September 30 – Adobe: Online Holiday Spending Prospects Look Bright
The associated study indicated that mobile shopping should be a particular force powering spending velocity across the digital storescape, and that retailers that optimize for mobile will likely benefit the most. From: HomePage News
September 30 – eBay Introduces Latest Class of ‘Up & Running’ Grant Winners
For 2024, eBay awarded 50 sellers in the United States $10,000, plus training and mentorship, to help strengthen and grow their businesses. From: HomePage News
September 30 – Port Strike Looms as Labor and Management Remain at Odds
The strike deadline at East and Gulf Coast Ports in the United States is midnight September 30, and as the possibility of a job action looms, retailers and their vendors have been preparing for supply chain disruptions. From: HomePage News
September 27 – CB2 Rolls Out Latest goop Collaboration with Gwyneth Paltrow
Dining furniture, dinnerware and stemware take center stage in the latest goop iteration at CB2, showcasing material and layered composition to create a unique appeal, according to the retailer. From: HomePage News
September 27 – Home Products Boost Costco Q4 As Earnings Beat Estimates
Gary Millerchip, executive vice president and CFO, noted that store traffic increased 5.6% in the U.S. while average ticket, sans fuel and foreign exchange, was up 0.6%. From: HomePage News
September 26 – Big Lots Introduces Affiliate Marketing Program That Rewards Content Creators8
Big Lots developed the affiliate program working with impact.com, a partnership management platform. From: HomePage News
September 26 – Meijer Reaches Carbon Emissions Reduction Goal a Year Early
As part of its continuing commitment to sustainability, Meijer has implemented various key actions that enhanced its operational efficiency and contributes to its carbon emissions reduction milestone. From: Progressive Grocer
September 26 – Target Details Circle Week Home & Housewares Deals
Target noted that Circle Week bargains include a spend $50 on household essentials and receive a $15 Target GiftCard deal for members who are looking to beat inflation. From: HomePage News
September 26 – Big Lots Sweetens the Deal for Social Media Creators
According to Big Lots, the new affiliate program will build on the success of the company’s fast-growing social media influencer and ambassador program. From: Progressive Grocer
September 26 – Lowe’s Launches First Exclusive Member Event
Whether shopping in-store or online, members will enjoy even more savings during the inaugural Lowe’s Rewards Week event, just ahead of the holiday season. From: HomePage News
September 25 – Virtual Attacks on Retailers Surging in Holiday, Promotional Periods
According to Cequence, an API security and bot management firm, retailers faced a 79% surge in blocked bot traffic across the LBOR Day weekend. From: HomePage News
September 25 – Ulta Beauty Lines Up “Wicked” Promotion
The Wicked-inspired collection, available at Ulta Beauty and priced from $8 to $60, spans ten product categories. From: HomePage News
September 25 – Marshalls Accelerates Aspirational Marketing to Women
Marshalls is promoting the Marshalls Good Stuff Accelerator Program to help women identify the path toward their ideal lives and start achieving their professional and personal ambitions. From: HomePage News
September 24 – Survey: Holiday 2024 Subject to Contrasting Influences
BCG anticipates modest holiday spending growth as real consumption has continued to grow in the post- pandemic era. From: HomePage News
Stop & Shop Announces New President
Ahold Delhaize USA has named Roger Wheeler as president of its Stop & Shop banner, effective Sept. 30.From: Grocery Dive
September 24 – Former TriNet, Oracle Exec Wellington Wins eBay Chief Legal Post
eBay has appointed Samantha Wellington as senior vice president, chief legal officer, general counsel and secretary. From: HomePage News
September 24 – Temu Downloads Surge, Significantly Surpassing Amazon
According to a report by Stocklytics, worldwide downloads of the app-based marketplace platform Temu jumped three times higher than was the case for Amazon. From: HomePage News
September 23 – Klarna Enhances AI-Supported Shopping Tool
The AI assistant now provides a chat-based shopping experience, helping shoppers quickly find the right goods at the right price, the company stated. From: HomePage News
September 23 – New Ollie’s Stores Debut in Lone Star State
Ollie’s has announced that it will open ten of its off-price stores in Texas, all of which are former 99 Cents Only locations the company acquired. From: HomePage News
September 23 – Bucaro Named HSN Chief Merchandising Officer
Qurate noted that in her role at HSN, she will oversee the strategic direction of merchandising, planning, programming and business development across product categories. From: HomePage News
