June 29 – Best Buy Updates Membership Program in Time for July Deals
As the company prepares for its July supply events, Best Buy is rolling out its updated membership program, now in three three tiers designed for customers who want convenience, value and access, as well as protection and support. From: HomePage News
June 29 – 2023 Private Label Hall of Fame: Kristin Provost, Topco Associates
Kristin Provost has helped build a strong, omnichannel shopping experience at Topco member stores by leveraging technology to enhance the shopper experience and boost private label sales. From: StoreBrands Today
June 29 – Conference Board: Consumer Outlook Brightens As Confidence Gains
Consumer outlooks are improving and fear of a recession is diminishing according to the ongoing Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index study. From: HomePage News
June 29 – Rite Aid Touts Turnaround As Q1 Results Beat Wall Street
In the first quarter, Rite Aid made strides, posting revenues that exceeded analyst expectations and a lower adjusted loss that also came in better than Wall Street anticipated. From: HomePage News
June 28 – Target Launches Facility That Extends Next-Day Delivery Reach
Target has launched a new facility in Georgia to bring next-day delivery to more communities and bolster its delivery capabilities. From: HomePage News
June 28 – Burlington Among Top Bidders For Bed Bath & Beyond Locations
Bed Bath & Beyond held a lease auction for its store locations on June 26, and Burlington Stores was among the most interested parties. From: HomePage News
June 28 – Cardenas Markets parent acquires El Rancho Supermercado
Heritage Grocers Group, which also owns Tony’s Fresh Markets, expands its Hispanic grocery presence by buying the 28 locations of the Texas-based grocer. From: Winsight Grocery Business
June 28 – Wayfair Starts Construction on First Namesake Physical Store
The first Wayfair-branded physical store is under construction with planned completion by next spring. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Macy’s Moving Bluemercury Headquarters to New York
Bluemercury headquarters is moving closer to parent Macy’s offices, as the beauty and spa services operation shifts management to New York City from the Washington D.C. metro area, where it was founded in 1999. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Amazon, Therabody Joint Suit Targets CounterfeitersThe Amazon Counterfeit Crimes Unit and Therabody have filed a joint lawsuit against a crime ring that attempted to sell counterfeit massage devices on the retailer’s website through six selling accounts. From: HomePage News
June 27 – The Children’s Place Vet Joins Claire’s as Chief Merchandising Officer
Claudia Lima-Guinehut also worked with Destination Maternity, Zara, Camuto Group, Ralph Lauren and Fifth & Pacific Companies. From: Retail Dive
June 27 – Walgreens Q1 Earnings Miss Estimate As Sales Beat Street
Although revenues came in above Wall Street expectations, the Walgreens Boots Alliance third-quarter results finished short of an analyst consensus earnings estimate as the company continues adjusting to an environment where COVID-19 no longer has a major effect on customer purchasing while economic concerns weigh heavier. From: HomePage News
June 26 – Word Spread Quickly About Amazon Prime Day
Market researcher Numerator stated it issued a survey within 24 hours of Amazon’s announcement last week that its Prime Day promotional event would run from July 11 to 12 and found that 44% of respondents already knew when it would occur. From: HomePage News
June 26 – Trader Joe’s Building Distribution Center in Southern California
1M-square-foot facility expected to open in late 2024. From: Progressive Grocer
June 26 – Newegg Launching Two-Phase ‘FantasTech’ Sales Event July 5
Newegg Commerce is readying its ninth annual FantasTech Sales event, which covers everything from computers to small appliances, outdoor, storage and smart home. The promotion runs July 10 through July 14, supported by a presale beginning July 5. From: HomePage News
June 26 – Walmart Adds Onramp for Marketplace Seller Support?
