February 28 – Consumers Cautious of AI Amid Growing E-Commerce Integration
39% of consumers said they have abandoned purchases while shopping due to frustrating AI interactions, such as inaccurate recommendations or poor chatbot interactions. From: HomePage News
February 28 – QVC Extends Rawlinson as CEO While Posting Non-Cash Q4 Loss
The new employment agreement with Rawlinson extends his term as president and CEO through December 31, 2027. From: HomePage News
February 28 – U.S. gia Winner the Artist’s Kitchen Shop Curates a Retail Experience
Located in the heart of the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Shopping Village in Sedona, Arizona, The Artist’s Kitchen Shop is an experience. From: HomePage News
February 28 – The Knot: Couples Focusing on Weddings as Beacon in Uncertain Times
More than three-quarters of couples surveyed said weddings remain as important as ever. Almost all couples, at 96%, feel grateful to celebrate in person with loved ones. From; HomePage News
February 27 – Do it Best Names New Directors of Operations
Do it Best recently announced the appointment of Matt Loprest and Tim Pieper as directors of operations for the company, following the promotions of Ty Sordelet to Do it Best vice president of logistics and Steve Rose to True Value vice president of distribution in December. From: Hardware Retailing
February 27 – eBay Does Better Than Expected in Q4 As Priorities Shift
The eBay fourth quarter came in ahead of a Wall Street estimate as the company has been rebalancing its business to engage more with enthusiasts such as collectors. From: HomePage News
February 27 – Wawa Sets Date for Official Entry into the Midwest
Wawa Inc. will celebrate its 61st anniversary with the grand opening of the chain’s first convenience store in the State of Ohio. From: Convenience Store News
February 27 – Hamilton Beach Posts Q4 Gains, Looks Forward to Year Ahead
In 2025, Hamilton Beach stated, the company expects the retail marketplace for small kitchen appliances to grow in the low-single digit range, led by the U.S. business. From: HomePage News
February 27 – ODP Plans Shift from Retail to B2B After Soft Q4
In announcing the financial results, Gerry Smith, ODP CEO, said the company had initiated what he termed as an Optimize for Growth plan. From: HomePage News
February 26 – Lowe’s Reports ‘Total Home’ Strategy Gained Traction in Q4
Lowe’s Cos. beat Wall Street estimates in the fourth quarter as it continues to push its “Total Home” strategy with particular emphasis on advancing omnichannel capabilities. From: HomePage News
February 26 – Neiman Marcus Dallas Flagship Will Close Despite City’s Intervention
Saks Global will shutter Neiman Marcus’ flagship store in Dallas, even though the lease dispute that was forcing the closure has been resolved. From: Retail Dive
February 26 – TJX Beats Street in Q4 with Lift from Comp Sales Gain
TJX grew its store count for the year, with HomeGoods gaining from 919 locations to 943 and Homesense increasing from 55 to 72 locations. From: HomePage News
February 26 – Wayfair Heading to The Inspired Home Show to Advance Housewares Expansion
Wayfair is attending The Inspired Home Show to see what’s new and encourage vendors to join the company’s initiative to grow and tailor its housewares assortment. From: HomePage News
February 26 – Placer.ai: Supercenter Sector Foot Traffic Gaining but Not as Fast as Warehouse Club
Warehouse clubs continued seeing greater traffic gains than their superstore competitors in January, with Costco and Sam’s Club up 7.7% each and BJ’s up 7.4%. From: HomePage News
February 25 – Home Depot Q4 Comps Gain with Help from Appliances, Storage
Appliance and storage were among the categories that helped return Home Depot to comparable-sales growth during the fourth quarter that saw the home improvement retailer top financial expectations. From: HomePage News
February 25 – Beyond’s Lemonis Sees Path to Profit After Q4 Falls Short of Expectations
Lemonis said Beyond’s performance on key metrics, such as gross marketing, are positioning the company to become profitable possibly by the end of the year. From: HomePage News
February 19 – Monk Tree Partners: Prioritizing the ‘Human Element’ in Housewares Recruiting
The Philadelphia-based agency connects talent — ranging from entry-level professionals to senior and executive leaders in sales, marketing, product development and operations — with companies nationwide. From: HomePage News
February 24 – Joann to be Sold, All Stores Going Out of Business
