April 28 – Amazon Cites Expanded Home Selection in Reporting Q1 Profit
Amazon turned to profits in the first quarter and beat Wall Street earnings and sales estimates with the e-commerce giant noting the contribution of an expanded home assortment led by a new Martha Stewart program. From: HomePage News
April 28 – Time Is Right for Growth at Weis Markets
$160M cap-ex projects include store remodels, fuel centers, more. From: Progressive Grocer
April 27 – Big Lots Accepting Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons
Shoppers presenting any Bed Bath & Beyond coupon will receive 20% off their entire purchases of $50 or more. From: From: HomePage News
April 27 – Kroger Discontinuing Paper Ad Delivery Across the U.S.
The grocer’s weekly ads are set to go digital starting May 28 in at least Michigan and Indianapolis, though physical copies will still be available at stores. From: Progressive Grocer
April 27 – Numerator Survey Reveals Where Bed Bath & Beyond Shoppers Would Shift Purchasing
Numerator surveyed 500 verified Bed Bath & Beyond shoppers on April 24, a day after the retailer’s bankruptcy filing. From: HomePage News
April 26 – Container Store Boosting College Offering, Accepting ‘Competitor’ Coupons
The Container Store said in a press release it will offer a 20% discount on any single item through May 31 for shoppers who bring a “competitor’s blue coupon” to any store location. From: HomePage News
April 26 – Conference Board: Consumer Confidence Solid for Present, Weak on Near Future
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell in April to 101.3, with 100 being the divider between a positive and negative reading, down from 104 in March. From: HomePage News
April 26 – Ikea Announces Small Business Loyalty Program
Ikea has announced the launch of Ikea Business Network, a loyalty program designed to support and empower small businesses with resources for bettering life at work. From: HomePage News
April 25 – Wayfair Readying Way Day Deals on Its Websites, Via Livestream
Wayfair will host exclusive giveaways during the livestream events where consumers can win free gift cards. From: HomePage News
April 25 – Walmart Gifting Memberships, Featuring Celebrity Advice for Moms
The membership giveaway runs in conjunction with Pampers Hospital Gift Program, which provides a gift bag for patients who have recently delivered a baby. From: HomePage News
April 25 – CB2 Design Shop Concept Takes Fresh Approach to Interior Spaces
The Design Shop is a hallmark of the Crate & Barrel division’s new retail strategy, which has evolved in the past few years with select new openings and enhanced service offerings in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce operations From: HomePage News
April 25 – Shein Expands Its U.S. E-Commerce Influence by Growing with Gen Z
Shein is an e-tailer that’s growing in the United States by growing with the Gen Z consumer, and how Shein is adapting could provide some insight into addressing this now-critical consumer group. From: HomePage News
April 25 – Yellow Banana Bags $26.5M to Invest in 6 Chicago Stores
Yellow Banana, which runs 38 stores under the Save A Lot banner in Chicago, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Dallas and Jacksonville, Florida, said it aims to be the “partner of choice for municipalities working to find solutions to food insecurity across the U.S.” From: Grocery Dive
April 24 – Mintel: U.S. Social Media Purchasing Lags
Social commerce made up about 5% of digital retail sales in the United States during 2022 and is expected to inch up to nearly 7% by 2025, according to market researcher Mintel. From: HomePage News
April 24 – Party City to Close 9 More Stores as it Preps to Go Private
Party City continues to shrink its physical store footprint as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. From: Retail Dive
April 21 – Bed Bath & Beyond Plans Liquidation After Chapter 11 Filing
As it explores options, the company’s 360 Bed Bath & Beyond and 120 buybuy BABY stores and websites will remain open and continue serving customers as the company begins to effectuate the closure of its retail locations From: HomePage News
April 21 – Beko, Alibaba Research Suggests Sustainable Products Getting Special Attention
The Earth Day-themed study touched on the link between food waste, food preservation and healthier living. From: HomePage News
April 21 – Dollar General Appoints Dilts CFO as Garratt Prepares to Retire
