January 30 – Dollar General Surpasses Milestone of 5,000 Stores Nationwide Offering Fresh Produce. Dollar General has surpassed its latest milestone, now offering fresh produce options in more than 5,000 stores across the country. From: Drugstore News
January 30 – Lowe’s Taps TikTok to Connect with Existing and Potential Employees
The Lowe’s TikTok account includes more than 160,000 followers and offers “snappy” DIY and other, often internal content, the company noted in a blog post. From: HomePage News
January 30 – Walmart Entices Marketplace Recruits with Deals on Services
The program offers end-to-end fulfillment services for sellers of all sizes, high-visibility search ads to help get newly participating brands in front of customers actively searching for products in their market sector and an automated repricer tool that helps sellers compete more effectively. From: HomePage News
January 30 – Miniso Focusing on U.S. Growth as a Joyful Lifestyle Retailer
Miniso builds stores around eight core product categories, such as Home ‘N Kitchen and others that incorporate home goods, including Fitness ‘N Lifestyle. From: HomePage News
January 30 – Marketers Building Brand Communities as Social Media Disappoints
The idea behind community-centric marketing, Tint stated, is to establish direct, emotional, and engaging relationships that drive spending, advocacy and brand loyalty. From: HomePage News
January 29 – NRF: Valentine’s Day Spending Should Warm Retail Hearts
The forecast indicates that total spending on significant others will reach a record $14.2 billion. From: HomePage News
January 29 – Klarna Offering ‘Klarna Plus’ Subscription-Based Plan
Issued by WebBank, Klarna Plus is now available to eligible consumers in the United States through the Klarna app for a monthly fee of $7.99. From: HomePage News
January 29 – Amazon, iRobot Terminate Acquisition Effort
iRobot and Amazon have announced that they have entered into a mutual agreement to terminate the acquisition agreement they originally signed on August 4, 2022. From: HomePage News
January 26 – eBay Laying Off 1,000 in Workforce Reconfiguration
Organizational changes will align and consolidate a number of employee teams in an effort to better meet the needs of eBay customers around the world, Jamie Iannone, the company’s president and CEO, stated in a blog post. From: HomePage News
January 26 – Target Keeping Physical Stores Central to Its Development Plans
A blog post published by Target Corp. outlined the company’s strategic thinking about its store base even as it recounted expansions and upgrades to the brick-and-mortar side of the business, including those that have enhanced digital operations. From: HomePage News
January 26 – As Department Stores Go Smaller, Where Does Housewares Fit?
Small-store strategies have proven popular with a number of major retailers. From: HomePage News
January 26 – Kirkland’s Secures Supplemental Credit Facility
To support its strategic repositioning efforts, Kirkland’s Home has entered into a supplemental credit facility that will increase its available credit by up to $12 million, the company announced. From: HomePage News
January 25 – Limited Edition Stanley Tumblers Drive Target Visits
Market researcher Numerator surveyed almost 100 verified buyers of the products to understand their purchase intent, discovering that the majority trekked to the stores with a specific purpose. From: HomePage News
January 25 – Study: CFOs Cautiously Optimistic About 2024 But Success Depends on Initiative
Retail CFOs have a positive outlook for the year ahead, according to a study by business services provider BDO, but are cautious as revenue expectations decrease while profitability expectations increase. From: HomePage News
January 25 – Temu: Price Remains Key to Online Sales Success
Price is at the forefront of consumer consciousness and retailers are aware of the sensitivity. From: HomePage News
January 24 – Northeast Grocery Promotes COO Persons to CEO As Curci Retires
Frank Curci, CEO of Northeast Grocery, Inc., has announced his retirement. The board of directors has named John Persons, NGI’s chief operating officer, to succeed him. From: HomePage News
January 24 – Survey: Return Policy Abuse, Fraud Prevalent in U.S.
