June 30 – Ace Hardware Shuts Down The Grommet, Lays Off 44
The hardware retailer’s co-op structure made it difficult to expand the platform, according to founder Jules Pieri, who announced the closure on LinkedIn. From: Retail Dive
June 30 – Qurate’s Rawlinson Unveils ‘Project Athens’ Turnaround Plan
Qurate Retail President and CEO David Rawlinson II shared a three-year company turnaround plan called Project Athens designed to stabilize and differentiate the core businesses while expanding the company’s leadership in video streaming commerce. From: HomePage News
June 30 – Amazon Launches Data Platform for Physical Store Suppliers
The service, known as Store Analytics, will provide CPGs with “aggregated and anonymized insights” collected by frictionless checkout technology in Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores.
From: Grocery Dive
June 30 – Lidl’s 1st Baltimore Store Set to Open July 13
Northwood Commons location will feature easy-to-shop layout for a faster and more convenient experience for customers. From: Progressive Grocer
June 30 – Save A Lot’s Tim Schroder sees ‘Big Opportunity’ For Value Grocer
High food prices have shoppers hunting for savings and embracing store brands.
From: Supermarket News
June 30 – Fresh Thyme Market Names New President
Liz Zolcak, who formerly headed up store operations for the specialty grocer and has held leadership positions at Kroger and Aldi, will take over for Gerald Melville, who is retiring.
From: Grocery Dive
June 30 – FedEx to Consolidate Stations, Delivery Routes in $2B Operational Overhaul
‘Network 2.0’ will boost collaboration between Express, Ground and Freight — three operating companies FedEx has long kept separate. From: Supply Chain Dive
June 30 – MAPCO Debuts ‘Store of the Future’ Design
The concept boasts new technology features like contact-free shopping and touchscreen beverage machines. From: Convenience Store News
June 29 – Tritton, Hartsig Out as Bed Bath & Beyond Continues Sales Slide
Sue Gove, an independent Bed Bath & Beyond board director since 2019, was named interim CEO. Mara Sirhal was named executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. From: HomePage New
June 29 – H-E-B Getting Ready to Expand Footprint
H-E-B’s Temple Distribution warehouse supports over 100 H-E-B retail stores across the region and has been operating in the Temple community since 2010. From: Progressive Grocer
June 29 – ANALYSIS: What’s Next for Bed Bath & Beyond After Tritton Exit?
The Tritton departure follows other moves by major retailers in recent years to bring in executives who had made their reputations at Target to oversee business transformations. From: HomePage News
June 29 – Walgreens Will Retain Boots, No7 Beauty
The company announced it arrived at the decision after recent market instability affected financing availability so no third party had been able to make an offer that adequately reflected the high potential value of the two operations. From: HomePage News
June 29 – Executives Leave Dollar Tree After Board Shakeup
After a board of directors’ shakeup, Dollar Tree has announced multiple executive leadership changes the company said would support its growth and accelerate implementation of its value creation initiatives. From: HomePage News
June 29 – Target Teams with Influencers in Livestream Deal
Made through a partnership with The Reiman Agency, the deal includes the execution of a livestream event by a prominent social media influencer, as well as two Instagram feed posts.
From: HomePage News
June 28 – Downtown Target Store at Former Kaufmann’s is Just About Ready to Open
The hints are everywhere. Shelves are being stocked. Employees in those familiar red shirts are scurrying about checking inventory and making preparations. And self-checkout machines wait in anticipation. From: NRF SmartBrief
June 28 – Tony’s Fresh Market to Open New Store in Joliet, Illinois
Chicago-based Tony’s Fresh Market will open the doors to a new location in Joliet, Ill., on June 29.
