March 31 – Easter 2023 Spending Expected to Reach Record $24B
With an influx in spending, this Easter Sunday is anticipated to be the biggest one yet. From: Progressive Grocer
March 30 – Kohl’s Receives Prestigious Sustainability Award from Government
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star program has presented the department store retailer with the 2023 Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence. From: Chain Store Age
March 30 – Natural Grocers Rolls out Personalized Shopping in Stores
The personalized shopping experience allows Natural Grocers to highlight its quality standards and emphasis on health and well-being when it comes to food. From: Grocery Dive
March 30 – Consumers Will Need Prompting to Spend Tax Return Cash
Retailers and suppliers, including those in the housewares sector, are going to need to work hard to get a share of middle-income consumer’s income tax returns this year as plans for those funds don’t include spending, a survey from financial services provider Primerica indicates. From: HomePage News
March 30 – Belk Rolling Out New Outlet Format
Each Belk Outlet features discounted items that come directly from larger Belk stores. Customers will also find many new items, including high-end and designer brands. From: HomePage News
March 30 – RH Q4 Revenues, Earnings Slip to Miss Wall Street Estimates
Amid economic uncertainty, luxury home merchandise retailer Restoration Hardware had a difficult fourth quarter with earnings and revenues coming in well short of expectations. From: HomePage News
March 29 – NRF: Slower 2023 Retail Sales Growth Will Still Beat Pre-Pandemic Levels
The National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth between 4% and 6% in 2023. From: HomePage News
March 29 – Bloomingdale’s Spring to Succeed Retiring Macy’s CEO Gennette in 2024
As president, Spring will lead Macy’s digital, customer, merchandising, and brand teams, while continuing to oversee Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. From: HomePage News
March 29 – JCPenney Plans on Outfitting Consumers for Spring Occasions
For spring, JCPenney is promoting what it is calling event season as it invites working families to embrace bold and colorful styles, “huge” savings and fresh initiatives. From: HomePage News
March 28 – Sustainable Products Took More Market Share Last Year: Report
According to a Unilever survey, three-fourths of respondents said that social media content influenced them to adopt more sustainable behaviors. From: Retail Dive
March 28 – Bed Bath & Beyond Cutting HQ, Distribution, Store Staff
A Bed Bath & Beyond spokesperson, responding to a HomePage News query, noted, “As shared in our strategic update in February, we are moving expeditiously toward a smaller and more profitable store footprint and omni-always model.” From: HomePage News
March 28 – Walgreens Earnings Slip but Q2 Beats Analyst Estimates
In the second quarter, Walgreens Boots Alliance saw earnings slip, with the waning COVID-19 pandemic playing a role, but sales gain and both metrics beat Wall Street estimates. From: HomePage News
March 27 – Harvest Market Reportedly Coming to Indy Area
The independent, which runs stores in Champaign, Ill. and Springfield, Ill., has applied for a permit to operate a new business in Carmel, IN. From: Progressive Grocer
March 27 – Synchrony: Consumers Looking Ahead with Big Shopping Expectations
Synchrony noted that more than 80% of shoppers will expect experiences curated just for them by 2030. From: HomePage News
March 27 – Instacart Launching Marketing Service
Retailers can choose from various campaign options depending on their budget and business goals, including self-service to full-service marketing solutions, to drive targeted promotions that help them acquire and engage customers. From: HomePage News
March 27 – Dollar General Opens First Store in Mexico
The first Mi Súper Dollar General store grand opening in Escobedo, Nuevo León earlier this month, the company stated. From: HomePage News
March 27 – Survey: Consumers Shy About Spending but Respond to Community Promotions
The survey suggested that consumers are inspired to purchase from retailers who create an emotional connection directly or in terms of groups with which they identify while also providing price relief. From: HomePage News
March 24 – Walmart Spotlights Programs Hiring, Supporting Working Women
Donna Morris, the company’s chief people officer said that Walmart is the largest private employer of women in the United States. From: HomePage News
March 24 – Ollie’s Closes Out Tough Fiscal Year with Strong Q4