For 2023, Loop pointed out, a National Retail Federation estimate indicated that 13.7% of returns across the United States were fraudulent. From: HomePage News
January 24 – Lidl Opens Mall-Based Store In NYC
Lidl has expanded its urban footprint with the opening of its newest stores at the Queens Place Mall, in the New York City borough of Queens. From: Store Brands
January 24 – Target Launches Wellness Destination Online, Introduces New Health and Fitness Products The company is launching the website by introducing more than a thousand new wellness-related products, with prices starting at just $1.99. From: HomePage News
January 24 – Industry Research Veteran Greene Joins Retail Analytics Firm Datavations
Greene has more than 30 years of sales and business development leadership in market research for consumer durables, including housewares and home improvement. From: HomePage News
January 24 – Woodman’s Eyes Another Location in Illinois
The Village of Plainfield announced this week that the employee-owned Midwest grocer submitted plans to build a 240,000-square-foot grocery store and fuel center in that community. From: Progressive Grocer
January 24 – Number of U.S. Convenience Stores Increases for Second Consecutive Year
Small operators of 10 stores or less continue to make up the bulk of the industry across the country. From: CS News
January 23 – Albertsons Renews Call for Supplier Diversity
Albertsons Cos. has made its annual call for suppliers of diverse social and ethnic backgrounds to present their unique products to the company’s merchandising team. From: HomePage News
January 23 – Customer Satisfaction Index Reaches Record Heights Entering 2024
The American Customer Satisfaction Index set record high at 77.8 in the 2023 fourth quarter, up from a 2022 low of just under 73, which was its deepest dive since 2002. From: HomePage News
January 23 – Amazon Appoints New Tech Fund Chief to Drive Distribution Improvement
Amazon has brought in new leadership to oversee a $1 billion technologies fund to establish more effective supply chain and distribution operations. From: HomePage News
January 22 – RH Adds New Real Estate Chief As Expansion Continues
Restoration Hardware has appointed Jarrett Stuhl as chief real estate and development officer during a period of expansion in the United States and global markets. From: HomePage News
January 22 – Macy’s Rejects Acquisition Offer Citing Concerns About Financing, Value
Macy’s issued its first public response to an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Arkhouse Management Co. and Brigade Capital Management on December 1 to acquire all outstanding Macy’s shares for $21 per share in cash. From: HomePage News
January 22 – Kroger Invests in Advancing Digital Innovation Strategy
In a presentation, The Kroger Co. chief information officer and senior VP Yael Cosset stated that the company has been investing significantly in digital initiatives that provide customers greater value and savings while improving operations and employee satisfaction. From: HomePage News
January 22 – Jewel-Osco to Give 50 Moms Surprise Grocery Deliveries
Aiming to recognize deserving moms and nourish families, the contest will award surprise grocery deliveries valued at more than $500 each, and a chance to win access to a MOMentous Celebration in May. From: Progressive Grocer
January 19 – Wayfair CEO Shah Outlines Reasons Behind Another Round of Layoffs
As it continues a series of actions initiated in 2022, Wayfair stated it would reduce its global workforce by 13%. From: HomePage News
January 19 – Kirkland’s Promotes Sullivan to CEO After Positive Comps
As it touted positive comparable sales, Kirkland’s Home announced it appointed a new chief executive. From: HomePage News
January 19 – Walmart Raises Store Manager Base Pay, Bonus Potential
Walmart is raising store manager pay and reconstituting the associated bonus structure with more focus on profits. From: HomePage News
January 19 – Macy’s Closing More Department Stores in Portfolio Reshuffle
As it reshapes its store portfolio, Macy’s is closing five more of its full-line department stores across the United States. From: HomePage News
January 19 – Raley’s Converts In-Store Cafés to Starbucks
Raley’s and Starbucks have plans for additional locations. This includes the Bel Air Market in Gold River, Calif., which will be converted in spring 2024. From: Progressive Grocer
January 18 – Pottery Barn Kids Introduces Aerin Collection