From: Winsight Grocery Business
June 28 – Home Depot Refreshes Tech to Boost Customer Service
Home Depot is partnering with Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, to enhance connectivity capabilities including in-store navigation and image search. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Lowe’s Report on Sustainability Includes Meeting Goals Early
As part of the company’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, Lowe’s published its 2021 Corporate Responsibility Report today and announced that, in 2021, it had achieved a 2025 goal of reducing Scope One and Two greenhouse gas emissions by 40% four years early, with a reduction of 42% over the past five years. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Inflation May Quiet Fourth of July, but Shoppers Still Plan Close-to-Home Fun
In a holiday that will be closely watched as an economic gauge, market researcher Numerator stated that, while most consumers plan to celebrate Independence Day, the majority of celebrants expect at least a moderate inflation impact to spend less, purchase items on sale and focus cutbacks on dining out and fireworks. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Rite Aid Loss Increases, Looks for Initiatives To Gain Traction
Store closures contributed to a bigger first-quarter net loss at Rite Aid Corp., but the company is counting on its expanded pharmacy operations as well as its beauty business and revamped loyalty program to help improve its results. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Gerrity’s Supermarkets Joins Wakefern Grocery Cooperative
Pennsylvania grocer Gerrity’s Supermarkets has joined retail grocery cooperative Wakefern Food Corp. From: Supermarket News
June 24 – Sur La Table Introduces Ceramic Cookware Collection
In a private label expansion initiative, Sur La Table has added a ceramic cookware collection. From: HomePage News
June 24 – Walmart Readies AR Features for Home Decor, Extended In-Store Shopping
In a blog post, Walmart has revealed it is adding a pair of augmented reality features to its app, with home decor, including furniture, a focus of the initiative. From: HomePage News
June 24 – Bed Bath & Beyond Reworks Loyalty Program
In a new loyalty program initiative, Bed Bath & Beyond has debuted Welcome Rewards, a program that offers savings, benefits and special perks to customers who shop online and in stores nationwide at the company’s namesake stores as well as, buybuy BABY, and Harmon. From: HomePage News
June 23 – Publix Breaks Ground in the Bluegrass State
From: Progressive Grocer
June 23 – Dollar General Hiring As It Keeps Expanding
Dollar General has launched a company-wide hiring blitz that will continue through July as it continues store and distribution network expansion. From: HomePage News
June 23 – Kroger Building Ocado Fulfillment Center in Colorado
The Kroger Co. announced that it will add a new customer fulfillment center in Aurora, CO, and serve the Denver metro area as it continues to expand its tech-driven delivery network. From: HomePage News
June 22 – Nordstrom Leans on Off-price Rack for Growth and Profit
The company is banking on continued improvement at Rack and taking steps to integrate it more fully into what it calls its market strategy. From: Retail Dive
June 22 – ODP Rejects Sale, Spin-Off of Consumer Business Including Office Depot
The ODP Corp. board of directors has completed a previously announced review of the public and private non-binding proposals the company has received about acquiring its consumer business — including the Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores, and officedepot.com — and unanimously determined to reject them. From: HomePage News
June 22 – Herrington Named Worldwide Amazon Stores CEO
Amazon has named Doug Herrington CEO of its Worldwide Amazon Stores business, formerly known as Worldwide Consumer, as it makes an organizational change. From: HomePage News
June 22 – After Much Mulling, Office Depot Owner Rejects Both Sale and SplitThe company, who owns the Office Depot and OfficeMax retail banners, rejected acquisition bids, which included offers from rival Staples as well as an unnamed suitor.