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings finished its latest complete fiscal year with a solid finish, beating Wall Street estimates on sales and earnings. From: HomePage News
March 24 – Wakefern Names Mike Stigers Co-op’s Next President
Current president Joe Sheridan, who last year revealed his intention to retire, will remain with the company through the end of the calendar year to ensure a smooth transition. From: Progressive Grocer
March 23 – Amazon CEO Explains Decision to Eliminate Another 9,000 Jobs
Amazon is offering sellers on its 3P marketplace a faster way to get cash that’s coming their way. From: HomePage News
March 23 – UNFI’s Head of Retail to Depart
Mike Stigers, who oversees the Cub Foods and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy chains, will stay on with the company until the end of May. From: Grocery Dive
March 23 – At Home Drops Prices as Supply Chain Pressure Lessens
To promote the move, At Home is giving away $25,000 in gift cards to Insider Perks loyalty program members who shop through April 4. From: HomePage News
March 23 – Bloomingdale’s Names Magid to New Chief Merchant Post
Bloomingdale’s characterized the creation of the chief merchant role as an historic step for the Macy’s luxury retail operation. From: HomePage News
March 23 – Amazon Offers Marketplace Sellers Faster Payments
Amazon is offering sellers on its 3P marketplace a faster way to get cash that’s coming their way. From: HomePage News
March 22 – Bed Bath & Beyond Promotes Spring Cleaning, Easter, Outdoor Living
Bed Bath & Beyond also is prompting consumers to “Create an Outdoor Oasis” on its website home page, while reminding them “Easter Is Just Around the Corner.” From: HomePage News
March 22 – Harris Teeter Celebrates New Logo, Slogan with Donation to Second Harvest
Harris Teeter has donated a truck full of most-needed items to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, in Charlotte, N.C., in celebration of the company’s refreshed logo and new slogan — In Food With Love. From: Progressive Grocer
March 22 – QVC, Chef Carla Hall Collaborate on Kitchen Collection
Created exclusively for QVC, Sweet Heritage by Carla Hall includes a mix of kitchen electrics, cooking tools, baking tools and gadgets, as well as food items such as Ready to Bake Cornbread Batter and Southern Brunswick Stew. From: HomePage News
March 22 – Kohl’s Sephora Rollout Will Reach 850 Stores in 2023
Bed Bath & Beyond also is prompting consumers to “Create an Outdoor Oasis” on its website home page, while reminding them “Easter Is Just Around the Corner.” From: HomePage News
March 22 – Numerator: Housewares in Strong Position as Inflation Moderates
Peter Greene, practice director-GM of market research company Numerator said consumers who expect to spend less on groceries as inflation moderates can start spending more on discretionary items including housewares and home furnishings. From: HomePage News
March 21 – Giant Eagle Names New Interim CEO
Giant Eagle, Inc. has appointed Bill Artman as its new interim CEO, effective immediately. From: Progressive Grocer
March 21 – Trader Joe’s ‘Most Loved’ Offline Brand; Sam’s Club No. 3 Online
Online rankings are based on social conversations monitored by Engagement Labs and offline rankings are based on any other form of conversation ranging from face-to-face through email, messaging and phone. From: HomePage News
March 21 – Study: Retailers Boosting Automation, AI Deployment
The deployment of artificial intelligence to improve operations will increase, the study determined, with specialty and department stores adopting it at a higher level than grocery and general merchandise stores. From: HomePage News
March 21 – Target Pushes Expansion, Differentiation in 2023
Many new stores will feature fresh design elements that reflect the local community and promotions that highlight new brands, assortment and services, as well as sustainable features, according to Target. From: HomePage News
March 20 – Nordstrom Opening Racks in Texas, California
Nordstrom has announced plans to open a pair of its off-price Nordstrom Rack locations, one in San Antonio, TX, the other in Natomas in California’s Central Valley. From: HomePage News
March 20 – Office Depot Offering More Small Business Support
Office Depot designed Imagine Success to help small business customers achieve their goals, the company stated. From: HomePage News
March 20 – NRF: Easter Consumer Purchasing Intent Tops Previous Records
Despite whatever concerns people have about present economic conditions, the study determined 81% of Americans will celebrate the holiday and spend an average of $192.01, another record. From: HomePage News
March 20 – Bed Bath & Beyond Proposes Reverse Stock Split
