February 28 – Lowe’s Launches DIY Skill-Building Program
Inspired by the digital instructor community boom and rise in immersive at-home learning, DIY-U by Lowe’s is a one-stop virtual location for how-to products workshops. From: HomePage News
February 28 – Walmart Adding Exclusive Deals for “Plus” Members
Walmart is offering special discounts to consumers joining its membership program. From: HomePage News
February 28 – Target Enhancing Employee Pay, Health Care Benefits
Target Corp. is setting a new starting wage and expanding access to health care benefits for its employees and their families. From: HomePage News
February 25 – H-E-B to Break Ground on 3rd Store in Dallas Area
The grocery chain is pushing further into North Texas with its latest groundbreaking in the town of McKinney, planned for March 3. From: Progressive Grocer
February 25 – Sprouts Farmers Market Shakes Up C-Suite
The retailer named Nicholas Konat as its new president and COO on the same day it reported comp transactions for the fourth quarter were slightly positive. From: Progressive Grocer
February 25 – Schnucks to Open 112th Store
The new 48,000-square-foot store is the company’s 4th in the mid-Missouri region and slated to open on March 23. From: Progressive Grocer
February 25 – Wayfair Undeterred by Q4 Loss as It Plots Physical Store Plan
Wayfair posted a fourth-quarter loss that exceeded Wall Street expectations as its moves forward with big plans to open several physical stores. From: HomePage News
February 25 – Overstock Post Profitable Quarter Despite Soft Sales
With an enriching fourth quarter, Overstock managed to beat a Wall Street earnings estimate but fell short on sales. From: HomePage News
February 25 – Target Launches Spring Additions to Exclusive Home Collections
Target is launching hundreds of new items from such Target owned brands as Opalhouse and Threshold. From: HomePage News
February 24 – SpartanNash Reports 2021 Performance Above Pre-COVID Levels
SpartanNash reported adjusted EBITDA of $43 million for the fiscal 2021 fourth quarter, ahead of analysts’ consensus forecast. From: Supermarket News
February 24 – Walmart Scheduling Shoppable Content with TalkShopLive
Talkshoplive, a streaming, social buying and selling platform is working with Walmart on a regularly scheduled shoppable content series. From: HomePage News
February 24 – TJX Misses Q4 Street Estimates Despite Strong Comps
Despite solid comparable-stores sales, TJX Cos. Fell short of Wall Street sales and earing expectations in its fourth quarter. From: HomePage News
February 24 – Retailers Tapping into Rising Buying Power of Gen Z
A group that ranges from 10 -24 years old, Gen Z ids beginning to make its mark in the consumer marketplace, with evidence emerging that it will be a demanding group of shoppers. From: HomePage News
February 23 – Kroger Opens Second Restaurant Kitchen with Kitchen United|
The Kroger Co. has opened a Kitchen United MIX ghost kitchen inside Kroger supermarket in Houston, making its second location with restaurant hub operator Kitchen United. From: Supermarket News
February 23 – Container Store Backs New Branding with National Campaign
The Container Store is launching a new company logo, national brand marketing campaign and tag line. From: HomePage News
February 23 – Lowe’s Cites Total Home Strategy for Q4 Gains
Lowe’s sales and earnings topped analyst estimates as the company continues developing its own brand and fulfillment strategies, among others. From: HomePage News
February 23 – Amazon Sues to Stop Fake Reviews
The lawsuits largest two major fake review brokers, AppSally Rebatest, organizations that have helped mislead shoppers by having their members try to post fake reviews in online store including Amazon, eBay, Walmart and Etsy, Amazon stated. From: HomePage News
February 23 – True Value Donates to Habitat for Humanity
The retail value of nearly $350,000 on products donated puts True Value’s total donations to Habitat for Humanity in the Chicagoland area at over $1.2 million over the last four years. From: Hardware Retailing
February 22 – Hy-Vee Officially Expanding to Kentucky
Hy-Vee Inc. has unveiled its impending expansion into Kentucky by releasing details about its first opening in the Bluegrass State. From: Progressive Grocer
February 22 – BJ’s Names Former MGM Resorts Exec to Top Investor Relations Post
Catherine Park has joined the company as Vice President, investor relations. From: HomePage News
February 22 – Menear’s Last Call as Home Depot CEO Touts Sustained Growth
Home Depot continues to roll with strong fourth quarter sales, comparable sales, and earnings results. From: HomePage News
February 22 – Family Dollar Recalls Product from Infested Distribution Center
Family Dollar has initiated a voluntary product recall of certain products regulated by the U.S. FDA that were stored and shipped to 404 stones from family Dollar Distribution Center 202 in Memphis, AK from January 1, 2021, to the present. From: HomePage News
February 22 – Staples Helps Consumers Personalize Home Offices
Companies across the U.S. are adopting a hybrid work model, with 76% of employees in a Gallup poll cited by Staples reporting that their bosses are allowing partial remote work going forward. From: HomePage News
February 22 – Macy’s Surprises Wall Street with Strong Finish to Fiscal Year
Macy’s beat Wall Street estimates during a fourth quarter that topped off a big fiscal year. From: HomePage News
February 21 – Kroger Expands Ocado-Powered Delivery to Oklahoma City
The move is a continuation of Kroger’s successful entry into Florida during 2021, the company announced, and Oklahoma will serve as another Kroger geography. From: Homepage News
February 21 – Bed, Bath & Beyond Adds Stitch Fix’s Shah to Board
Bed, Bath & Beyond announced that it has appointed Minesh Shah, chief operations officer at Stitch Fix to its board of directors, effective March 1. From: HomePage News
February 18 –Kroger, Sprouts, Publix Recognized for Loyalty Programs
The Kroger Co., Sprouts Farmers Market, and Publix Supermarkets landed the top ratings for supermarkets in Newsweek’s 2022 America’s Best Loyalty Programs.