From: Retail Dive
June 21 – SPECIAL REPORT: HomePage News Ranks Top 50 Housewares Retailers
The HomePage News Top 50 Housewares Retailers ranking demonstrates the dominance of the top 10 store runners in the United States. It also reveals the opportunity for those retailers, and anyone working with them, that can develop a niche in the housewares market. From: HomePage News
June 21 – Kroger Keeps Building Business on Emerging Technology
Technology and its application have become a significant element in the strategy The Kroger Co. has pursued lately, and now the company announced that it is giving shoppers additional access to electric vehicle charging stations. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Target Pursues Multifaceted Store Growth Strategy
Although it lately has been more recognized for smaller urban locations in its store expansion initiatives, Target Corp. hasn’t given up on opportunistic expansion in larger retail developments. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Ostafin Appointed CVS Chief Strategy Officer
CVS Health has announced that Violetta Ostafin will join the company as executive vp and chief strategy officer as it looks to spur growth. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Zulily Launches Wow Week Deals
To get an early jump on retail special event season, after announcements about Amazon Prime Day and Target Deal Days, Zulily has launched Wow Week, a special shopping event that offers its lowest prices of the season on everything from homewares and apparel to kids’ toys and jewelry, and includes refurbished items as well as brand new. From: HomePage News
June 17 – Target Readies Trio of Deal Days in July
A day after Amazon announced the timing of its Prime Day event, Target Corp. announced the return of its Target Deal Days sales event on July 11 to 13 with savings on hundreds of thousands of items and no membership fee requirement. From: HomePage News
June 17 – Walmart, Roku Enter Streaming TV Commerce Partnership
Walmart and Roku have entered a first-of-its-kind partnership in a move to make streaming TV the next critical e-commerce shopping destination, Roku announced. HomePage News
June 17 – RH Contemporary Collection Debuts in San Francisco Gallery
Restoration Hardware is introducing RH Contemporary, a new collection the company asserts offers a level of design and quality unseen before outside of to-the-trade showrooms. From: HomePage News
June 16 – New Raley’s O-N-E Market Opens in Roseville, Calif.
Store will offer same-day pickup or delivery, as well as organic products. From: Winsight Grocery Business
June 16 – Amherst, NY, Boasts 250th At Home Location
At Home has debuted its 250th store today in Amherst, NY, a location that also is the company’s first in the Buffalo market. From: HomePage News
June 16 – Kroger Tops Q1 Estimates As Identical Sales, Digital Gain
Strong identical store sales helped propel The Kroger Co. to a Wall Street beat in the first quarter as the company continues expanding its digital operations. From: HomePage News
June 16 – Prime Day Launches Early Morning July 12
This year, Amazon Prime Day event kicks off July 12 at 3 a.m. eastern time in the United States and runs through July 13 for Prime members, the company announced, across the U.S., Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom, and for the first time ever in Poland and Sweden. From: HomePage News
June 15 – PHOTO GALLERY: Inside Victron Energy’s New Flagship Store
Designed with an aviation theme, the store is located next to one of the busiest airports in the United States. From: Convenience Store News
June 15 – Mastercard: Consumer Resilience Should Buoy Back-to-School Season
Despite pressure on household finances, consumer shopping activity contributed to double-digit growth across nearly all retail sectors in May, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which measures in-store and online retail revenues across all forms of payment, something that bodes well for the back-to-school season. From: HomePage News
June 14 – SpartanNash acquires Shop-N-Save Food Centers
Michigan grocer converted to Family Fare supermarket banner. From: Supermarket News
June 14 – BJ’s Keeps Growing, Plans First Indiana Location
As it continues adding stores, BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced plans for four new locations including its first in Indiana. From: HomePage News
June 14 – President Biden To Sign Ocean Shipping Reform Act Into Law