If approved, fundraising from the move “will enable us to continue rebuilding liquidity to execute our turnaround plans and better position the company financially,” CEO Sue Gove said in a statement. From: Retail Dive
March 17 – Dollar General to Spend $100M on Staffing and Stores
Mirroring trends noted by other retailers, Dollar General said it’s drawing shoppers from income brackets above its core customer base. From: Retail Dive
March 17 – Another Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Soon to Be Unveiled by Tops
This $1.6 million renovation marks the 31st Tops location recently updated with a modern look and a renewed focus on fresh departments. From: Progressive Grocer
March 17 – Numerator: Economy Will Impact Consumer Holiday Spending
22% of participants in the Numerator study said economic uncertainty would have a significant impact on their holiday planning, while 31% said a moderate impact and 32% said a slight impact. From: HomePage News
March 17 – Rite Aid Executive Departures Continue with Retail Chief Persaud Exit
Rite Aid Chief Retail Officer Andre Persaud has left the company in an additional high-level executive departure following a tough third quarter. From: HomePage News
March 17 – 7 – Eleven Unveils Proprietary Electric Vehicle Charging Network
7‑Eleven intends to build one of the largest and most compatible EV fast-charging networks of any retailer in North America. From: Convenience Store News
March 16 – Yardbird to Open 11 New Showrooms
Yardbird already sells through its DTC website and Best Buy’s e-commerce site, as well as in 14 existing showrooms and over 50 Best Buy stores. From: Retail Dive
March 16 – Bed Bath & Beyond Promotion Casts Stores as Sleep Support Centers
For March National Sleep Awareness Month, Bed Bath & Beyond is offering tips and tools to improve nighttime routines that can lead to better sleep. From: HomePage News
March 16 – Aldi opens two new stores in the Midwest on Thursday
Aldi is continuing its expansion in the Midwest with the opening of two new stores in Illinois and Michigan on Thursday. From: Winsight Grocery Business
March 16 – Williams-Sonoma Q4 Beats on Earnings as Comps Slip Slightly
Williams-Sonoma, conceding a difficult fourth quarter, still managed to make some headway in the period and fiscal year, with the last frame beating a Wall Street earnings estimate even as revenues came up short. From: HomePage News
March 16 – Dollar General’s Q4 Sales Growth Just Misses Expectations
Dollar General expressed some disappointment with its fourth-quarter sales, although revenues were up year over year and just short of a Wall Street estimate while earnings gained and matched analyst expectations. From: HomePage News
March 15 – NRF: Core Retail Sales Still Gaining
Overall retail sales slipped slightly in February, but core spending excluding automobile dealers, gas stations and restaurants rose, according to the National Retail Federation. From: HomePage News
March 15 – Home Depot Promotes Bastek to Merchandising Chief
A 33-year Home Depot veteran, Bastek was senior vice president of hardlines, for which he was responsible for merchandising and marketing strategies for the hardware and garden departments. From: HomePage News
March 15 – Circana: Discretionary Spending Slipped in February
Weekly declines have remained relatively consistent through the first two months of 2023, noted Circana, the newly named company formed by the merger of IRI and NPD Group. From: HomePage News
March 15 – ISM: Manufacturing Still Contracting Despite Slight Index Gain in February
Four manufacturing industries that reported growth in February are Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Transportation Equipment; Petroleum & Coal Products, and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. From: HomePage News
March 15 – Bed Bath & Beyond Amends Terms of Financial Initiative
Bed Bath & Beyond announced an amendment to its warrants to purchase Series A Convertible Preferred Stock previously issued on February 7 under which the company is temporarily adjusting its Price Failure threshold to $1 until April 3. From: HomePage News
March 14 – Gordon Food Service Expands into Texas with Six Stores
Foodservice distributor Gordon Food Service will open six new stores in the greater Houston area. From: Supermarket News
March 14 – Hy-Vee Looking for More Local Brand Partners
According to Hy-Vee, more than 125 new brands have hit the grocer’s shelves since the first Best of Local Brands event was held in early 2021. From: Progressive Grocer
March 14 – Zulily Personalizes Mother’s Day Housewares Gift Suggestions