Current Dollar General president and CFO John Garratt will retain his role as president until his planned retirement on June 2, the company indicated. From: HomePage News
April 21 – Mullen Named JCPenney Chief Customer Officer
A key focus of this new role, the company added, will be driving innovation in digital, data and analytics as part of a transformation in how customers experience JCPenney. From: HomePage News
April 21 – Whole Foods Market Restructuring Business
The move is designed to improve operational nimbleness, as leaders can make decisions quicker with a more consistent number of stores per region. From: Progressive Grocer
April 20 – H-E-B Rebranding its C-stores as Fresh Bites
Fresh Bites locations will include multiple coolers with fresh produce, salads, sushi, juice, kombucha and a selection of H-E-B’s Meal Simple prepared foods. From: Grocery Dive
April 20 – Ikea Invests $2.2B to Fuel US Growth
The home furnishings retailer said it plans to open eight new stores, nine plan and order points and 900 pickup locations. From: Retail Dive
April 20 – Amazon Debuts Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange to Thwart Online Criminals
In bringing ACX into operation, Amazon already has detected hundreds of matching accounts where the same counterfeiter tried to sell on its own platform and that of at least one other store operator. From: HomePage News
April 20 – Rite Aid’s Q4 Adjusted Loss Improvement Not Enough for Wall Street
Rite Aid narrowed adjusted loss in the fourth quarter but was short of Wall Street expectations even as sales surpassed an analyst’s estimate. From: HomePage News
April 20 – Barnes & Noble Debuts Tiered Loyalty Program, Plans 30 New Stores
Barnes & Noble joins a growing list of retailers that recently revamped or launched their rewards programs to entice consumers. From: Retail Dive
April 19 – Major Retailers Taking Part in Reusable Bag Pilots
CVS Health, Target, Kroger and Dollar General are among the companies participating in the consortium’s largest reusable-bag pilots to date, taking place in three states. Drug Store News
April 19 – Lowe’s Investing in Dynamic Solar Power Expansion
Lowe’s has announced plans to build rooftop solar panel installations at 174 stores and distribution centers across the United States, a total that includes 20 sites already in operation. From: HomePage News
April 19 – BuyBuy Baby Upgrades Registry, Explores Trends
The Registry Trends Report includes developments the BuyBuy Baby team has identified and curated from their own experiences helping expectant parents. From: HomePage News
April 19 – Chief Strategy Officer Says JCPenney Upgrading Technology to Reach Goals
Keith Melker, recently appointed chief transformation and strategy officer, said the company has defined goals it is pursuing in transformation. From: HomePage News
April 19 – Survey: Homeowners Cool on Remodeling but Warm on New Appliances
Inflation is affecting homeowners’ desire to undertake home improvement projects according to a survey sponsored by Discover Home Loans. From: HomePage News
April 19 – Shopper Visits Up at Smaller Grocery Chains in Early ‘23
Smaller grocery chains experienced an uptick in store visits during the first few weeks of the year, according to data from Placer.ai. From: Progressive Grocer
April 18 – Walmart Rolling Out Compressed Natural Gas Trucks
Chevron compressed natural gas powers the X15N truck engine, supplied by Cummins, a clean energy solutions provider. From: HomePage News
April 18 – At Home Introduces New Own Brand Found & Fable
The collection stretches from kitchenware and storage to furniture, bedding, rugs, outdoor and décor, the company stated. From: HomePage News
April 18 – Meijer Puts More Resources into Great Lakes Cleanup
Meijer’s donations will aid in the deployment of the BeBot and the Pixie Drone litter-capture devices to 18 new locations along Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin lakeshores. From: Progressive Grocer
April 17 – Westlake Ace Hardware Launches Helpful Hearts Program
Westlake Ace Hardware recently introduced a program to recognize its store associates and celebrate the work they do in communities across America. From: Hardware Retailing
April 17 – SpartanNash Hires VP for Merchandising Strategy
Shah will be responsible for promotional planning, shelf technology, category management and merchandising data analytics. From: Progressive Grocer