As the retailer looks for more ways to support its third-party marketplace sellers, Walmart has brought Onramp on board as a funding provider. From: HomePage News
June 23 – Ace Plans New Kansas City Retail Support Center
Ace Hardware Corp. announced plans to open a new Retail Support Center in Kansas City, MO, spanning approximately 1.5 million square feet. Ace expects it to be fully operational in 2025. From: HomePage News
June 23 – Amazon Jumping into Generative AI with AWS Innovation Center
Amazon said that the innovation center initiative builds on more than 25 years of investment in developing AI technologies for customer use and is just one part of AWS’s overall generative AI strategy. From: HomePage News
June 22 – Weis Markets Expands ‘Low, Low Price’ Program to Cover Breakfast Foods
Since the launch of the program in 2019, Weis Markets customers have saved more than $30 million on more than 10,000 brand-name and Weis Quality products, according to the grocer. From: Progressive Grocer
June 22 – NGA Hires Business Development VP
Anita Nuñez Cepollaro has joined the National Grocers Association (NGA) as VP of business development. From: Progressive Grocer
June 22 – Ovestock Wins Bed Bath & Beyond Intellectual Assets
According to an Overstock filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Overstock bid included business data and rights to mobile applications in addition to the Bed Bath and Beyond name. From: HomePage News
June 22 – Academy Sports Promotes Company Veteran to Merchandising Head
Academy Sports + Outdoors Inc. has named a company veteran as its new chief merchandising officer. From: ChainStoreAge
June 22 – Walmart+ Week Joins Major Retail Promotions in Mid-July
Walmart+ Week kicks off July 10 at 12 p.m. EDT. For that event, Walmart+ members get access to savings on thousands of popular products across home, electronics, toys, fashion and other key product categories, Walmart stated. From: HomePage News
June 22 – Numerator: More Consumers Planning July 4th Celebrations
94% of participants in the Numerator’s research study said they would shop for the holiday. From: HomePage News
June 22 – Container Store Expands Dormify Back-to-College Initiative
As part of the deal, 40 Container Store locations will give shoppers a chance to check out Dormify decor and bedding alongside the company’s reimagined college product assortment. From: HomePage News
June 22 – Ace Hardware Selects Missouri for New Distribution Center
The new facility is part of Ace Hardware’s strategy to balance its current distribution network and meet the needs of its growing retail landscape. From: Hardware Retailing
June 22 – Publix Opens Store in Summerhill, Atlanta — An Area Previously Deemed a Food DesertAlong with a pharmacy, the opening includes a Piedmont Urgent Care on the grounds, as well as a lounge on the mezzanine level and free WiFi throughout. From: Supermarket News
June 21 – FTC Lawsuit: Amazon Tricked Consumers into Prime Subscriptions
The FTC said it is charging that Amazon knowingly is duping millions of consumers into enrolling in Amazon Prime using manipulative, coercive or deceptive user-interface designs known as dark patterns to trick consumers into enrolling in automatically renewing memberships. From: HomePage News
June 21 – Ross Stores, CEO Rentler Agree on Succession Plan
Under the plan, Rentler will continue in that role though January 2026, by which time the company expects to have selected a successor, and serve as an advisor through March 2027, the company reported. From: HomePage News
June 21 – Amazon Prime Day Launches July 11 with New Deal Initiatives
Amazon stated its Prime members will get exclusive access to Amazon’s lowest prices this year on designated products. From: HomePage News
June 21 – Casey’s Picks Up 26 Minit Mart Locations
The acquisition significantly expands the convenience retailer’s presence in Kansas City, Mo. From: Convenience Store News
June 21 – Target Circle Week Offers Member Deals July 9 to 15
The event will provide special deals for members of Target Circle, with savings of up to 50% on own brands including Sun Squad, Good & Gather and Cat & Jack, as well as top national brands including Dyson and Keurig. From: HomePage News
June 21 – Main Street’s Labor Problem is Weighing on Business Owners as Summer Hiring Picks Up
Data from the National Federation of Independent Business shows labor quality as the most important problem for nearly a quarter of its members surveyed in May. From: CNBC
June 20 – Lowes Foods to Debut 1st of 5 New Stores in Carolinas
Lowes Foods LLC has revealed that it will open a Pittsboro, N.C., store on June 29. From: Progressive Grocer
June 20 – Chipman Named Five Below CFO After Bull’s COO Promotion
Five Below has announced that Kristy Chipman will join the company as CFO and Treasurer on July 1, replacing Kenneth Bull, who was promoted to the COO role in March. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Ross Opening dd’s Discount Stores West and East
The dd’s Discounts division of Ross Stores continues to add new locations, with multiple store openings slated for June 24. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Dollar General to Complete Continental U.S. Expansion with Montana Stores
Dollar General’s expansion to Montana follows its first international opening three months ago in Mexico. From: HomePage News