The move follows a bankruptcy auction in which the winners, GA Group and the retailer’s lenders, said they will initiate going out of business sales at all locations. From: HomePage News
February 24 – Qurate Completes Name Change to QVC Group
QVC Group continues to support what were Qurate’s banners: QVC, HSN, Ballard Designs, Frontgate, Garnet Hill and Grandin Road. From: HomePage News
February 24 – Hy-Vee Partners with Caitlin Clark Foundation to Support Childhood Nutrition
Hy-Vee is partnering with the Caitlin Clark Foundation to support childhood nutrition by raising funds for local food banks across the Midwest in March. From: Drugstore News
February 24 – Numerator: Cooking at Home Persists as Consumer Confidence Slips a Bit
To save money as they manage their finances, consumers cook at home. From: HomePage News
February 24 – Report: Generation, Gender Make a Difference in Online Shopping
Age and gender play a significant role in online shopping, according to the 2025 Consumer Insights Report from Wunderkind, a performance marketing firm. From: HomePage News
February 21 – Best Buy Launches Free Degrees for Full- and Part-Time Workers
The consumer electronics retailer said it will provide immediate access to the program on an employee’s first day of employment. From: Retail Dive
February 21 – Sheehan Succeeding Orvos as Ross Stores CFO
Sheehan joined Ross in February 2006 and has served in roles of increasing responsibility across the finance organization. Before joining Ross, Sheehan held posts at Lord & Taylor. From: HomePage News
February 21 – Sprouts Farmers Market to Open at Least 35 Stores on Heels of ‘Remarkable’ 2024
For 2025, Sprouts expects net sales growth of 10.5% to 12.5%, with comparable store sales growth of 4.5% to 6.5%. From: Chain Store Age
February 21 – Store Closures Outpace Openings Amid ‘Historic Shift’ to Service-Based Tenants
For the first time in recent years, retail store closures are exceeding openings, JLL said in its Q4 real estate report. From: Retail Dive
February 21 – JCPenney Stores Up for Sale to Keep Retailer’s Banner
Hilco Real Estate, enlisted to sell 121 JCPenney properties, reported the stores will continue operating under the JCPenney retail banner after they are sold. From: HomePage News
February 21 – Scheels to Expand in Wisconsin
Scheels will open a store at Mayfair in Wauwatosa, Wis. in spring 2027. From: Chain Store Age
February 21 – Numerator: Consumers Consider BNLP for Big Ticket Purchase, Some Remain Wary
Numerator pointed out that half of shoppers in the United States have made a Buy Now, Pay Later payment but, in a poll of 2,500 BNLP users, found continued wariness about tapping such credit. From: HomePage News
February 21 – Ikea to Open 8 New US Stores This Spring, Summer
Ikea’s store openings are part of its multibillion-dollar investment strategy to expand its store fleet. From: Retail Dive
February 21 – 7-Eleven CEO Honored for Commitment to Veterans
Joe DePinto is known for his long-term supporting of servicemembers and their families. From: Convenience Store News
February 21 – Belk to Open Two Outlet Stores in its Home State
The company is also continuing to expand its product offerings of customer-loved national brands and has added over 250 new brands since 2023. From: Chain Store Age
February 20 – Wayfair Posts Q4 Revenue Gain as Return-to-Growth Strategy Advances
Wayfair, in reporting fourth-quarter revenue gains, stated its strategic plan focused on returning to growth gained traction during the period. From: HomePage News
February 20 – Independent Grocers Face ‘Significant Financial Losses’ Amid Egg Shortages, NGA Says
State regulators should waive minimum egg stocking requirements for retailers that serve WIC customers, the trade group said in a letter to the USDA secretary. From: Grocery Dive
February 20 – General Merchandise Gains Help Walmart Exceed Q4 Expectations
Walmart reported stronger general merchandise sales as an important factor in the company’s fourth-quarter financial gains. From: HomePage News
February 20 – Ulta Strikes Lucky Deal Linking Vendor DTC Sites to Stores
Consumers browsing a preferred brand website or marketing platform can see which products might be available at nearby Ulta stores they can visit to shop their choices or tap for same-day pickup or delivery. From: HomePage News
February 20 – Giant Food Takes 80M-Pound Bite Out of Food Waste
Giant Food teamed up with circular economy company Divert, Inc. on the food waste program in 2022. From: Progressive Grocer
February 19 – Which Retail Channels Stand to Gain When 500 Joann Stores Close?