April 17 – Albertsons, Kellogg Aim to Raise Awareness of In-Store Recycling
The companies have created special in-store recycling bin signage using beloved Kellogg characters Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, 0ooFrom: Progressive Grocer
April 17 – NRF Report Details Escalating Organized Retail Crime Threat
NRF developed the report, Organized Retail Crime: An Assessment of a Persistent and Growing Threat, in partnership with K2 Integrity, a global risk advisory firm. From: HomePage News
April 17 – Walmart Set to Name New Chief Merchant with Redfield Stepping Down
Walmart’s Charles Redfield is leaving his post as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, the company announced in a memo to employees circulated Friday, April 14 and shared with HomePage News. From: HomePage News
April 17 – Among Eco-Initiatives, Klarna, Reddit Cite Brands with Long Lived Products
The list is derived from an analysis of recommended products made in the Reddit r/BuyItForLife community, members of which are interested in purchasing high-quality and durable products to reduce waste. From: HomePage News
April 17 – Coborn’s Inc. Acquiring Sullivan’s Foods Grocery Stores
The transaction is expected to close early next month, subject to customary closing conditions. Coborn’s portfolio of grocery stores will then expand to 77 locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Michigan and Illinois. From: Progressive Grocer
April 17 – S&P upgrades Dillard’s, Forecasts ‘Sustained Profitability’
Dillard’s saw a “marked improvement in profitability,” leading S&P to revise the retailer’s business risk assessment to fair from weak. From: Retail Dive
April 14 – NRF: March Retail Sales Slow from February but Gain Versus 2022
The United States Census Bureau announced that overall retail sales in March slipped 1% from February but gained 2.9% year over year. From: HomePage News
April 14 – Nordstrom Unveils New Rack Branding, Sets Store Openings
Nordstrom opens more Rack locations as the company continues evolving the off-price part of its business, with a new logo and branding initiative as an additional part of the effort. From: HomePage News
April 14 – H-E-B Honors Military Children Throughout April
H-E-B’s broader Operation Appreciation was launched in 2013 and supports and provides employment opportunities to military service members and their families throughout the year. From: Progressive Grocer
April 13 – Rite Aid Healthy Futures Commits $1M to Expand Partnership with Girls on the Run
The latest funding marks the third year of partnership between GOTR and Rite Aid Healthy Futures, the public charity affiliated with Rite Aid that seeks to advance equity and opportunity for children and youth. From: Drug Store News
April 13 – Grocery TV Looks to Bigger Screens to Grab Shoppers’ Attention
Grocery TV is working to expand its presence in retail stores as grocers step up their efforts to offer advertisers access to shoppers who visit their location. From: Grocery Dive
April 13 – Sur La Table Adds German-Made Cutlery Collection
Sur La Table has expanded its existing private label lineup by adding a cutlery collection handcrafted in Solingen, Germany. From: HomePage News
April 13 – Primerica: Middle Class Cautious About Finances, Concerned About Health
For the first time since 2021, health ranked as the top concern of middle-class households, cited at 35%, topping inflation, by 32%, which dropped five percentage points from the previous survey in 2022’s fourth quarter. From: HomePage News
April 13 – Sam’s Celebrates 40 Years with Deals
Sam’s Club is marking its 40th birthday this month with multiple activations that celebrate membership. From: HomePage News
April 13 – EXCLUSIVE: Entertainment, Enjoyable Experiences on Tap at In-Store Bars
Mariano’s, Hy-Vee and Gelson’s are examples of grocers drawing customers for drinks and events. From: Progressive Grocer
April 13 – Heritage Grocers Group Names Darren Karst Chief Financial officer
Prior to joining Heritage Grocers Group, Karst served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Rite Aid Corporation. From: Supermarket News
April 12 – Walmart Closing Four Chicago Stores as City Proves Unprofitable
Walmart announced it is closing four stores in Chicago, citing a challenge to generate profits in the city. From: HomePage News
April 12 – Wegmans, HEB Lead Among Best-in-Class Grocery Retailers