June 19 – Survey: Daily, Weekly Online Shopping Gaining Rapidly
In the survey, conducted in April, one in four consumers who shop online said they do so on a daily basis compared to just 5% in 2017. From: HomePage News
June 19 – Walmart Speeding Fulfillment with New Indiana Facility
The McCordsville facility is Walmart’s largest fulfillment center to date and is designed to expand Walmart’s next- or two-day shipping. From: HomePage News
June 19 – Amazon, Veriff Partner to Confirm Online Identities
Amazon and Verify will work together to help companies keep confronting increasingly sophisticated fraud attacks and help ensure safer digital services for people engaged in virtual activities from applying for a loan to ordering up a ride. From: HomePage News
June 16 – Saks Off 5th Names Chiefs for Marketing, Merchandising
Saks Off 5th said the leadership changes will enable the company to expand its use of data, analytics, personalization and loyalty to meet evolving customer preferences. From: Retail Dive
June 16 – Tanger Adding More Home Retailer Banners
Tanger Outlets, which runs upscale, open-air shopping centers, continues to expand on the retail categories it hosts by enhancing the selection of home product banners offered at its operations in the United States and Canada. From: HomePage News
June 16 – Pottery Barn Teen Strengthens Dorm Assortment
The dorm assortment incorporates a range of aesthetic styles, including a new romantic, vintage-inspired collaboration of floral dorm bedding and décor with fashion brand LoveShackFancy. HomePage News
June 16 – BJ’s Names 2 New Independent Directors to Board
Warehouse club operator BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. has named Steven L. Ortega and C. Marie Robinson to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. From: Progressive Grocer
June 16 – ALDI Debuts Stores in 3 New Markets
The fast growth trajectory is designed to meet increased demand as the company says customers are actively asking for more ALDI locations. From: Progressive Grocer
June 15 – Bashas’ Appoints New President
The Raley’s Companies has named Steve Mayer as the new president of Bashas’ Operating Companies, according to a Wednesday announcement. From: Grocery Dive
June 15 – Tentative Deal Averts Strike Threat at West Coast Ports
The deal averts a strike many feared would be a significant setback to retailers who are getting ready to start shopping holiday merchandise and the economy in general. From: HomePage News
June 15 – Bashas’ Names New President
Company also christens new headquarters in Arizona. From: Progressive Grocer
June 15 – Kroger Q1 Earnings Gain as Sales Fall Short of Expectations
Kroger chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen, said, “Kroger achieved solid first-quarter results guided by the execution of our Leading with Fresh and Accelerating with Digital strategy. From: HomePage News
June 15 – Hy-Vee President Named 2023 Top Women in Grocery Trailblazer
Tweeten has led all aspects of the retailer’s private-brand strategy, from deciding on offerings and go-to-market approaches to how private-brand products are marketed to increase customer interest. From: Progressive Grocer
June 14 – Numerator: Outdoor Dining Scores High for Father’s Day
According to market researcher Numerator, 79% of consumers in the United States plan to celebrate Father’s Day, good news for those producing products for outdoor dining and backyard recreation. From: HomePage News
June 14 – Walmart Working Toward More Sustainable Fulfillment
Walmart is adopting measures designed to make the fulfillment function more sustainable by reducing the amount of packaging waste in online orders, and emissions associated with product movement. From: HomePage News
June 14 – Amazon Amplifies Efforts to Thwart Fake Reviews
Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon vice president, worldwide selling partner services, in a blog post stated the entire Amazon organization, including its third-party sellers, have to rally against fake reviews and facilitators of such reviews. From: HomePage News
June 13 – Dollar General Brings Back Multicultural Beauty Promotion
The 2023 Days of Beauty will be led by celebrity guest Lauren Speed-Hamilton, an actress and model best known for Netflix’s ‘Love is Blind.’ From: HomePage News
June 13 – Instant Brands to Receive $132.5M in DIP Financing After Chapter 11 Filing
Instant Brands operates brands including Instant Pot, Corelle, Pyrex, Snapware, CorningWare, Visions and Chicago Cutlery. From: HomePage News
June 13 – Home Depot Sees Slow Going but Continued Opportunity Ahead
At its 2023 Investor and Analyst Conference, The Home Depot discussed key strategic priorities and provided a market stability base case built on its analysis of opportunities available. From: Homepage News
June 12 – Walmart Creates AI ‘Playground’ for Employees
As Walmart continues to develop its application of AI, Cheryl Ainoa, Walmart SVP said that shopping interfaces will become easier to use and available across multiple devices, even as touchpoints become more personalized. From: HomePage News
June 12 – Prospective Amazon Prime Day Shoppers Have Eyes on Home Products
A survey by Skai indicates consumers will be spending a considerable amount of money on Amazon during its annual Prime Day event, and household goods are the second biggest item of interest among prospective shoppers. From: HomePage News
