePage News
April 21 – TJX Advances Sustainability Initiatives
The commitments announced expand upon the work TJX has been engaged in and build on its environmental priorities of reducing its emissions and energy usage, managing waste, and sourcing responsibly, the company noted. From: HomePage News
April 20 – How Lowe’s Retooled its Logistics network to Meet Pandemic Demand
Leveraging coastal holding facilities and shifting to a market delivery model are two pillars in the company’s strategy, said Don Frieson, EVP of supply chain. From: Retail Dive
April 20 – Home Depot Shakes Up Tech Leadership with Dual Appointments
The Home Depot has appointed Matt Carey executive vp of customer experience and Fahim Siddiqui executive vp and chief information officer. From: HomePage News
April 20 – JCPenney Takes AI Approach to Boosting Online Conversion
More retailers are looking to boost efficiencies and results with technology, and JCPenney took a step in that direction by updating its approach to digital shopping conversions. From: HomePage News
April 20 –Tony’s Fresh Market Acquired by Private-Equity Firm
Chicago-area specialty food grocer Tony’s Fresh Market has been acquired through funds managed by global asset company Apollo. From: Progressive Grocer
April 19 – Numerator: Inflation Continues but Unevenly
Inflation gained in March according to market researcher Numerator, but the impact differs across product and consumer segments. From: HomePage News
April 19 – Kroger Partners with PackIt for Food Pickup, Delivery Solution
Kroger has partnered with PackIt, known for its cooling technology in lunch bags, to use PackIt’s Fresh Freezable EcoFreeze Totes to keep curbside pickup and delivery orders fresh for customers. From: HomePage News
April 18 – Martha Stewart Expands Online as Magazine Nears End
In announcing the moves, the company stated that Martha Stewart is asking her followers to visit Martha.com and join a new VIP program called, Martha Now. From: HomePage News
April 15 – Lands’ End Does Deeper Dive with Video-Commerce Giant QVC
The apparel brand has made its first appearance on the QVC channel following a successful test on the video commerce online channel. From: Chain Store Age
April 15 – JCPenney Updates Cooks Kitchenware, Electrics
JCPenney has refreshed its Cooks kitchenware lineup with new products and designs in vibrant colors, the retailer announced. From: HomePage News
April 15 – Jassy’s First CEO Shareholder Letter Positions Amazon for Post COVID World
Andy Jassy stated that a new world with a bigger role had opened up for the company during the COVID-19 pandemic an Amazon is evolving to meet the challenged and opportunities From: HomePage News
April 14 – Placer.ai: Some Big Boxes Saw Big Q1 Traffic Gains
During January, February, and March, respectively, compared to the same in 2019, Target’s visits were up 10.7%, 10.5%, and 6.9%, Costco’s up 6.4%, 6.7%, and 0,6%, and Home Depot’s up 11.2%, 7.6% and 0.1%, Placer noted. From: HomePage News
April 14 – Retailers Responding to Demand for More Eco-Sensitivity
Market research firm Freedonia points out that retailers are investing more deeply in various facets of sustainability, including ways to make their product assortments more eco-friendly. From: HomePage News
April 14 – Albertsons Posts Solid Q4 Gains
With identical sales positive after a big leap year past period, Albertsons Cos. Made big gains in the fourth quarter that included turning around a GAAP loss. From: HomePage News
April 13 – Meijer Sets Opening Date for 2 Supercenters
Stores in West Branch, MI and Fort Wayne, IN to be unveiled in mid-May. From: Progressive Grocer
April 13 – Wegmans Partners with Instacart to Accept SNAP for Same-Day Delivery
Adding Wegman’s to its roster brings Instacart’s number of retail EBT SNAP payment partners to more than 60 across 39 states and Washington D.C. ding Wegmans to its roster brings Instacart’s number of retail EBT SNAP payment partners to more than 60 across 39 states and Washington. From: Progressive Grocer
April 13 – Affirm, Poshmark Partner to Support Second-Hand Shopping
Buy now pay later provider Affirm and secondhand specialist Poshmark have extended and expanded their partnership in a two-year deal to deliver increased payment flexibility to shoppers, the companies have announced. From: HomePage News
April 13 – Bed Bath & Beyond: Supply Chain Snags Contributed to Big Q4 Loss
Bed Bath & Beyond posted a fourth quarter net loss and a compatible sales decline versus 2020 and 2019, attributed in part by company management to global supply chain disruption that limited inventory availability during the quarter. From: HomePage News
April 13 – Rainey Appointed Walmart CFO
Walmart has named John Ramsey executive CFO, noting that he will assume his new responsibilities on June 6. From: HomePage News
April 13 – Save A Lot Hires Trey Johnson as Chief Merchant
St. Louis Based Save A Lot said Johnson brings more than 30 years of experience in food and grocery merchandising. From: Supermarket News
April 12 – ALDI CEO Promises Low Prices Amid Inflation
Known for its low prices and private label collections, CEO Jason Hart said ALDI is committed to remain a “low-price leader.” From: STOREBRANDS
April 12 – Analysis: Housewares Business Begins with Market Research
Housewares retailers and suppliers should reconsider the use of market research as a fundamental part of their business and make effort to better understand where critical information resides and review it regularly. From: HomePage News
April 12 – Consumer Optimism Gains Slightly but Caution Continues
CRG (Consumer and Retail Group) noted that the vast majority of consumers are sticking with changes in shopping behavior made during the pandemic, including approaching shopping as a largely functional rather than leisure pursuits. From: HomePage News