September 23 – Amazon Puts More GenAI Tools in Hands of Marketplace Sellers
Amazon designed Project Amelia to provide a virtual Amazon selling expert that understands a seller’s unique business and provides personalized recommendations, insights and information. From: HomePage News
September 20 – NRF Expects Halloween Spending to Fall Just Shy of 2023 Record Numbers
Discount stores, at 37%, remain the top destination for holiday shoppers, followed by specialty Halloween/costume stores at 33%, and online at 33%. From: HomePage News
September 20 – How Independent Retailers Can Prosper in Today’s Market
Savvy independent retailers can continue to make strategic moves to win and keep consumer loyalty in the redefined grocery landscape. From: Progressive Grocer
September 20 – Mastercard Spending Pulse Forecasts 3.2% Holiday Spending Gain
Mastercard pointed out early shopping and the calendar will play a role in holiday spending with a relatively short period between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2024. From: HomePage News
September 19 – Amazon Giving Workers Hourly Pay Raise, Free Prime Membership
Amazon has revealed a program to raise the pay of front-line employees and provide them with free Prime membership. From: HomePage News
September 19 – Convenience Stores Embrace Private Brands
Now, convenience store retailers are ramping up their product development efforts to evolve their respective assortments and add more store-brand items across many product categories. From: Progressive Grocer
September 19 – More than half of US Gen Zers are Headed to TikTok Shop this Season
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have incorporated shopping into their apps in recent years to attract younger generations and the brands they shop at. From: Retail Dive
September 19 – Walmart Aims for Early Holiday Shoppers with October 8-13 Deals Event
The company plans additional bargains including home and apparel deals under $5, such as discounts on vacuums, small appliances and décor from such brands as Ninja, Beautiful by Drew Barrymore and Better Homes & Gardens. From: HomePage News
September 19 – Weis Markets Extends Low, Low Price Program to Nonfoods
Weis Markets has added 448 nonfood items across eight categories to its Low, Low Price (LLP) program. From: Progressive Grocer
September 19 – Target Brings in PepsiCo Veteran Lee as CFO
Jim Lee brings 25 years of experience in finance, strategy, team and culture leadership at PepsiCo, and succeeds Michael Fiddelke, Target COO and CFO. From: HomePage News
September 18 – Sensormatic Forecasts the Top 10 Busiest Shopping Days of 2024
In the U.S., Sensormatic stated, Black Friday and the other top 10 busiest shopping days account for 30% to 40% of all holiday retail traffic. From: HomePage News
September 18 – Anthropologie Debuts Shoppable’ Holiday House in Manhattan
Featured items in the holiday showcase include Anthropologie’s home furniture and décor as well as Terrain’s exclusive faux tree and garland offerings, with all the trimmings. From: Chain Store Age
September 18 – Sam’s Club Reconstitutes Compensation in Effort to Stabilize Workforce
The plan sets predictable pay increase milestones that can give employees a longer-term perspective on their financial futures. From: HomePage News
September 18 – West Elm Introduces Christina Ricci Collection as Halloween Nears
West Elm is launching a new collaboration with actor Christina Ricci in time for Halloween that includes serveware, decor and additional unique items. From: HomePage News
September 17 – Escalating E-Commerce Fraud Raises Concerns Across Retailing
Signifyd’s “State of Fraud and Abuse 2024” report highlights the industrialization of online fraud at the hands of global criminal rings. From: HomePage News
September 17 – 2 Hardware Companies Named to Time Magazine World’s Best Companies of 2024 List. The list is a comprehensive analysis that takes three aspects of a company into account: employee satisfaction, revenue growth and sustainability transparency. From: Hardware Retailing
September 17 – Census Bureau August Retail Sales Report Fuels Positive Outlook
Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau demonstrates retail sales continued to grow in August, fueled by rising wages amid moderating price increases. From: HomePage News
September 17 – Amazon Rolling Out Prime Day Deals October 8-9
The Big Deal Days bargain extravaganza is limited to members of Amazon’s Prime membership program, and Amazon is throwing a spotlight on signing up in time to tap the bargains. From: HomePage News
September 17 – Big Lots Schedules Black Friday Deals Through December 6
The bargains will cross product categories and include holiday gift options and seasonal décor priced up to 50% off. From: HomePage News