President Biden is expected to sign into law soon major legislation overhauling ocean shipping and U.S. port regulations. From: HomePage News
June 14 – Amazon Launching Drove Delivery
As it takes the next step in expanding its logistical capabilities, Amazon plans to begin delivery by drone to customers in Lockeford, CA. From: HomePage News
June 14 – Walmart Launches Home Collection with Miranda Lambert
The new exclusive Wanda June Home collection at Walmart took its inspiration from three generations of warm and sassy Southern hospitality, as expressed by reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and three-time Grammy winner Miranda Lambert. From: HomePage News
June 13 – Numerator: Inflation Weighs on Father’s Day Shoppers
Inflation is a bigger concern than COVID-19 for Father’s Day shoppers according to a survey conducted by Numerator. From: HomePage News
June 13 – Bed Bath & Beyond Partners To Help Consumers Rebuild
In a project designed to aid challenged consumers in developing their households, Bed Bath & Beyond and Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring safe and healthy homes and communities, announced a partnership to provide no-cost home repairs and essential household items for people in need. From: HomePage News
June 13 – Cardenas Markets to Be Acquired by Apollo Funds
Upon completion of acquisition, grocer will merge with Tony’s Fresh Market. From: Progressive Grocer
June 13 – Wayfair Banner Store Opening Near Chicago
The first Wayfair banner brick-and-mortar retail store will open near Chicago in Wilmette, Ill., the municipality announced. From: HomePage News
June 13 – Casey’s Records Largest Unit-Growth Year in Its History
The convenience store retailer closed three key deals in its 2022 fiscal year. From: Convenience Store News
June 13 – Overstock Transformation To Deal Exclusively in Home Products
Overstock is in the midst of a transformation that will make household merchandise its only business, one that will boost the profile of housewares amid an expanding, more robust home furnishings operation. From: HomePage News
June 11 – 7-Eleven Serves Up Tacos, Tech at Latest Concept Store
Retailer’s newest Evolution Store opens in Dallas. From: Progressive Grocer
June 10 – Placer.ai: Malls Making Headway Despite Headwinds
The new report Placer.ai Mall Index — May 2022 Update indicates that visits to all types of shopping malls, indoor, open-air lifestyle centers, and outlet malls, decreased between April and May, compared to the same months in 2019, but on a month-over-month basis, mall visits actually have been steadily increasing since a major jump between February and March. From: HomePage News
June 10 – Stop & Shop to Invest $140M in Its New York Stores
The Ahold Delhaize banner’s newly remodeled stores—the first of which opened June 10 in the Bronx—will feature more global items and highlight value. From: Winsight Grocery Business
June 10 – QVC Streaming Its Way to FuboTV
As it explores the streaming side of video commerce, QVC has gone live on FuboTV.
From: HomePage News
June 9 – SpartanNash holds off activist investors’ push to remake board
Shareholders rejected Macellum Advisors and Ancora Holding Group’s argument the company lacks “any clear strategy for value creation” and needs new leadership to change its course. From: Grocery Dive
June 9 – Wakefern EVP Chris Lane Resigns
Chris Lane, who had served as EVP at Keasbey, N.J.-based grocery cooperative Wakefern Food Corp. since 2016, departed the company June 6, Wakefern confirmed to WGB.
From: Winsight Grocery Business
June 9 – Retailers Strengthen Housewares Connection to Outdoor Living
Outdoor living has become a distinct, growing business closely aligned to home fashion and function that has opened merchandising opportunities being pursued enthusiastically by retailers.
From: HomePage News
June 9 – Cardenas Markets to Acquire 6 Rio Ranch Market Stores
The deal, expected to close by mid-July, will expand Cardenas’ presence in Southern California.
From: Winsight Grocery Business
June 9 – NRF: Volume Flirts with Records at U.S. Ports
As storerunners work to meet steady consumer demand and protect themselves against potential West Coast port disruptions, imports at the nation’s major retail container ports should see near-record volume again this month, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. From: HomePage News
June 9 – Walmart Readies Record Open Call Event
In an expanding initiative, Walmart has made its selections for the ninth annual Open Call event, with almost 1,200 small and mid-sized business owners receiving official invitations.
