March 27 – Star Market Goes Big in Fenway
The retailer is planning a 50,000-square-foot store for a mixed-use development as part of an expansion at 401 Park. From: Win sight Grocery Business
March 26 – J.C. Penney’s Interim Chief Sees Signs of Growth
J.C. Penney is seeing weekly improvements, especially in specific growth categories including workout wear and home goods, interim CEO Stanley Shashoua said. Shashoua is also an executive with Simon Property Group, the mall owner that partnered with Brookfield to acquire nearly all of Penney’s assets last year, and plans call for adding lines from brands controlled by Authentic Brands Group, including Juicy Couture and Forever 21, to J.C. Penney’s merchandise mix. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 26 – Natural Grocers Debuting a New Format
The new store features a contemporary layout that is 40% larger than the original footprint. There will be Increased product selections throughout the store, and core departments such as 100% organic produce, body care and beauty, dietary supplements, frozen meats and grab-and-go have also been expanded. From: Progressive Grocer
March 25 – Lowe’s Looks Beyond the Garden to Grow Spring Sales
Lowe’s will hire about 50,000 seasonal staffers this spring, expand its annual spring sale from one weekend to the whole month of April and widen the scope of the sale to feature more than the traditional garden products. The home improvement retailer has also quadrupled the number of products featured on its e-commerce site to about 2 million, including exercise gear, home office equipment and other items that have been in demand during the past year. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 25 – The Top 20 Growth Chains of 2021
Convenience channel players still find a way to grow in the face of unprecedented challenges. From: Convenience Store News
March 24 – RH Soars on Strong Pandemic-era Demand for Home Goods
In fiscal 2020, RH’s sales climbed 8% to $2.85 billion. RH further expects that this year will be its biggest for product launches in the company’s history. mailing a catalog out to customers this week with 10 new outdoor collections, kicking off a massive rollout. Plans are in place to take its stores to Europe, in England and Paris, next year. From: CNBC
March 24 – Dollar General to Bring More of its Logistics In-house
Dollar General will build out its private trucking fleet to gain greater control and cut costs as shipping grows more expensive amid challenges related to the pandemic. Logistics costs took a bigger bite out of profits in the most recent quarter and plan to expand the fleet come as Dollar General ramps up its DG Fresh program that will shift more of the stores’ refrigerated cargo to the retailer’s trucks. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 24 – 7-Eleven Opens First Restaurant Drive-thru
The convenience store chain’s newest Evolution Store model in Dallas is part of its ongoing restaurant expansion across the U.S. From: Grocery Dive
March 24 – SpartanNash Chairman Dennis Eidson to Retire in May
The grocer plans to install lead independent director Douglas Hacker as chairman as it continues adjusting its senior ranks. From: Grocery Dive
March 24 – Amazon to Open 1st Fresh Grocery Store in New York
Site is former Fairway Market in Long Island. From: Progressive Grocer
March 23 – Walmart’s “Open Call” Virtual Event Accepting Supplier Submissions
Walmart is accepting applications through April 30th for the June 30th event. Only companies that produce, grow or assemble products made in the United States are eligible. From: Drugstore News
March 23 – Harris Teeter Summit Searches for Supplier Diversity
Harris Teeter is looking to add a more diverse range of suppliers to its network and planning a virtual summit in May that will allow minority firms to pitch their products directly to buyers. Interested suppliers in all grocery categories can apply through March 29, and Harris Teeter will work with RangeMe to manage and vet the submissions. From: Progressive Grocer
March 23 – Williams-Sonoma to Expand Manufacturing, Distribution Capacity by up to 30%
The company’s expansion will add about 2 million square feet to its distribution network. From: Retail Dive
March 23 – Starbucks to Improve Sustainable Coffee Sourcing, Reducing its Largest Carbon Culprit.
In a show of priorities, the company said it would take actions that make green coffee carbon-neutral instead of tackling emissions from transportation, packaging, and roasting operations. From: Supply Chain Dive
March 22 – Casey’s to pay $39M for 49 Circle K Stores in Oklahoma
The acquisition follows the convenience store chain’s recent efforts to refresh its brand, ramp up its private-label offerings and expand its grocery selection. From: Grocery Dive
March 22 – The Fresh Market Is Ready to Grow Again with Newest Hire
Company’s real estate, development and construction efforts will be led by a former Sprouts Farmers Market exec as IPO is explored.
From: Progressive Grocer
March 21– Kroger to Shutter Three LA Stores: Are More Closures Coming?