September 16 – Consumers Might Be Ready to Splurge a Little This Holiday Season
76% in the research report said they intend to maintain or increase gift purchases this holiday season. From: HomePage News
September 16 – Williams-Sonoma Expands Tucci by GreenPan Cookware Collection
The expansion adds 34 products to the exclusive Williams Sonoma Tucci by GreenPan assortment. From: HomePage News
September 16 – USA TODAY Names Hy-Vee Best Grocery Store in America
Editors and readers independently choose the top 10 grocers based on value, selection and service. From: Progressive Grocer
September 16 – Target Previews Circle Week Holiday Shopping Kickoff
Target maintained its holiday plans include offering 50% more new items than it did last year, including exclusive products and partnerships, the company pointed out. From: HomePage News
September 16 – NRF: Retail Sales Continued Slight Growth Through August
Retail sales increased slightly again during August as consumer demand and easing inflation countered slower job growth, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. From: HomePage News
September 13 – How Football is Becoming the Latest Retail Promotional Season
Increasingly, retailers are building special omnichannel campaigns around a time of year sacred to many Americans – football season. From: Chain Store Age
September 13 – RH Q2 Revenues Gain, Earnings Slip with New Stores Set to Open
Restoration Hardware reported a year-over-year, second-quarter earnings slide on higher revenues with both metrics surpassing Wall Street estimates. From: HomePage News
September 13 – Chef Martinez Kitchenware Stars in JCPenney Hispanic Heritage Month Promotion
JCPenney is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with marketing initiatives intended to honor traditions and give back to communities. From: HomePage News
September 13 – Holiday Retail Sales Growth Projected to Increase 2.3% to 3.3%
The pace of increase in holiday sales will be slower than 2023, but e-commerce will likely grow, according to Deloitte. From: Retail Dive
September 12 – Kroger Confident About Albertsons Merger Progress After Mixed Q2
Kroger remains confident about closing its proposed merger with Albertsons after adjusted earnings for its second quarter slipped but still beat an analyst estimate, while revenues gained but came up short of a forecast. From: HomePage News
September 12 – True Value Builds Brand for the Future with Corporate-Owned Stores
As another outlet for promoting growth and the success of the True Value brand, the company has started the process of owning and operating retail stores. From: Hardware Retailing
September 12 – Designer Jeremiah Brent Children’s Collection Rolls Out at Crate & Kids
Products in the furnishing’s collaboration include furniture and accessories, storage and home decor items, and the collection includes pieces for newborns to older children. From: HomePage News
September 11 – JCPenney To Kick Off Celebrity-Infused Holiday Campaign Featuring Shaq, Martha. The celebrity lineup includes basketball hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal, Martha Stewart, actress Gabrielle Union, country pop singer Walker Hayes and chef and cooking content creator Jenny Martinez. From: HomePage News
September 11 – Fleming, Sykes to Take Merchandising Helms at Ross Stores Divisions
Effective December 1, Ross will promote Karen Fleming to president and chief merchandising officer of the Ross Dress for Less division. She will continue reporting to Barbara Rentler, Ross Stores CEO. From: HomePage News
September 11 – Consumers Expected to Scare Up Higher Spending for Halloween
Consumers in the United States expect to shell out even more on Halloween this year, according to the results of an Advantage Outlook survey. From: HomePage News
September 11 – Licensed Bed Bath & Beyond Goods Headed to Retail Market
Under the global licensing program, the Bed Bath & Beyond-branded assortment will include everything in the banner’s four core pillars: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and patio. From: HomePage News
September 10 – Macy’s Vendor Accelerator Ready to Help Underrepresented Brand Owners
Designed to help underrepresented brand owners, founders and designers level up their businesses, The Workshop at Macy’s communicates retail industry knowledge, provides resources and offers mentorship, according to Macy’s. From: HomePage News
September 10 – J.C. Penney Debuts Apparel Line for Women who Use Wheelchairs
J.C. Penney has partnered with disabled writer and athlete Jamey Perry to create an apparel line for women who use wheelchairs, the retailer announced Monday. From: Retail Dive
September 10 – Survey: Consumers ‘Mindful’ Of Holiday Season Budgeting