In the Market Force Information Grocery Ranking 2023, Wegmans was most often cited as a Best in Class food retailer by survey respondents, at 76%, followed by H-E-B, a close second at 73%. From: HomePage News
April 12 – Meijer Keeps Expanding with Two Ohio Supercenters Set for May Opening
News about the Ohio stores follows shortly after Meijer announced that it was opening a new, full-range 159,000-square-foot supercenter with a gas station in Elkhart, IN, on May 11. From: HomePage News
April 12 – Dollar General Appoints Two Leadership Roles
Kelly Collier has been promoted to senior vice president, assistant general counsel, while Peggie Fort has joined the company as vice president, inventory and demand management. From: Drug Store News
April 12 – The Home Depot Names Vice President of its Retail Media Network
The retailer launched Retail Media+ in 2019 to offer suppliers media buying opportunities on Home Depot’s owned properties and offsite media channels. From: Retail Dive
April 11 – Pryor Named Lowe’s Executive VP, Chief Legal Officer
Pryor succeeds Bill McCanless, who has served as Lowe’s executive vice president general counsel and corporate secretary since 2015. From: HomePage News
April 11 – Albertsons Caps Off Solid Year by Beating Wall Street
As it awaits a merger with The Kroger Co., Albertsons continues to advance, posting sales and adjusted earnings gains above expectations. From: HomePage News
April 10 – Dom’s Kitchen & Market Continues Local Chef Partnerships
Dom’s opened its second location in Chicago, in the Old Town neighborhood, in November 2022. The original store in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago welcomed shoppers in June 2021. From: Progressive Grocer
April 10 – ISM: Services Sector Slipped in March but Still in Growth Territory
According to the Institute for Supply Management Report on Business, the services Purchasing Managers Index fell to 51.2% from 55.1% in March, but the sector remained in growth territory. From: HomePage News
April 10 – NRF: Washington Must Act on West Coast Port Contract Impass
NRF noted that the job actions at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach had resulted in the overnight closure of all terminals on April 6 and into April 7, the organization maintained. From: HomePage News
April 10 – Costco Momentum Slows in March
Non-food revenues were soft at Costco Wholesale Corporation in fiscal March as net sales came in at $21.71 billion, up 0.5% from the year-earlier month. From: HomePage News
April 10 – Walmart Takes Multi-Tiered Approach to Broaden Customer Base
On April 19, Walmart will reopen a store in Chesapeake, VA, one that it characterized as a “store of the future.” From: HomePage News
April 6 – NRF: 2023 Retail Sales Should Grow Despite Fragile Economy
Combined January and February retail sales grew 6.6% versus 2023, NRF noted, and the economy likely expanded during the first quarter despite higher borrowing costs. From: HomePage News
April 6 – Ikea Advances Used Product Initiative in Earth Month Celebratio
Ikea is characterizing the service as a way for customers to help lower their environmental impact by giving discontinued and gently used items a second life. From: HomePage News
April 5 – Qurate’s Sune Takes Fresh Approach to Livestream Shopping, Entertainment
With just a few taps, customers can discover new products or get inspiration on what to buy, tailored to their interests, and then shop for those items directly. From: HomePage News
April 5 – Walmart Building Up Supply Chain, Anticipating Financial Gains
Walmart emphasized the importance of the company’s associates in executing plans even as it detailed plans for a new more connected and automated supply chain. From: HomePage News
April 4 – Kirkland’s Posts Q4 Loss, Announces CEO Retirement
As fourth-quarter sales fell and the company posted a loss, Kirkland’s Home announced that its president and CEO Woody Woodward would retire effective May 31. From: HomePage News
April 3 – Conference Board: Consumer Confidence Gained Slightly in March
Despite a still uncertain economic environment, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index increased slightly in March to 104.2, up from 103.4 in February. From: HomePage News
April 3 – Kroger Expands Delivery in Texas, Colorado
Spoke facilities work to extend the reach of Kroger customer fulfillment centers that use technology developed by the Britain-based Ocado Group to fulfill orders efficiently. From: HomePage News