April 12 – New Walmart Platform Invites Eco-Friendly Packaging
The circular Connector complements other Walmart sustainability initiatives, including its program to convert operations to 100% renewable energy and its commitment to using 100% recyclable, reusable or industrially compostable packaging by 2025.From: HomePage News
April 11 – Numerator: Easter Gatherings to Spring Back
Numerator concluded that this Easter will be the first major holiday since the onset of the pandemic that more than half (61%) of consumers do not expect COVID-19 to impact their celebrations. From: HomePage News
April 11 – Lowe’s Veteran Sink Promoted to CFO
Lowes Cos. Announced the appointment of Brandon Sink as executive vice president and CFO. From: HomePage News
April 11 – Kohl’s Touts its Board in Letter to Shareholders
In response to Macellum complaints about the actions of the retailer’s management and directors, Kohl’s has reiterated that it has the expertise necessary to drive the business. From: HomePage News
April 8 – Convenience Stores See Sales Tick Up Even as Traffic Remains Depressed
Shoppers are now very comfortable visiting and shopping at convenience stores based on their overall behaviors, such as spending more time (over 3 minutes) shopping in-store, VideoMining reported. From: Convenience Store News
April 8 – Mastercard: March Services Spending Gained But Retail Grew, Too
According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, total March retail sales — including in-store and online numbers across all forms of payment but excluding auto — increased 8.4% year-over-year and 18% compared to pre-pandemic spending in 2019, not adjusted for inflation. From: HomePage News
April 8 – Walmart Invests in Truck Driver Training, Salaries
Walmart is upping the ante in the truck driver shortage. In a blog post from Fernando Cortes, senior vice president, transportation, and Karisa Sprague, senior vice president, supply chain people, Walmart announced it is increasing its top pay for first-year, long-haul truck drivers to $110,000. It also is introducing a driving academy so workers in other positions can apply to be trained as long-haul drivers. From: HomePage News
April 8 – Double-Digit Comps Drive Costco Through March
Costco made a strong showing in March with double-digit comparable store gains. From: HomePage News
April 7 – ISM: Retail Helped Services Sector March Gains
Economic activity in the services sector grew in March for the 22nd month in a row and came in improved over February, according to the Institute for Supply Management. From: HomePage News
April 7 – Dollar Tree Makes Corporate Rule Changes After Shakeup
After experiencing a corporate shakeup due to the actions of an activist investor, Dollar Tree has announced its board of directors has unanimously approved additional amendments to the company’s by-laws and corporate governance guidelines in an effort to strengthen stockholder rights and enhance the ability of stockholders to engage with the company. From: HomePage News
April 7 – Williams Sonoma Partners for Kentucky Derby Collection, Promotions
The Churchill Downs Racetrack and Woodford Reserve have struck up a partnership with Williams Sonoma to deliver a collection of products developed to help consumers celebrate Kentucky Derby thoroughbred horse race. From: HomePage News
April 6 – Gelson’s Launches Plastic-Free Utensils, Straws with Aircarbon
Newlight Technologies and Gelson’s Markets, a 27-store supermarket chain operating in the Los Angeles and San Diego markets, has launched Aircarbon foodware that incorporates a plastic-like material made without petrochemicals. From: HomePage News
April 6 – Transforming JCPenney Celebrates 120 Years with Marketing Bash
JCPenney is rolling out a “Shopping is Back!” integrated marketing initiative developed to give consumers a fresh, brand-oriented look at the company in stores and online. From: HomePage News
April 6 – Bed Bath & Beyond, Kroger Roll Out Joint E-Commerce Program
The Kroger Co. and Bed Bath & Beyond are launching a joint e-commerce experience including popular housewares and home furnishing products ranging from bedding and storage to baby furniture and gear. From: HomePage News
April 6 – Kroger Launches Restaurant Supply Service in Dallas
The Kroger Co. is now entering the world of restaurant supply service. The retailer’s Dallas division has launched Kroger Restaurant Supply exclusively in the greater Dallas area. From: Progressive Grocer
April 5 – Amazon, NRF, Chamber of Commerce Contesting Union Election
For the first time, Amazon lost a unionization vote, at a fulfillment center in the New York City borough of Staten Island, and it’s considering action against the United States National Labor Relations Board as a consequence, backed by the National Retail Federation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. From: HomePage News
April 5 – Fitzpatrick Named Wayfair VP, Furniture and Décor
Wayfair has promoted Ryan Fitzpatrick to vp, furniture and decor, the company announced. From: HomePage News
April 5 – Walmart Entices New Marketplace Sellers with Deals, Discounts
As it competes with Amazon and other, newer platforms for third-party merchants, Walmart has introduced New-Seller Savings, a limited-time Walmart Marketplace promotion exclusive to businesses ready to onboard. From: HomePage News
April 5 – Kroger Launches Restaurant Supply Service in Dallas
‘When our DFW restaurants think food, we want them to think Kroger,’ said Keith Shoemaker, president of Kroger’s Dallas division. From: Winsight Grocery Business
April 5 – Save Mart Taps Former Albertsons Marketing Chief as Executive Chairman
In an interview, Shane Sampson said the newly acquired regional grocery chain plans to be “nimble and agile” and that new private equity owner Kingswood Capital Management understands retail.