Just weeks after announcing store closures in Long Beach, Calif., and Seattle due to those city’s extra pay mandates for some front-line workers, The Kroger Co. has announced three more store closings in Los Angeles.
From: Winsight Grocery Business
March 19 – Wegmans Bails on Cary, N.C., Project
The retailer said e-commerce was extending the reach of existing stores, sparking a change in how it looks at store growth. From: Winsight Grocery Business
March 19 – Albertsons a ‘Stronger Company Than a Year Ago,’ Says CEO Vivek Sankaran
Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran discussed the company’s digital investments, third-party delivery and accelerated transformation during a recent Bank of America conference. From: Winsight Grocery Business
March 19 – Delivery Shift Gave Petco a Boost in 2020
Petco Health and Wellness partnered with DoorDash in December to launch same-day delivery for online shoppers, helping fuel a 16% increase in 2020 revenue. The retailer, which recently went public, uses its more than 1,500 stores to fulfill about 80% of its online orders, and the launch of same-day delivery helped ease congestion in traditional delivery channels as e-commerce soared last year, CEO Ron Coughlin said. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 19 – Giant Co. Debuts Stunning Urban Flagship
Hyper-local store features mobile pay, curbside pickup, and a food hall. From: Progressive Grocer
March 19 – Store Openings are Outpacing Closures in 2021
Retailers in the U.S. collectively plan to open 3,344 stores so far this year, according to a recent Coresight Research report. That is 39.5% more openings than announced at this point last year, and also well ahead of the 2,649 closures announced so far in 2021. Among those planning new stores for this year are Dollar General, which plans to add more than 1,000 locations in 2021, as well as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Five Below, Big Lots and Burlington. From: Retail Dive
March 18 – CBD Category Faces Challenges But Still Holds Promise for C-stores
MSA executive Don Burke predicts 2022 will be the year of growth for the category. From: Convenience Store News
March 18 – True Value Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer
True Value announced Jeff Olson will join the company as chief financial officer. Olson will begin his new role on March 29. As part of the transition, Deb O’Connor will be leaving True Value and pursuing other interests. She will remain with the company for the coming months to assist with the transition to the new CFO. From: Hardware Retailing
March 18 – Leaders from Kroger, Albertsons, Lowe’s Join Network of Executive Women Board
3 execs will join effort to advance all women in corporate workplaces. From: Progressive Grocer
March 18 – Walmart Disrupting Grocery Again
How the nation’s largest retailer is reimagining its business model in ways that were once unthinkable. From: Progressive Grocer
March 17- Williams Sonoma Post 4th Quarter Earnings Beating Expectations
Williams Sonoma posted fourth-quarter earnings Wednesday that beat analysts’ expectations as consumers continued to shop for furniture and cookware as they spent more time at home during the coronavirus pandemic. For the fiscal year 2021, the retailer expects a recovery in its retail traffic and inventory levels. From: CNBC
March 17 – Wayfair Names New Chief Marketing Officer Bob Sherwin will become the new Chief Marketing Office when Ed Macri retires in June. The retailer announced its marketing team will now reside under Wayfair’s Commercial organization, reporting to Chief Commercial Officer Steve Oblak. From: Retail Dive
March 17 – Giant Co. Nutritionists go Digital on Healthy Solutions
To help mark the start of spring and National Nutritionist Month in March, nutritionists from The Giant Company have rolled out a free Zoom series that focuses on quick and healthy recipes that cater to people cooking at home. The series runs through April and features separate sessions for kids 6 and younger and would-be cooks ages 7 to 18, along with weekly offerings for adults trying to make healthier meal choices. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 17 – Walmart, Target and the World of Post-Pandemic Shopping Walmart and Target booked strong revenue growth and increased their market shares in 2020, as they reacted quickly to pandemic-fueled shifts in shopping and held their own against Amazon. New challenges await as the pandemic recovery proceeds, and companies must find ways to cater to consumers’ demands for new experiences while continuing to feed their craving for convenience, industry insiders say. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 17 – H Mart to Make a Big Splash in Florida
Retailer’s 1st store in the state will span 183,894 square feet in Orlando/ From Progressive Grocer
March 17 – Retail Sales Rise 7.8% in February as Consumers Remain Hunkered Down
E-commerce soared 23.5% and home goods notched more gains, but apparel sales plummeted, especially at department stores. From: Retail Dive
March 16 – Ulta’s Next CEO: Trends That Will Outlast the Pandemic
Pandemic-related consumer trends in beauty that are likely to become permanent include an increasing focus on self-care and wellness, socially responsible brands and online engagement via virtual try-on tools, said Dave Kimbell, president and incoming CEO of retailer Ulta Beauty. The beauty category will also benefit from pent-up demand to connect in person, Kimbell added. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 16 – New Walgreens CEO Rosalind Brewer Takes the Reins
Rosalind Brewer officially took over as Walgreens CEO this week, making her the only Black woman serving as chief executive of a Fortune 500 company. Brewer spent 22 years climbing the ranks at Kimberly-Clark before joining Walmart in 2006, becoming Sam’s Club CEO in 2012 and, five years later, leaving to become Starbucks’ chief operating officer.