74% of consumers surveyed by Numerator said they would most likely shift their purchases to chain craft stores such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby. From: HomePage News
February 19 – Nordstrom Brings on Neiman Marcus Vet as Director of Luxury Styling
The company is transforming its Nordstrom Local location on Melrose Place in Los Angeles into a dedicated storefront for Bloom and her clients, dubbed Catherine Bloom for Nordstrom. From: Retail Dive
February 19 – Ikea Ready for Spring with New Housewares Collection, Simplified Assembly Service
Ikea describes Tjärlek as a collection that embodies spring with its bright palette, hand-painted patterns and lively shapes across a range of product categories, including tableware, glassware and textiles. From: HomePage News
February 19 – Michaels Names Staples Canada Vet CEO
Boone’s retail leadership experience includes serving as CEO of Staples Canada during a six-year transformation effort. From: Retail Dive
February 18 – Sally Beauty Continues Comp Sales Growth in Q1
Sally Beauty pressed forward in its first quarter with revenue and earnings gains and improved comparable sales year over year in both its business segments. From: HomePage News
February 18 – Kirkland’s Charts Path to Profitability with Beyond Deal, Strategic Overhaul
The deal involves developing Bed Bath & Beyond brick-and-mortar stores. From: HomePage News
February 18 – Do it Best and True Value Move Forward Together
Supply chain and vendor relations have been concerns for retailers on both sides since True Value filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2024. From: Hardware Retailing
February 18 – Refurbished Goods E-Tailer Verdi.com Expands into New-Condition Housewares
Joe Schaefer, Verdi CEO, said the company plans to add more housewares and small appliance brands in the coming weeks to the new condition offering on Verdi.com. From: HomePage News
February 17 – JCPenney Closing Eight Locations Across the U.S.
A spokesperson from the company noted JCP has no plans to significantly reduce its store count, but it will continue analyzing its portfolio performance. From: HomePage News
February 17 – Pottery Barn Kids Expands Modern Baby Lineup
Products that fall under the Pottery Barn Kids Modern Baby designation include furniture, home decor, storage and tall-form diaper pails. From: HomePage News
February 17 – DeVaney Named President of CVS Caremark Operations
The new approach to the business places more emphasis on the stores, realigning the health care services part of the operation to leverage the connection to consumers provided by its physical CVS locations in planning for growth. From: HomePage News
February 14 – ISM: Services Sector Expanded in January, Manufacturing Sector Returned to Growth
In the Institute Supply Management ongoing survey of purchasing and supply executives, January came in as the seventh straight month of economic expansion in the services sector. From: HomePage News
February 14 – NRF: Spending Trend Stable Despite January Retail Sales Slowdown
The National Retail Federation noted that although retail sales fell in January compared to the previous month, year-over-year sales advanced. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Ollie’s Replaces Four Big Lots Stores in Wisconsin
Ollie’s stores are operating in Fond Du Lac, Sheboygan, West Bend and Mount Pleasant markets. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Port Tracker: December Import Volume Sets a Record
Retailers have been frontloading key products for several months because of the potential for an East Coast/Gulf Coast port strike in January as well as to get ahead of potential tariffs outlined by the Trump Administration. From: HomePage News
February 13 – Rite Aid Taps Bryant Harris as SVP, Chief Merchandising Officer
Rite Aid said Harris will play a critical role in evolving its merchandising strategy to offer product assortment that meets the changing needs of its customers. From: Drug Store News
February 12 – Amazon Testing Search That Includes Products Beyond Its Platform
Amazon has made the upgraded search live on the Amazon Shopping app for a subset of customers in the United States. From: HomePage News
February 12 – Ace Rides New Stores, Comp Gains to Record Q4 Revenue, Earnings
For the full fiscal year, Ace net income was $315 million versus $326.1 million in the year before. From: HomePage News
February 12 – Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness Lead Way for CVS in Q4
In announcing the financial results, David Joyner, president and CEO, said, “Our integrated model allows us to uniquely deliver a simpler, connected experience that saves time, saves money, and improves health.” From: HomePage News
February 11 – BJ’s Wholesale Clubs Sets Sights on Texas
There are stores planned for Fort Worth, Forney, Waxahachie, and Grand Prairie. Each location will span over 106,000 square feet. From: Supermarket News
February 11 – Mark & Graham Launches Sanderson Floral Prints on Home Decor, Pet Products
The new collaboration reimagines the prints for a collection of products ranging from decorative accessories to personal storage items such as jewelry boxes, travel and carry products and pet essentials. From: HomePage News
February 11 – Trump Administration Delays End of De Minimis Exception on China Tariffs
The de minimis tariff exception, which negates duties otherwise imposed on products crossing the U.S. border, applies to goods valued less than $800. From: HomePage News