From: HomePage News
June 8 – Kroger Expands Delivery to Miami Area
Customers in Miami-Dade County will now have better access to Kroger’s private brands with the opening of a new spoke facility in the area. From: StoreBrands Today
June 8 – Amazon Releases Brand Protection Report Detailing Security Efforts
As it continues to confront back actors on its platform, Amazon released its second Brand Protection Report covering how the company is acting on commitments regarding the authenticity of goods sold. From: HomePage News
June 8 – Wawa Announces Expansion Into Tennessee
Its first Nashville store is expected to open in 2025. From: Convenience Store News
June 8 – Robotic Trucks Servicing Dallas Sam’s Clubs
A fleet of fully autonomous delivery trucks will service a select group of Sam’s Clubs in Texas as part of a multi-company initiative. From: HomePage News
June 8 – Tractor Supply Looks Forward to Record Q2 Results
In a financial outlook, Tractor Supply Co. stated that it is currently forecasting second-quarter net sales growth of 8% and comparable sales growth of 5% versus the year-prior period as well as diluted earnings per share of $3.48 or greater. From: HomePage News
June 7 – Meijer Reflects on Evolution of Its Supercenters
Since the opening of the original Meijer supercenter in 1962, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer has grown steadily, expanding across six Midwestern states with 266 supercenters and grocery stores. From: Drugstore News
June 7 – Target Revises Guidance, Looks To ‘Right-Size’ Inventory
As it revised financial guidance, Target Corp. announced it is acting to “right-size” its inventory for the balance of the year and create additional flexibility to focus on serving guests in a rapidly changing environment. From: HomePage News
June 7 – Foxtrot Names Former Taco Bell Executive as President and CFO
Foxtrot is bringing aboard an executive with deep expertise in helping businesses grow to oversee its operations as the Chicago-based omnichannel retailer seeks to replicate its concept at a rapid clip in multiple cities. From: Grocery Dive
June 7 – Dollar General Evolves Retail Media to Tap into Overlooked Market Areas
DGMN allows brands to access hard-to-reach small-town markets. From: Progressive Grocer
June 7 – Kohl’s Enters Exclusive Acquisition Talks with Franchise Group
After weeks of speculation about its future as it fended off an activist investor Macellum Advisors through a proxy fight, Kohl’s Corp. has announced that, following the receipt of final proposals, its board of directors had entered into exclusive negotiations with Franchise Group, a holding company operating multiple retail brands, for a period of three weeks in relation to that company’s proposal to acquire Kohl’s for $60 per share. From: HomePage News
June 7 – Williams Sonoma Launches Seed & Harvest
Williams Sonoma, a brand portfolio member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has launched Seed & Harvest, a collection of food that prioritizes providing customers with unprecedented transparency in ingredients and sustainable sourcing practices to accommodate various dietary, food or lifestyle preferences. From: Gourmet Newswire
June 7 – SpartanNash Names Crane as VP, Finance/Food Distribution
SpartanNash has named Greg Crane as vice president, Finance/Food Distribution. Crane will serve as finance business partner to Bennett Morgan, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer, and support the Food Distribution leadership team. From: Gourmet Newswire
June 6 – Next-Gen Fulfillment Centers To Speed Walmart Delivery
In an operational advance, Walmart has announced plans to build four new high-tech fulfillment centers including a 1.1- million-square-foot facility in Joliet, IL. From: HomePage News
June 6 – Westlake Ace Receives Salvation Army Philanthropy Award for Annual Fan Drive
The fan drive started in a single store in Hutchinson, Kansas, where the store manager had a personal connection to the Salvation Army, and it has grown to 127 Westlake-owned stores across the U.S. In the past decade, From: Hardware Retailing
June 6 – Amazon Consumer Operations CEO Leaving After Bumpy Q1
Dave Clark, Amazon CEO of Worldwide Consumer and a critical player in the company’s operational expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic, is leaving the company to pursue other interests, the company reported. From: HomePage News
June 3 – Walmart Unveils Next-Gen Fulfillment Center Plans
Retailer to build 4 facilities in next 3 years. From: Progressive Grocer
June 3 – Costco Springs Through May with Double-Digit Comp Gains
In May, Costco once again managed double-digit comparable sales increases and kept pace with online revenue gains posted this fiscal year. From: HomePage News
June 3 – Kroger Pilots a Digital Farmers Market in Atlanta
The grocer linked with Market Wagon, an online ordering and delivery service for local items, to develop the e-commerce marketplace, which carries more than 1,150 products and delivers within a 60-mile radius. From: Grocery Dive
June 3 – HSN Rolls Out Own Brand Emryn House
In an expansion of its home and housewares private label business, HSN is launching Emryn House, which the broadcast and digital retailer described as a home collection designed for customers who appreciate the vintage look and up-to-date classic style of farmhouse décor with a modern twist.