From: NRF SmartBrief
March 16 – Who’s the ‘Department Store’ Now?
Big boxes, specialty stores, and discounters have stolen shares from department stores for years. Now some, most notably Target, are stealing their merchandising playbook too. From: Retail Dive
March 16 – Walmart Taps Brandon Maxwell to Oversee Free Assembly, Scoop
The retailer named the designer, who has worked with Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama, as creative director for some of its elevated private brands. From: Retail Dive
March 16 – Giant Co. Names SVP of Customer Experience
Retail vet Glennis Harris succeeds John Ponnett. From: Progressive Grocer
March 16 – Big Lots Boosts Outdoor Assortment for Summer
The retailer’s Broyhill and Real Living brands highlight its largest-ever lawn and garden lineup of patio furniture, accessories and more. From: Store Brands Today
March 15 – How Mask Makers are Driving Joann’s Growth
Fabric and crafts retailer Joann went public Friday for a second time since opening in 1943, in an initial public offering that priced shares at $12 each. Joann has seen a surge in sales over the past year, fueled in part by a rise in crafters turning their mask-making skills into businesses and selling wares on sites like Etsy. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 15 – New Toys R Us Owner Plans a Revival of U.S. Stores
Brand management firm WHP Global has bought a controlling stake in Tru Kids, the parent of Toys R Us, with plans to open branded US stores likely in time for the holiday shopping season, WHP CEO Yehuda Shmidman said. Tru Kids acquired Toys R Us and its related brands in 2017 after the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 15 – Schnucks Looks for New Local Suppliers
Grocer builds on partnership with RangeMe to reach local vendors. From: Progressive Grocer
March 15 – Walgreens to Seek Local and Regional Suppliers at Upcoming Localization Summit
The first-ever Localization Summit slated for May 13 will offer local and regional vendors the opportunity to connect with Walgreens’ merchandising team, share their products and receive feedback, with the ultimate goal of ending up in Walgreens stores in their areas.
From: Drugstore News
March 15 – BJ’s Sees Surging Curbside Pickup Business
Robert Eddy, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at BJ’s Wholesale Club, said the company has seen interest in its curbside pickup surge since launching the service chainwide in 2020, with more than half of online orders delivered through that channel in the fourth quarter.
From: Retail Dive
March 12 –Meijer Donates Additional $1M to Simply Give Food Pantry Partners
The donation will be divided equally among its 347 food pantry partners that participated in the 2020 Simply Give program. In addition, on March 13 and April 3, Meijer will double match any Simply Give cards purchase, the company said. From: Drugstore News
March 12 – Sprouts Provides a Peek at Its New Store Format
The retailer said its smaller store, intended to showcase a revamped go-to-market strategy and support a more profitable business, will debut this year in four new-builds and one renovation. From: Winsight Grocery Business
March 12 – Ace Hardware Helps Homeowners Tackle DIY Jobs Now
Ace Hardware has created a new promotion designed to help DIYers leave procrastination behind and tackle their long-planned painting and home improvement projects. The hardware retailer, which has named April 3 “Some Day” to mark the date for homeowners to complete projects they’ve been putting off, is offering members of its loyalty program a free monthlong subscription to babysitting search service Sittercity, in response to a survey showing 14% of parents cited a lack of childcare as the reason for putting off painting jobs. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 12 – Target to Leave 1M-Square-Foot Downtown Minn. Space
Target will trim its downtown Minneapolis office space by a third, exiting nearly 1 million square feet of space in the 51-story City Center skyscraper, the retailer said. Most of the company’s 8,500 employees who work in the downtown area have been remote over the past year, and the 3,500 staffers who worked in the City Center offices will be reassigned to other locations. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 12 – IKEA Turns its Iconic Catalog into a Podcast
IKEA has transformed its voluminous paper catalog into an almost four-hour-long audio version to give fans of the Sweden-based furniture retailer a hands-free way to peruse its offerings. “We know that by now, you’ve probably binged through every possible podcast, audiobook, and ‘Best of 2020’ playlist there is, so maybe you could use some new soothing sounds to put on while we all continue for normal life to get back to … normal,” the podcast narrator says. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 12 – Amazon Plans to open 28 More Fresh Stores
Amazon plans to open at least 28 more Fresh grocers in the US, hoping to add to its growing share of the $900 billion grocery market. Its 11th Fresh store opened in Bloomingdale, Ill., Thursday, and a company spokesperson confirmed five new stores will be opening in Long Beach, Calif., Woodland Park and Paramus, N.J., and Seattle and Bellevue, Wash. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 12 – Lord & Taylor to Relaunch Online, with Help From RTW Retailwinds
The Saadia Group bought the 200-year-old department store and its owner, rental site Le Tote, for $12 million at an October bankruptcy auction.