From: Grocery Dive
April 4 – Do it Best Announces Director of Merchandising Strategy and Execution
Do it Best Corp. has named its director of merchandising strategy and execution with the promotion of veteran product manager Todd Miller, effective immediately. From: Hardware Retailing
April 4 – Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman Name New Execs
Bergdorf Goodman has promoted Cheryl Han to senior vp of bergdorfgoodman.com and customer strategy and promoted Melissa Xides to senior vp of Bergdorf Goodman stores and brand operations. From: HomePage News
April 4 – Aldi is the Fastest-Growing US Grocery Chain, Report Says
The 88 U.S. locations the grocer debuted last year total more than 2.2 million square feet of space — well ahead of the 1.3 million square feet Publix added, according to professional services firm Jones Lang LaSalle. From: Grocery Dive
April 4 – BJ’s Boosts Delivery Services Again, for a Price
Just days after announcing a deal with DoorDash, BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced the chainwide rollout of Same-Day Select, a fee-based membership add-on. From: HomePage News
April 4 – Is Petco Positioned for Long-Term Growth?
The specialty pet retailer introduced new store formats, inked partnerships with major retailers and leaned hard into health and wellness services. But it hasn’t always been a smooth ride. From: Retail Dive
April 4 – Save Mart Looks to Add ‘Hundreds’ of Private Label Items Yearly
The recently acquired company is adding new brands and line extensions across its three store brand tiers: low-price, national brand equivalent and premium. From: Grocery Dive
April 4 – Five Below’s Merchandising ‘Worlds’ Make it ‘Resilient’ During Tough Times
Asked at last week’s Investor Day how Five Below’s growth has proved so “resilient,” Joel Anderson, president and CEO, cited the chain’s “eight worlds,” namely its organization around eight categories: Tech, Create, Play, Candy, Room, Style, Party and New & Now. From: Retail Wire
April 4 – Nordstrom Leadership Reclaims Oversight of Struggling Rack Business as Executives Retire
The Company has appointed Ken Worzel, currently CEO at Nordstrom, and Jamie Nordstrom, currently president of Nordstrom stores, to newly created roles as chief customer officer and chief stores officer. From: CNBC
April 1 – J.C. Penney Plans to Show More Love to Core Customers
Former Walmart and Levi Strauss executive Marc Rosen grew up around his family’s department store and, as the new CEO of J.C. Penney, is focused on catering to the budget-conscious middle-income families who make up Penney’s core customer base. “We need to give them more opportunity to come back and find things they love,” Rosen said. From: NRF SmartBrief
April 1 – The Weekly Closeout: Ace Hardware to Hire 40K While Kohl’s Pushes Back Against Activist Investors. The home goods retailer is staffing up for spring while Kohl’s urged shareholders to vote for its board nominees. From: Retail Dive
April 1 – Retail Comps Boost Walgreens Q2
Even as it considers strategic options for its European-based operation, Walgreens Boots Alliance beat Wall Street estimates for the second quarter aided by strong retail comparable sales. From: HomePage News
April 1 – Container Store Launches App-Enabled Loyalty Program
The Container Store is introducing a new customer loyalty program and app to build closer relationships with existing customers and attract new customers. From: HomePage News
April 1 – Macy’s Plans Charlotte, N.C.-Area Fulfillment Center
Macy’s plans to build a $584 million, 1.4 million-square-foot fulfillment center that’s expected to bring about 2,800 new jobs to the Charlotte, N.C., region and handle about 30% of digital orders for Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s when it opens in 2024. The region has recently attracted similar projects by other major retailers, including Home Depot, Walmart and Kroger. From: NRF SmartBrief
April 1 – IKEA rolls out resale program in US stores
Can’t stand that old bookcase and dining table with the mismatched chairs you once thought looked so cool? If you bought them at Ikea, the retailer will pay you to get them back. From: NRF SmartBrief
April 1 – Foxtrot to Open Four New Washington, DC-Area Locations
Foxtrot will open four new locations in the Washington, D.C., area before the end of the year, doubling its presence in and around the capital city, the upscale convenience store chain announced Tuesday. From: Grocery Dive
April 1 – The Giant Company Expands the Foodservice Experience
The grocery chain believes customers will always be answering the age-old question: What’s for dinner (or breakfast or lunch)? From: Supermarket News