From: Supermarket News
February 18 – Wayfair Adds Tech Execs from Target, Google
Wayfair has appointed Ashwin Rao science officer and Niraj Nagrani as VP of global supplier marketplace, pricing, catalog, and merchandising technologies.
From: HomePage News
February 18 – At Home Brings Expanded Housewares Lineup to More Locations
At Home has continued opening its 100,00 square foot and larger home furnishings superstores, many offering expanded selections of housewares and tabletop. From: HomePage News
February 18 – Ace Q4 Sales Gain as Market Conditions Hurt Earnings
With inflation and supply chain issues having an effect, Ace Hardware Corp. drove sales higher in the fourth quarter but net income fell. From: HomePage News
February 18 – Dollar Tree Executive Chairman Sasser Retiring
Dollar Tree has announced that executive chairman Bob Sasser intends to retire as of the company’s 2022 annual meeting of shareholders. From: HomePage News
February 17 – NRF: January Sales Stay Heated
Despite the pressure from Omicron, inflation, and weather had on the shopping public, retail sales had solid a January, according to the National Retail Federation. From: HomePage News
February 17 – Bed Bath & Beyond Adds Former Walmart, IKEA Execs
Bed Bath 7 Beyond has announced two key appointments with Mark Danzig joining as senior VP, creative, and Umesh Sripad as senior VP, digital. From: HomePage News
February 17 – Q4 Comps Give Walmart a Big Lift
Walmart enjoyed a stellar fourth quarter beating all Street on earnings as comparable sales made significant gains. From: HomePage News
February 16 – Ahold Delhaize Finishes Fiscal 2021 on “Strong Note”, CEO Says
U.S. comp sales climb near 5% in Q4 atop double-digit gain a year ago. From: Supermarket News
February 16 – InMarket Insights: Walmart Tops in Customer Loyalty
The InMarket Insights Q4 Consumer Loyalty Report shows Walmart generated the most consumer loyalty among the top 5 big-box stores. From: HomePage News
February 16 – Kohl’s Reveals Next Sephora Locations with Focus on California, Northeast
Kohl’s revealed the next 400 of its stores that will add Sephora operations this year. The locations will span 36 states from Alaska to Maine. From: HomePage News
February 16 – Ace Offering Handyman Services to Help Consumers Remodel
Ace Hardware and Dispatch, a field services software platform for home service franchise businesses are working together to match consumers who want to update their housing with the right help. From: HomePage News
February 16 – Wish Makes Video Commerce Come True
Digital Retailer Wish has launched shoppable videos dubbed Wish Clips, a new feature designed to enhance the customer experience and simplify the path to purchase. From: HomePage News
February 15 – Grubhub Now Offers Convenience Store Delivery in Partnership with 7-Eleven
There will be 3,000 Grubhub Goods convenience delivery locations around the country. From: Supermarket News
February 15 – Saks Launches TikTok Marketing Initiative
Saks has made its official debut on TikTok with a diverse group of voices creators, celebrities, and fashion insiders. From: HomePage News
February 15 – Halligan Named Wayfair Chief Global Supply Chain Officer
Wayfair has named Sean Halligan chief global supply chain officer, the company announced. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Consumers Shopping for Valentine’s Gifts but Celebrating at Home
Pandemic related behaviors cooking at home and ordering delivery held their own as Valentine’s Day approached, a Numerator survey indicated. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Port Tracker: Congestion Still a Major Issue
Imports at container ports in the U.S. will grow modestly during the first half of 2022 but continued high volumes will keep up the pressure that built as the economy bounced back from the pandemic last year according to the monthly Global Tracker report by the NRF and Hackett Associates. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Retailers Recognized for Backing LGBTQ+ Equality
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to LGBTQ+ employees has recognized 842 businesses as meeting all the criteria to earn a 100% rating and designation as being a 2022 best place to work for LGBTQ+ Equality. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Sam’s Follows Superbowl Ad with Membership Deal
Following up on its Super Bowl ad debut, Sam’s Club is offering an $8 membership deal redeemable in store February 14 – 17. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Newell Q4 Beats Wall Street Estimates
The fourth quarter saw Newell brands post sales and earnings that beat Wall Street analyst estimates. From: HomePage News