From: Retail Dive
March 12 – Ulta CEO Mary Dillon to Step Down After 8 Years at the Helm
Dillon has overseen impressive growth as the beauty specialist over the years and will pass the role to President Dave Kimbell in June. From: Retail Dive
March 12 – SpartanNash Names New CFO
Jason Monaco will reunite with CEO Tony Sarsam after the two worked together at Borden Dairy. From: Grocery Dive
March 12 – JD.com Net Revenue up by 29.3% in FY20 Results
JD saw accelerated revenue and user growth during the fourth quarter with net revenues for Q4 2020 USD134.4 billion, up 31.4% from Q4 2019.
From: Daily Brief
March 12 – Plum Market Kitchen Debuts in Cleveland’s University Circle
Independent grocer partnered with Bon Appétit Management Co., Case Western Reserve on location. From: Progressive Grocer
March 11 – Big Lots to Add 2 Distribution Centers to Speed Replenishment of Palletized, Big and Bulky Inventory
The retailer faces extended lead times with inventory stuck in-transit in a clogged ocean freight network. From: Supply Chain Dive
March 11 – BJ’s Wholesale Grows Across Categories in Q4
Same-store sales, excluding gasoline sales, increased by 15.9% at BJ’s, including digitally enabled sales growth of 168% and physical store comps of 13%. From: Store Brands Today
March 10 – Kroger Is Shutting Down Ralphs, Food 4 Less Stores in L.A.
Grocers cite pandemic wage mandate. From: Progressive Grocer
March 10 – Walmart Teams with TikTok on ‘Spring Shop-Along’
2nd collaboration focuses on beauty products. From: Progressive Grocer
March 9 – Casey’s Private-Label Offering Hits All the Right Notes
A reset initiative enabled the convenience retailer to roll out the program to more than 2,200 stores. From: Convenience Store News
March 9 – Target Could Move into Macy’s Magnificent Mile Space
Target is reportedly one of a list of companies considering a move into the soon-to-be-vacant Macy’s department store on Chicago’s iconic Magnificent Mile, a district traditionally known for high-end retailers and brands. Macy’s plans to vacate its 323,812 square feet that span all eight floors and the mezzanine level of Water Tower Place, which has lost other shops during the pandemic as well, including Starbucks and Gap.
From: NRF SmartBrief
March 9 – The Running List of Major Retail Deals in 2021
From IPOs to acquisitions, here’s the latest on some of the top deals retailers have announced this year. From: Retail Dive
March 9 – Target Breaks Ground in Yonkers, New York
130K-square-foot store to replace 4-story Sears. From: Progressive Grocer
March 8 – H-E-B Exec Says Grocer’s Growth Will Continue This Year
H.E. Butt Grocery has faced down an ongoing series of challenges ranging from the pandemic to this year’s winter storm, but Central Market division President Stephen Butt says the grocer plans to continue to push ahead with its growth throughout 2021. In this Q&A, Butt discusses the repeal of mask mandates in Texas and how the company and its employees are rebounding from the chaos of February’s freeze. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 8 – Whole Foods has 5 Beauty Trends for 2021
The retailer spotted trends to support clean beauty products, as consumers look to simplify beauty treatments and routines for the year ahead.