June 12 – Walmart’s Furner Urges More Action Against Organized Retail Crime at NRF Security Event
In a flash poll taken of participants at NRF Protect, 86% of respondents said that ORC has more of a threat to their businesses versus three years ago. From: HomePage News
June 9 – Restoration Hardware Launches Global Expansion with U.K. Opening
RH England marks the beginning of the retailer’s global expansion, it stated, and a continuation of its move into hospitality with three primary restaurants set to open this fall. From: HomePage News
June 9 – Container Store Expands Synchrony Consumer Financing Benefits
The Container Store’s credit card works in conjunction with its Organized Insider loyalty program, allowing cardholders to receive exclusive offers and benefits when they shop with the card, the company noted From: HomePage News
June 9 – Macy’s Remains Committed to Tech Investments after Sluggish Quarter
“The key thing to keep in mind is that we will continue to invest in growth, whether that be tech, whether that be people,” Adrian Mitchell, CFO and COO at Macy’s, said. From: Retail Dive
June 9 – Ollie’s Q1 Beats Sales, Earnings Estimates
In the first quarter, Ollie’s beat Wall Street sales and earnings estimates, posted solid comp gains and kept adding stores. From: HomePageNews
June 8 – Sprouts Farmers Market Preps for Four Store Openings
Three of the four new stores are in Florida (Boca Raton, Orlando, and Delray Beach), and there will be one more in Colorado Springs, Colo. From: HomePage News
June 8 – Kirkland’s Q1 Comps, Earnings Slip
Although it came out ahead of a Wall Street estimate on sales, Kirkland’s net loss grew as comparable sales declined in the first quarter when the company realigned outreach to emphasize its value offering. From: HomePage News
June 8 – T&T Supermarkets to Open First U.S. Location
The Canadian-based Asian supermarket will open its first store outside of its home country in Washington state in 2024. From: StoreBrands Today
June 8 – ICSC: Gen Z Consumers Defying Stereotypes
The report, issued by Anthony Nieves, chair of the ISM Services Business Survey Committee noted that the May services PMI of 50.3% was 1.6 percentage points lower than April’s reading of 51.9%. From: HomePage News
June 8 – Ports Moving Toward Pre-Pandemic Activity As West Coast Awaits Labor Deal
The Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates indicates that import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports will be 22% lower during the first half of 2023 than during the same period in 2022 despite increased consumer spending. From: HomePage News
June 7 – ICSC: Gen Z Consumers Defying Stereotypes
Despite having a reputation for prioritizing leisure and personal interests, GenZers are five times as likely to value successful careers over having the newest products. From: HomePage News
June 7 – Miniso Opens Times Square Flagship, Talks U.S. Expansion
The Times Square store is representative of the plans that Miniso has in the U.S. The company has evolved as it added stores across the country, first on the West Coast and more recently on the Eastern seaboard. From: HomePage News
June 7 – Wayfair Announces Oblak Retirement, Business Trend Improvement
Blotner will become Wayfair’s new chief commercial officer, the company noted. From: HomePage News
June 7 – UNFI’s Profitability Disintegrates as Forecasting Challenges Persist
The grocery retailer and wholesaler’s net income and earnings per diluted share both sank more than 89% during the company’s fiscal third quarter, and net sales in its retail segment declined slightly. From: Grocery Dive
June 7 – Amazon Offering Marketplace Partners 3D Visuals Via Hexa
Amazon Web Services spatial computing team and the amazon.com imaging teams are working with Hexa in establishing a workflow that enables the company’s selling partners to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D. From: HomePage News
June 7 – Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B Stores Opening in Dallas
Continuing its expansion in the DFW Metroplex, H-E-B is set to open two Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B stores in Dallas, the first locations the multi-format retailer will open outside the Houston area. From: Drug Store News
June 6 – Newell Discusses Sharpening Strategy and Execution
The company indicated that it would invest primarily in mid- and high-price point segments and target Millennials and Gen Zers. From: HomePage News
June 6 – Go Big or Go Small: Grocers See Early Success with New Store Formats
Grocers’ approaches to remaining relevant among consumers differ from chain to chain as some new store’s focus on mission-driven shoppers while others seek to create an elevated in-store experience. From: Grocery Dive
June 6 – BuyBuy Baby Could Get Bought as Buyers Express Interest
The retailer may not disappear if one of several bidders, including Babylist, acquires its digital brand or brick-and-mortar locations. From: Retail Dive
June 6 – NRF: Economy Continues to Stave Off Recession
NRF also issued a statement asking the Biden Administration to intervene in West Coast port labor negotiations. From: HomePage News
June 6 – Joann Looks to Private Labels to Help cut Costs, Boost Sales