February 11 – Mastercard: Stronger than Typical January Retail Sales
Despite Omicron and elevated inflation, pent-up savings, wage growth and the continuing reopening of the “experience economy” prompted consumers to spend, according to Mastercard. From: HomePage News
February 11 – Save A Lot Completes Transition to Wholesaler
The completion of the transition comes as Save-A-Lot’s recently appointed CEO Leon Bergmann prepared to join the company on February 21. From: HomePage News
February 11 – Costco Ranked by Forbes as Top Large Retail Employer
Costco ranked 17th on Forbes list of top 500 large United States employers. From: HomePage News
February 10 – Kohl’s Rejects Activist Investor’s Board Nominees
Kohl’s has rejected a slate of potential board members proposed by activist investor Macellum Advisors. From: HomePage News
February 10 – Yankee Candle Debuts Favorite Scents Line with Target Exclusives
The Yankee Candle Company has launched the new Studio Collection, a curated line of the company’s favorite fragrances in simple sophisticated glass vessels featuring sleek geometric design in trending hues. From: HomePage News
February 10 – Southeastern Grocers Continues Florida Push
Southeastern Grocers, parent of Fresco y Mas, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, will introduce a new Palm Beach County Winn-Dixie in the town of Westlake. From: HomePage News
February 10 – CVS Sets Up Supplier Diversity Summit for April
CVS Pharmacy will hold its second annual Supplier Diversity & Minority Owned Summit with ECRM and RangeMe. April 5 – 8. From: HomePage News
February 9 – Hobby Lobby to Open its First Store in NYC
Hobby Lobby will open its first NYC location net year in Staten Island at the Crossing Staten Island, according to real estate broker Katz &Associates. From: Chain Store Age
February 9 – Food52 Boosts Executive Suite to Advance Transformation
Food52 has appointed five executives to its growing team including Jason Chatterjee who has been named CFO and head of corporate development. From: HomePage News
February 9 – Kimball Named Kroger Senior VP Retail Divisions
The Kroger Co. has appointed Kenny Kimball, currently president of the Smith’s division, to the position Mark Tuffin is leaving upon retirement. From: HomePage News
February 9 – Aldi Adds DC, Targets Southeastern Expansion
Aldi will open a 564,000 sq. ft. regional distribution center in Loxley, AL later this year. From: HomePage News
February 9 – CVS Beats Estimates as Front-End Sales Momentum Gains
For the fourth quarter, CVS Health posted company sales income from continuing operations of 1.3 billion, or 98 cents per diluted share, vs. $984 million, or 75 cents per diluted share in the period a year earlier. rom: HomePage News
February 9 – Culinary Futures Benefit Returns to Chicago March 6
Harold Imports Company’s Culinary Futures benefit will return to Chicago March 6, concurrent with the 2022 Inspired Home Show. From: HomePage News
February 8 – Resideo Acquires Newell’s Home Security Business
The company has announced it will sell the Connected Home Security business, including the First Alert brand, to Resideo technologies. From: HomePage News
February 8 – NRF: Positive Outlook for Economy, Ocean Shipping Reform
The U.S. appears to be at the midpoint of an economic cycle that should continue growth even as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to control inflation, according to NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. From: HomePage News
February 8 – Rouses Applies eGrowcery Curbside Pickup Technology
The eGrowcery platform combines with a Rouses Market Shopping app the customers can download from the App Sore or on Google Play to facilitate curbside Pickup. From: HomePage News
February 8 – ISM: Manufacturing Growth Continued in January
The overall U.S. economy achieved its 20th consecutive month of growth, according to the latest Manufacturing Institute for Supply Management Report on Business. From: HomePage News
February 7 – Colliers: Store Openings on pace to Surpass Closures; Vacancy Rates Down
According to a new report from Colliers’ fourth quarter U.S. retail report, which also forecasts that store openings in 2022 will surpass store closures for the first time since 2016. From: Chain Store Age
February 7 – Costco Names Vachris President; Jelinek Remains CEO
Ron Vachris will succeed Craig Jelinek as the company’s president according to a filing from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. From: HomePage News
February 7 – Kroger Extends Ocado-Enabled Delivery to Atlanta