From: Store Brands Today
March 8 – Albertsons Shows Off Obsession with Innovation
Test underway in northern California with new last-mile delivery vehicle featuring 120-pound capacity. From: Progressive Grocer
March 6 – Publix Helping Shoppers Get Back to Normal Grocer lauds vaccine efforts amid stunning Q4 report. From: Progressive Grocer
March 5 – Burlington to Bet Bigger on Brick-and-Mortar Retail
Off-price retailer Burlington Stores is looking to open 100 new stores this year and sees potential growth from its current roster of more than 750 stores to about 2,000 in the future. The retailer is planning a smaller format to take advantage of real estate opportunities left by the closure of stores including Pier 1 and Modell’s Sporting Goods. From NRF SmartBrief
March 5 – Neiman Marcus to Invest $85M in Supply Chain Neiman Marcus Group will sell two Texas distribution centers to unnamed buyers in deals slated to close by the end of March. The move, which will leave the luxury retailer with two facilities in Pittston, Pa., and Dallas, is part of a plan to invest $85 million in supply chain operations innovation in the coming years. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 5 – Penney’s Makes Bigger Moves Back into Home Textiles
J.C. Penney is bringing back its Fieldcrest brand as part of a renewed focus on home textiles, 90% of which will be new offerings by the summer, Senior Vice President Stacey Shively said. The returning brand joins new ones like Linden Street and new products from existing brands including Liz Claiborne. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 5 – Off-Pricers Face Slow Recovery After a Rough Year Despite pressures that will remain this year, these retailers hold key advantages compared to department stores and other apparel sellers. From: Retail Dive
March 5 – Private Equity Pours $500M into Saks Fifth Avenue’s E-commerce Spinoff
Insight Partners will take a minority stake in the deal, which is valued at $2 billion and allows owner HBC to unlock value from the luxury brand. From: Retail Dive
March 5 – Dollar Tree Eyes at Least 3K Locations for Rural Concept Stores
A new format that combines the retailer’s namesake brand with Family Dollar’s aims for smaller, underserved markets. From: Grocery Dive
March 5 – Ahold Delhaize to Add AT&T Chief Digital Officer to Supervisory Board
Bala Subramanian will bring his technology experience from the retail and telecom industries to the Dutch grocery company. From: Grocery Dive
March 5 – Freshly Adds Amazon Private Brand Exec
The prepared foods service, acquired by Nestlé last year, has hired Anna Fabrega to be its chief commercialization officer; she helped lead the Amazon Kitchen brand. From: Store Brands Today
March 5 – Costco Net Sales up by 14.7% in Q2 2021
Comparable e-commerce sales were up 75.8% for the second quarter of FY21. From: Daily Brief
March 4 – Dollar Tree to Open Hundreds of “Combination Stores”
Co-branded Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores could grow to several hundred locations in the coming years as the sister companies look to build on pandemic-fueled momentum to achieve better results in rural communities. Since last July, 47 “combination stores” have opened and Dollar Tree President and CEO Michael Witynski said customer reaction has been positive. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 4 – Michaels Acquired by Apollo Global in $5B deal
Private equity firm Apollo Global Management will acquire Texas-based crafts and art supply retailer Michaels in a deal valued at $5 billion, or $22 per share. Michaels has about 1,250 stores in North America and it recovered quickly from store closures early in the pandemic as demand for arts and crafts projects soared. From: NRF Smartbrief
March 4 – Kroger Beats Estimates in Q4 as Digital Momentum Builds
The grocer forecast identical sales growth of 9% to 11% for fiscal 2021 on a two-year basis as it laps record sales driven by the pandemic.
From: Grocery Dive
March 4 – Grocery Comps, Digital Sales Surge 18% at BJ’s Wholesale Club
Pandemic consumers mobbed BJ’s Wholesale Club during the fourth quarter looking for fresh meat, frozen meals, fresh produce, beverages and salty snacks. From: Progressive Grocer
March 4 – Disney Plans to Close at Least 60 Stores in North America
The brand giant is refocusing around e-commerce after retail revenue fell by 4% during the pandemic. From: Retail Dive
March 4 – Walmart to Spend $350B on Local Sourcing, Work to Pinpoint Barriers to Reshoring
The retailer touted benefits such as increased support for small and diverse suppliers in the U.S., plus reduced carbon emissions, as it sources closer to the end consumer. From: Supply Chain Dive
March 4 – Bed Bath & Beyond Private Label Transformation
Opening with the new brand Nestwell this month, six new private brands will launch over the next six months and 10 over the next two years.