Falling freight expenses are also getting the sewing and crafts retailer closer to its $200 million savings goal, announced earlier this year. From: Retail Dive
June 6 – BJ’s Opening Its First Tennessee Club
As it continues to add stores, BJ’s Wholesale Club keeps moving further west of its traditional East Coast operating territory and will open its first store in Tennessee. From: HomePage News
June 5 – Qurate Streaming Deal with Vizio Features Kitchen, Home Content
The QVC+ and HSN+ combined streaming service offers millions of Vizio users live on-demand and streaming-only content together in one, easy-to-use, fully shoppable app. From: HomePage News
June 5 – Nordstrom Beats Wall Street Q1 Expectations Despite Lower Sales
The company maintained that it had made progress on key priorities in the first quarter, with Nordstrom Rack as a particular focal point From: HomePage News
June 5 – Dollar General Promotes Multiple Executives
The discounter has elevated Chad Fox to the role of senior vice president and chief marketing officer as well as given him responsibility for its digital operations. From: Retail Dive
June 5 – SpartanNash Brings on Center Store Merchandising Exec
According to SpartanNash, Pasch will help advance the company’s merchandising transformation by developing strategy and driving results. From: Progressive Grocer
June 5 – 5 Things Top News: Costco CFO Sees Recession on Horizon
The most impactful news stories in the grocery marketplace for the week ending June 2. From: Supermarket News
June 5 – Cracking the Code on Impulse Buying
Research firm accelerate360 conducted a study called “The Impulse Equation” using proprietary sales, merchandising and proximity data. From: Progressive Grocer
June 5 – NRF Survey Signals Father’s Day Spending Record
Three-quarters of consumers plan to celebrate Father’s Day this year, NRF noted, which is on par with participation in recent years. From: HomePage News
June 5 – Five Below Sales Up Nearly 14% as It Scoops Up Tuesday Morning Leases
CEO Joel Anderson said Five Below converted about 250 stores to the new prototype in the first quarter and it’s on track to convert 400 stores to the Five Beyond format before the end of the year. From: Retail Dive
June 2 – Newegg ‘Home Showcase’ Features AI-Enhanced Shopping for Household Goods
As a new element in the company’s proposition to consumers, Home Showcase offers what Newegg called inspirational and exploratory shopping while using AI to improve the visuals and descriptions of the available products. From: HomePage News
June 2 – Wegmans to Shutter One of Its Largest Locations
Multi-level store in Natick, Mass., will close this summer. From: Progressive Grocer
June 2 – West Elm Collaborates with Rhode for Tabletop, Decorative Accessories, Textiles
The tabletop, decorative accessories and textiles in the collaboration sport rich colors and complementary motifs in a variety of blues, greens, pinks and yellows. From: HomePage News
June 2 – NRF Survey: Consumers Concerned About Retail Crime
NRF asked consumers a series of questions relating to crime, retail theft and organized retail crime, and it found that this number goes up to 57% for consumers who live in suburban areas. From: HomePage News
June 1 – Aldi Opens Virtual Convenience Store
Instacart will deliver Aldi Express purchases in as fast as 30 minutes, fulfilling from more than 2,100 Aldi locations across the country. From: Chain Store Age
June 1 – Dollar General Q1 Misses Street Estimate as Spending Shifts
The first quarter was a challenging one for Dollar General as consumers turned their spending to consumables and cut back on other product categories. From: HomePage News
June 1 – BJ’s Reveals Opening Date for 1st Club in Tennessee
Company expands footprint to 19 states. From: Progressive Grocer
June 1 – Food52 Launches New Creative Cooking Content
The season showcases content from well-known Cooks in Residence, including Erin McDowell, Lucas Sin, Melina Hammer, Mandy Lee and the Five Marys. From: HomePage News
June 1 – Overall Demand Softened in Macy’s Q1 As Home Rebounded
Softening demand hurt Macy’s first quarter as conversion rate suffered, but key home categories experienced a rebound. From: HomePage News
June 1 – Net Sales, Comp Sales, Traffic – All Up at SpartanNash
Persistent inflation affects several aspects of company’s Q1 performance. From: Progressive Grocer
June 1 – Saks Fifth Avenue Opens Styling Suites in Hotels, Resorts
Available to both local customers and hotel guests, these new Fifth Avenue Club Suites offer personal shopping and styling appointments, as well as special events, trunk shows and other shoppable experiences. Chain Store Age
June 1 – Walmart’s Omnichannel Fulfillment Network Undergoes Eco-Friendly Transformation
Among other measures, retailer gives customers new waste-reducing options across pickup and delivery. From: Progressive Grocer
June 1 – Petco Debuts Flagship Union Square Pet Center in NYC
The new Manhattan store offers a total retail experience that includes grooming and vet stations, an indoor dog park and more, along with access to Petco’s private label portfolio of premium items. From: StoreBrands Today
June 1 – ALDI Unveils Instacart-Powered Virtual Convenience Store
Grocer offering delivery of nearly 2,000 popular items in as fast as 30 minutes. From: Progressive Grocer