Zulily is promoting the service as the For All Moms Gifting Advisor, or FAM, in partnership with actress and mother of two Busy Phillips. From: HomePage News
March 13 – BJ’s Slates Five New Club Locations
The expansion includes plans for a new club in Madison, AL, increasing BJ’s retail footprint to 20 states, as well as Mount Juliet, TN, Johnson City, N.Y., Lewis Center, OH, and North Jacksonville, FL, the company noted. From: HomePage News
March 10 – Ulta Tops $10B in Revenue as Beauty Stays Resilient
Ulta Beauty saw fourth-quarter net sales increase 18.2% year over year. From: Retail Dive
March 9 – QVC Names Selma Blair Brand Ambassador for Accessibility
QVC is highlighting accessible products within each category and has launched a one-stop digital storefront for these products, with solution-based navigation and options to filter by adaptive features. From: HomePage News
March 9 – Ross Continues Executing on Expansion Plans
The new locations are part of the company’s plans to add about 100 new stores, with about 75 Ross and 25 dd’s Discounts, during fiscal 2023. From: HomePage News
March 9 – Publix Finishes Fiscal Year with Strong Q4
A strong fourth quarter helped Publix post solid financial gains in 2022. From: HomePage News
March 9 – BJ’s Finishes Fiscal Year with Q4 Flourish
Comparable club sales, excluding gasoline impact, increased by 8.7% year-over-year. Digitally enabled sales grew 22% from the quarter a year past, the company pointed out. From: HomePage News
March 8 – Supermarkets are Moving in on this $100B Industry
Men’s personal care items are a category on the rise, projected to hit $276 billion by 2030. From: Supermarket News
March 8 – Costco Posts Q2 Gains in Comps, Earnings
Costco reported traffic increased by 3.7% and average ticket advanced 1.9% in the U.S. Core business was down six basis points. From: HomePage News
March 8 – Ross Q4 Beats Wall Street Estimates
Ross Stores beat Wall Street fourth-quarter estimates as consumers responded to the off-price retailer’s updated assortments and values, the company reported. From: HomePage News
March 7 – Dick’s Sporting Goods Smashes Same-store Sales Expectations for Holiday Quarter
Same-store sales increased 5.3% during the fiscal fourth quarter, more than double analysts’ estimates of 2.1%, according to StreetAccount. From: CNBC
March 7 – gia Judges Encourage Discovering the Joy in Retailing
Judges of the Global Innovation Award (gia) for retail excellence at The Inspired Home Show said a more human approach to retailing is advancing. From: HomePage News
March 7 – Amazon Outlines ‘Climate Pledge Friendly’ Program During Inspired Home Show
Amazon’s Zac Ludington, head of global category growth for Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program, outlined the sustainable shopping initiative at a session inside the Innovation Theater during the show. From: HomePage News
March 7 – Combined NPD/IRI Retail Market Analytics Company Rebranded Circana
The market research and analytics company formed from the August 2022 merger of The NPD Group and IRI revealed its new company name and brand identity: Circana. From: HomePage News
March 3 – Target to Broaden Assortment of Products Priced $15 and Under
The retailer will broaden its assortment to include more items at $3, $5, $10 and $15 price points. From: Retail Dive
March 3 – Growth Stands Out for Sprouts Farmers Market in Q4, FY 2022
Organic grocers launch seven stores in the final quarter of the year and plan on opening more in 2023. From: Supermarket News
March 2 – Nordstrom Earnings Top Expectations as Retailer Starts Winding Down Canada Operations
Michael Maher, interim chief financial officer, said Nordstrom factored a more challenging economic backdrop and higher costs into its year-ahead forecast. From: CNBC
March 2 – Big Lots Q4 Loss Narrower Than Wall Street Estimate
Looking at the year ahead, Bruce Thorn, Big Lots president and CEO, said, “We remain excited about the opportunity to provide more value to our customers, while improving our sales and earnings momentum as the year progresses. HomePage News
March 2 – Macy’s Earnings Beat Street but Comps Are Mixed
Macy’s beat a Wall Street earnings estimate as comps fell at its namesake banner but gained at its Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury operations. From: HomePage News
March 1 – Meijer Unveils New Collection During Women’s History Month
Works from three female artists chosen by retailer’s team members are featured in a range of products. From: Progressive Grocer
March 1 – Kohl’s Reports Fourth-Quarter, Full-Year Losses
Kohl’s posted a fourth-quarter loss that took Wall Street by surprise. From: HomePage News