From: Store Brands Today
March 4 – SpartanNash Names VP, Fresh Merch
Amy McClellan came to company via Martin’s Super Markets acquisition. From: Progressive Grocer
March 3 – 7-Eleven Reaches $1B Milestone in Private Brand Sales
The convenience retailer offers 1,500 items under two private brand lines, 7-Select and 24/7 Life by 7-Eleven. From: Convenience Store News Daily
March 3 – Target’s $15B Sales Growth in 2020 Outpaces Past 11 Years
The mass merchant’s digital sales during the year ballooned by nearly $10 billion, while its same-day services increased by 235%. From: Grocery Dive
March 3 – Hy-Vee is Bringing Nail Salons into Select Stores
The first in-store W Nail Bar salon is slated to open in early April in Bettendorf, Iowa, with several more planned to debut later this year.
From: Grocery Dive
March 3 – Michaels to be Acquired by Private Equity Firm for $5B
Apollo Global Management will tap long-term debt to partly finance the deal, which comes as the crafts retailer enjoys pandemic-fueled sales. From: Retail Dive
March 3 – How Amazon and Walmart’s Head-to-head Competition is Changing Retail
The evolution of the two shows that being a retail giant means more than selling merchandise. From: Retail Dive
March 3 – Dollar Tree Lauds Rollout of Dual-Branded Combo Store The retailer has quietly stepped up its rollout of dual-branded Family Dollar-Dollar Tree stores, bringing the single-price point offering to rural towns and strongly outperforming legacy Family Dollar units. From: Winsight Grocery Business
March 2 – Kohl’s Counts on New Brands, Partnerships to Grow Sales Kohl’s beat analysts’ forecasts for fourth-quarter sales and earnings and outlined plans for growth in 2021, including the launch this month of a private-label athleisure brand, FLX. Sephora shops will open in 200 Kohl’s locations later this year as part of an ongoing transformation to improve the in-store shopping experience and its partnership with Amazon brought in 2 million new customers last year, a third of whom were millennials, CEO Michelle Gass said. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 2 – Kroger COO Mike Donnelly to retire
The grocer has not yet named a successor to the 42-year company veteran. From: Grocery Dive
March 2 – Lowe’s Fulfills 60% of Online Orders From Stores, Moving 6-Times Faster
The retailer is transitioning to a market-based model, with distribution centers and dozens of cross docks that allow more flexible fulfillment. From: Supply Chain Dive
March 2 – Paper Source Files for Bankruptcy
The card and gift retailer which runs 158 stores, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with a plan to sell itself and close at least 11 stores. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Paper Source had been “enjoying rapid expansion and sustained sales growth,” CFO Ronald Kruczynski said. From: Retail Dive
March 2 – Southeastern Grocers Introduces Supplier Diversity Program
Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG) is bolstering its commitment to include a broader range of diverse suppliers with a new program. Under the initiative, the grocer will work to identify and boost sourcing from grocery, general merchandise, and/or beauty and personal care product suppliers that are at least 51% owned, operated and managed by people who are disadvantaged, disabled, LGBTQ+, military veterans. From: Progressive Grocer
March 1 – Macy’s Operating Chief Harper to Depart amid Other Leadership Changes
John Harper will be leaving Macy’s on Aug. 1, and the post won’t be refilled, as the department store looks to overhaul its business and woo back customers who are increasingly shopping online and avoiding malls during the pandemic. From CNBC
March 1 – Target Adds $15 Billion to Top Line in Fiscal 2020
Target Corp. cited omnichannel synergies amid the pandemic as the catalyst for nearly 20% comparable sales growth, with digital sales accounting for nearly $10 billion of the $10 billion added to the company’s top line for the year. On the brick-and-mortar front, Target aims to open 30 to 40 news locations a year. From: Supermarket News
March 1 – Walmart Expands Its Cookshop Concept
New features aim to attract more food retail shoppers. From: Progressive Grocer
March 1 – Nordstrom Jumps into Fitness with New Brands
Tonal, an at-home workout equipment brand, will open in-store shops at 40 Nordstrom locations as part of the upscale department store’s expanded focus on fitness. Nordstrom has introduced a slew of new workout wear, athleisure and equipment brands in recent months including Brooks Running, Outdoor Voices and Eleven by Venus Williams, which rolls out this month. From: NRF SmartBrief
March 1 – Alfalfa’s Market to Close Flagship Store this Week
The iconic Boulder, Colorado, natural foods location suffered from reduced foot traffic and pricey real estate. From: Grocery Dive
March 1 – Sprouts Sees Digital Sales Soar Almost 300% in Q4 as it Drives Traffic In-House
The natural foods chain saw 15% of its online traffic come through its new in-house platform. From: Grocery Dive