February 11 – Wegmans to Debut New Stores in Maryland and Connecticut This Summer
Currently Wegmans is preparing to open its first location on New York’s Long Island. From: Grocery Dive
February 11 – Retail Monitor: January Sales Dip from December but Rise Year-Over-Year
General merchandise stores were down 2.43% month over month, seasonally adjusted, but up 7.53% year over year unadjusted. .From: HomePage News
February 11 – Wayfair Boosts AI Personalized Shopping Capabilities with Muse
Muse builds on Wayfair’s Decorify pilot application, which allows customers to select from a few preset styles to see how their space could be transformed. From: HomePage News
February 10 – Macy’s Promotes Company Veteran Cameron to Chief Stores Officer
The company reported she will spearhead initiatives to modernize Macy’s, improve the shopping environment and elevate customer and employee experience. From: HomePage News
February 10 – Hilco Supervising Sale of 121 JCPenney Locations
The majority of the properties are locations in major metropolitan areas, including Austin, TX, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles and New York. From: HomePage News
February 10 – Nonfoods, E-Commerce Drive Costco January Comp Gains
Costco’s comparable stores’ sales advanced 9.8% year over year. From: HomePage News
February 7 – Amazon Rides Wider Selections, Faster Delivery to Q4 Global, North America Gains
Amazon’s North America results advanced, driven by selection expansion, price cuts and greater convenience, including faster delivery, the company reported. From: HomePage News
February 6 – Numerator: Wellness Rises in 2025 As Inflation Concerns Persist
According to the report, consumers will most likely remain price-sensitive through 2025 but still find ways to spend on experiences and products that bring joy. From: HomePage News
February 6 – Kirkland’s Approves Plan for Next Generation of Bed Bath & Beyond Stores
“We are committed to leveraging the strengths of each company to drive long-term sustainable growth as we work together to build the omni-channel strategy across our family of brands,” said Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis. From: HomePage News
February 6 – Dollar General Splits Store Operations and Development
Dollar General Corp. is reconfiguring its store operations and development functions, assigning executives to lead the functions as it examines growth opportunities. From: HomePage News
February 5 – All Bargain Hunt Stores Start Going-Out-of-Business Sales
Bargain Hunt stores are set to close by the end of February, Hilco stated. Until then, shoppers can receive discounts up to 40% off the lowest ticketed prices. From: HomePage News
February 5 – Simon Property Group Turns to ‘B’ Malls for Growth
Plans over the next two years include adding tenants, filling empty space and generally “updating the look, feel of the place,” CEO David Simon told analysts Tuesday. From: Retail Dive
February 5 – Walmart Engages Families with Valentine’s Day Initiative
Walmart is positioning itself as a prime resource for family celebrations where parents can extend the festivities to include children and other family members, including pets. From: HomePage News
February 5 – Qurate Realigning Executive Suite, Closing Florida Campus
Qurate stated that the company is reorganizing its executive team to combine capabilities supporting live shopping in the United States while maintaining distinct brand voices for QVC and HSN. From: HomePage News
February 4 – Ollie’s Names Van der Valk CEO; Moves Swygert to Executive Chairman
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings appointed Eric van der Valk president and CEO, adding him to the company’s board of directors. From: HomePage News
February 4 – Tubi Streaming Shoppable Super Bowl Programming Featuring Gordon Ramsay
“Tubi’s collaboration with Shopsense AI is an important step forward in blending entertainment and commerce for brands and consumers through retail media CTV partnerships,” said Jeff Lucas, Tubi chief revenue officer. From: HomePage News
February 4 – How Save A Lot plans to Continue its Growth Momentum
The discounter laid the groundwork last year for key initiatives in 2025 such as a loyalty program and new store formats, Chief Operating Officer Bill Mayo said. From: Grocery Dive
February 4 – Store Managers Enter 2025 With Increased Optimism
Commercial real estate services company Levin Management Corp. released results of a survey revealing store managers entered 2025 with a favorable attitude fueled by strong annual and holiday sales volume. From: HomePage News
February 3 – JCPenney Builds Online Support for its B2B Business
A unique company website, jcpenneyb2b.com, provides current and potential bulk-order customers with exclusive access to JCPenney’s catalog of products across several divisions. From: HomePage News
February 3 – Beyond Acquires Buy Buy Baby in Deal That Could Generate Cryptocurrency Token
Beyond envisions a brick-and-mortar presence for the Buy Buy Baby brand. It will be integrated with Beyond’s ongoing strategic development of the Bed Bath & Beyond banner. From: HomePage News
February 3 – Social Commerce, Influencers Building Trust Among Shoppers
More than half of respondents find influencer recommendations nearly as trustworthy as recommendations from family and friends. From: HomePage News