The Kroger Co. has announced that it is bringing home delivery to the Atlanta area with the opening of a customer fulfillment center in Forest Park, GA. From: HomePage News
February 4 – Natural Grocers Continues Its Momentum in Q1
Growing consumer demand for natural and organic products give retailer strong start to fiscal 2022. From: Progressive Grocer
February 4 –UNFI Appoints New Board Member
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has broadened its directors to include new member Shamim Mohammad, appointed to a one-year term. From: Progressive Grocer
February 4 – Placer: Superstores Keep Bringing Traffic Back
According to Placer.ai’s Superstores Quarterly Index for Fourth Quarter 2021 consumer visits to superstores were up 6.8% in the period year over year, up 10.9% compared to the 2020 quarter, and up 5.7% compared to the 2019 period. From: HomePage News
February 4 – ISM: Economic Activity in Services Slips but Still Signals Growth
Economic activity in the services sector, including retail, grew in January for the 20th month in a row according to the Institute for Supply Management Services Purchasing Managers Index. From: HomePage News
February 4 – Amazon Posts Q4 Earnings Leap but Costs Undercut Retail Profits
Operating income turned to a loss in both the North American and international division but was positive in the AWS cloud services division. From: HomePage News
February 3 – Big Lots, Five Below and Dollar General Lead Sector Foot Traffic in Q4
Visits to “superstores” were up 6.8% quarter-over-quarter, 10.9% compared to the year-ago period and 5.7% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, according to Placer.ai’s Superstore Quarterly Index. From: Chain Store Age
February 3 – Tuesday Morning Posts Comp, Operating Income Gains
Tuesday Morning Corp. posted a modest comparable store gain while beating Wall Street estimate for sales and earnings. From: HomePage News
February 3 – Lowe’s Furnishings Launch Part of Whole Home Push
Lowe’s is launching Origin21, a new exclusive home décor brand designed as approachable, value-added modern collection that will arrive as part of the company’s House of Style campaign. From: HomePage News
February 3 – Costco Momentum Carried Through January
Costco continued to post strong comparable store sales gains generally, and in the nonfoods category. From: HomePage News
February 3 – Meijer is the first to give customers free at-home COVID-19 PCR tests
Building up goodwill by making expensive or difficult-to-access home tests free to shoppers is a winning move. From: Retail Wire
February 3 – Save A Lot names Leon Bergmann as new CEO
Grocery wholesale veteran to take over from interim chief Craig Herkert. From: Supermarket News
February 3 – Target’s Kamau Witherspoon to become Shipt CEO
Kelly Caruso to shift to advisory role during leadership transition. From: Supermarket News
February 3 – Amazon outlines plans for first fashion store
Amazon will make its first foray into brick-and-mortar fashion retail with the opening of a store called Amazon Style in Los Angeles later this year. The 30,000-square-foot store will feature clothing, footwear, and accessories from a range of brands, and shoppers will scan QR codes to either make a purchase or have pieces sent to a fitting room for them to try on. From: NRF SmartBrief
February 2 – Qurate Launches Multiple Black History Month Events
The Qurate Retail Group banners QVC, HSN and Zulily have announced multiple Black History Month initiatives that celebrate and support Black-owned businesses nationwide, including the launch of curated collections on QVC and HSN. From: HomePage News
February 2 – Home Depot Aims to Hire 100,000 for Spring
Not everyone’s busy season is during the holidays, and as its spring crunch approaches, The Home Depot is moving to hire more than 100,000 new employees. From: HomePage News
February 2 – Costco First in Halo List of Beloved Brands
The number one spot in the Forbes Halo 100 list of brands consumers love belongs to Costco.
From: HomePage News
February 1 – Pottery Barn Launches Collection with Black Artists + Designers Guild
Williams-Sonoma’s Pottery Barn banner is collaborating with the Black Artists + Designers Guild, a global organization dedicated to building a more equitable and inclusive creative culture by advancing independent Black makers, on a mix of products for entertaining, hosting and gathering. From: HomePage News
February 1 – Tractor Supply Keeps Growing with 2,000th Store, Planned DC
As it continues to expand, Tractor Supply Co. has announced that it has surpassed 2,000 stores in operation and plans to open an additional distribution center to support growth. From: HomePage News