Retailer websites are the foremost place consumers research their holiday purchasing, Skai, an omnichannel advertising platform, noted, followed by search engines, browsing in physical stores, social media and TV and streaming. From: HomePage News
September 10 – July Import Record Signals Retailers Getting Ahead of Possible Port Strike
Shipping facilities in the United States should be busy in September ahead of a possible labor strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the NRF and Hackett Associates. From: HomePage News
September 9 – Target Supports New Pet Collection with National Marketing Campaign
In the Cuddle Collab national advertising campaign, the company’s own canine representative, Bullseye, and some furry friends take over a Target for one night of fun and shopping. From: HomePage News
September 9 – Williams-Sonoma’s West Elm, Rejuvenation Banners Launch New Programs
Williams-Sonoma retail divisions are rolling out initiatives, including a new furnishing collaboration for West Elm and access to Williams-Sonoma’s loyalty program by customers of its Rejuvenation banner. From: HomePage News
September 9 – Big Lots Files Chapter 11, Sets Up Acquisition by Nexus
Big Lots has initiated voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and asserted that it would continue to operate its physical store locations and its biglots.com e-commerce site. From: HomePage News
September 6 – NRF: Economy Approaching ‘Soft Landing,’ Not Recession
As to inflation, the year-over-year growth in the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, a metric the United State Federal Reserve favors, was at 2.5% in July, unchanged from June and only half a percentage point above the Fed’s target of 2%. From: HomePage News
September 6 – Costco Reports Fiscal-Year Sales Increase with U.S. Comps Gaining Pace
In the 52-week fiscal 2023, Costco recorded net sales of $249.6 billion versus $237.7 billion in the 53-week fiscal year 2023, the company reported. From: HomePage News
September 5 – Amazon Strikes Deal to Expand Bay Area AI & Robotics Operation
Amazon revealed it plans to grow its Bay Area AI and robotics team in conjunction with the Covariant deal to tap into the region’s world class talent and advance the latest in automation. From: HomePage News
September 5 – Crate & Barrel Launches Exclusive Almond Nougat Color for Breville Appliances
Almond Nougat is an on-trend warm neutral color designed to enhance the beauty of appliances that bring function and innovation to the kitchen, Crate & Barrel indicated. From: HomePage News
September 5 – Kirkland’s Reduces Q2 Loss, Positions for the Holidays
Kirkland’s narrowed its loss in the second quarter compared to a year ago, beating Wall Street estimates while reporting store traffic gains ahead of its critical holiday period. From: HomePage News
September 5 – Nordstrom Receives Acquisition Proposal from Founding Family Members
The proposal to the Nordstrom board committee states financing for the acquisition would come from a combination of rollover equity and cash commitments by members of the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool, a Mexican real estate, financial and retail enterprise. From: HomePage News
September 4 – Rite Aid Promotes Schroeder to CEO As It Emerges from Chapter 11
Rite Aid will operate as a private company owned by select creditors, with existing common shares canceled pursuant to the plan of reorganization, the company stated. From: HomePage News
September 4 – Kohl’s Rebranding to Focus on Families at Home and at Large
In a highlight reel released to help launch the new branding, Kohl’s is spotlighting everyday family moments that celebrate shared experiences. From: HomePage News
September 4 – Dollar Tree Q2 Doesn’t Live Up to Expectations as Discretionary Goods Drag
Consumer reluctance to engage in discretionary spending resulted in Dollar Tree’s second quarter being short of expectations. From: HomePage News
September 3 – Nordstrom Rack Expansion Emerges as Key Cog in Parent’s Growth Plan
The department store operator’s expanding off-price banner has helped drive sales advances above the company’s overall comparable-store gains, and several more Rack locations are in the plan. From: HomePage News
September 3 – Miniso Posts Sales Growth as U.S., International Expansion Continue
Over the past year or so, Miniso has opened stores in key markets across the U.S., including New York City, with one of its flagship stores in Times Square and one in Tangram, a retail development in Flushing, Queens. From: HomePage News
September 3 – Salesforce: Retail Approaching Intensely Competitive 2024 Holiday Season
Challenges include the fewest number of days between Thanksgiving and Christmas since 2019 and 43% of consumers carrying more debt than they held in 2023. From: HomePage News