From: HomePage News
June 3 – Pinterest to Acquire AI Shopping Platform The Yes
The Yes, which was founded by former Stitch Fix COO Julie Bornstein, furthers Pinterest’s goal of being a personalized shopping destination. From: Retail Dive
June 3 – Expanding Restoration Hardware Registers Big Q1
In the first quarter, Restoration Hardware blew by Wall Street estimates as it continue expanding and updating operations. From: HomePage News
June 2 – Amazon to Hurdle Walmart as Biggest U.S. Retailer by 2024
Online grocery sales up 117% on two-year stack, Edge by Ascential reports. From: Supermarket News
June 2 – Macy’s, Qurate Plan Pride Month Celebrations
To celebrate National Pride Month, Macy’s and Qurate have introduced comprehensive initiatives to honor the LGBTQ community. From: HomePage News
June 2 – Wayfair Leads Home Share Index but Smaller Players Gain
In what it describes as the first edition of its Home Goods Market Share Index, market research firm YipitData released a ranked list of the top 30 specialist retailers. From: HomePage News
June 2 – Partnership Tests Conn’s Merchandise in Belk Stores
In a strategic partnership, Conn’s and Belk will pilot a store-within-a-store concept in select Belk locations and online at belk.com beginning later this summer, one that will focus on home and electronics merchandise segments. From: HomePage News
June 2 – SpartanNash Q1 Sales Rise, Net Earnings Flat
Company officials cite continued progress of its Our Winning Recipe plan as a key driver of results. From: StoreBrands
June 2 – Gen Z Shops Sustainably as Part of Broader Purpose
As retailers reach out to Generation Z, sustainability has been an important part of their strategy to address social concerns considered critical to their purchasing decisions. Gen Z, however, isn’t one-dimensional, so it’s important to think about members of the generation in broader terms.
From: HomePage News
June 1 – Amazon Says it is ‘Inappropriately’ Targeted by Big Tech lLegislation
Amazon lashed out at Congress and defended its business practices in a blog post tied to proposed legislation that aims to prevent abuses and reduce conflicts of interest among the largest platform companies, including Amazon, Google and Facebook. From: Retail Dive
June 1 – TikTok Has a Pulse on Consumers
In the ever-changing digital marketing landscape that is the world today, one thing is for sure: The platform that shouldn’t be ignored is TikTok. From: HomePage News
June 1 – Lidl Lowering Prices on Select Items Across U.S. Stores
Grocer becomes the latest to give shoppers a break on 100+ products. From: Progressive Grocer
June 1 – McKinsey: Consumers Mix Pre-Pandemic, New Shopping Habits
Consumers in the United States want to go back to their old, pre-pandemic shopping habits while maintaining those they developed while COVID-19 kept them homebound, according to a Consumer Pulse study by McKinsey & Co. From: HomePage News
June 1 – Nordstrom Posts Higher Sales but Adjusted Earnings Loss
Adjusted loss fell a penny short of a Wall Street estimate, but sales gained at Nordstrom department store and off-price banners in the first quarter. From: HomePage News
June 1 – Dollar General Names 11 New Executives as it Springs Ahead
Dollar General has named 11 people to executive positions — moves that include the appointment of a trio of new senior vice presidents who will oversee the discounter’s real estate, private label and distribution departments, respectively, according to a Tuesday press release sent by email.
From: NRF SmartBrief
June 1 – First Insight: Consumers Making Changes As Inflation Bites
A new First Insight report, The State of Consumer Spending: Inflation Impacting Consumer Confidence indicates that consumers are coping with the rapidly rising costs of everything from gasoline to groceries but are becoming increasingly uncertain about prospects for the economy. From: HomePage News