The exclusive collection includes baby gifts, décor, nursery textiles and furniture crafted in Aerin’s signature modernized traditional style, the company noted. From: HomePage News
January 18 – Sales Gain as Ikea U.S. Plans More Small Stores
Ikea U.S. is reporting sales gains and plans to expand its Plan and Order Points with Pick-Up locations and stores considerably smaller than its showroom format dedicated to kitchen, bedroom, and living room planning. From: HomePage News
January 18 – Target Reshuffles Leadership as Fiddelke Named COO
In an executive suite shakeup, Target Corp. announced that Michael Fiddelke is shifting from the CFO to the COO role and that the company is making changes in its merchandising and legal leadership. From: HomePage News
January 18 – IBM Survey Indicates AI Can Improve Customer Satisfaction
According to IBM, consumers want shopping convenience and recognition of their preferences so they can get the most accomplished with the least effort. From: HomePage News
January 18 – BJ’s Continues Steady Growth with Latest New York Club
Opening in Johnson City marks the retailer’s 48th location in the state. From: Progressive Grocer
January 17 – Lowe’s, Stainmaster Christen English Green Color of the Year
Stainmaster Paint and its exclusive distributor, Lowe’s Cos., have announced their 2024 Color of the Year: English Green. From: HomePage News
January 17 – Ulta Topped $10B in Sales last year. How the Beauty Retailer Stays Relevant
While growth is expected to normalize from the highs it experienced in recent quarters, Ulta — and the beauty sector more broadly — are anticipated to remain in a stronger position than other retailers From: Retail Dive
January 17 – Meijer Debuts Smaller-Format Grocery Store in Cleveland
Meijer opened the Fairfax Market in Cleveland on Jan. 16, its fifth neighborhood market and the first outside of its home state of Michigan. From: HomePage News
January 17 – Save A Lot Aims to Triple Store Count
The discount grocer, which currently has nearly 800 stores across 32 states, sees room to bring its store count to 3,000 Mark Kotcher, the company’s senior vice president of field sales and marketing, said. From: Grocery Dive
January 16 – Statement Supporting Kroger/Albertsons Merger Anticipates FTC Ruling
The parties insisted the merger would result in the best outcomes for customers, associates and communities served by the companies. From: HomePage News
January 16 – Survey: Optimistic Retailers Investing in Supply Chain, AI
Executives and C-suite professionals at mid-market retail and consumer packaged goods companies were nearly universally optimistic about 2024 in a new survey sponsored by investment bank Carl Marks Advisors. From: HomePage News
January 15 – Lowe’s Promotes Vagell to Lead Supply Chain
Vagell will succeed Don Frieson, who has been executive vice president, supply chain since 2018 and is set to retire April 1, according to Lowe’s. From: HomePage News
January 15 – Pottery Barn Brands CEO Benson Retiring; New Leadership Structure Set CEO
Marta Benson will retire, and her responsibilities will be shared by Monica Bhargava of Pottery Barn and Jennifer Kellor .From: HomePage News
January 15 – Google Study: Retailers Prepared to Advance AI Initiatives
Most retailers participating in the study saw potential for measurable change across their businesses, with 75% of retail decision makers saying they believe generative AI is a way for retailers to reinvent themselves. From: HomePage News
January 12 – H-E-B Named Top Grocery Retailer by Dunnhumby
H-E-B topped the index ranking with the strongest customer value proposition for the long-term, which the research firm credited to a superior ability to deliver a combination of better savings and better experience/assortment, supported by time savings through superior digital capabilities. From: HomePage News
January 12 – NRF: Consumer Spending May Cool in 2024 After Resilient 2023
Consumer spending might not sustain the economic growth seen recently in the United States, according to an analysis by the National Retail Federation. From: HomePage News
January 12 – Bed Bath & Beyond Partners with MyRegistry on New Gift Program
The reintroduction comes as a partnership with gifting platform and software provider MyRegistry and redefines how customers shop life’s major milestones, from weddings to birthdays to graduations and college prep, Beyond reported. From: HomePage News
January 11 – The Fresh Market Opens First City of Pittsburgh Location
The new Fresh Market will be a part of an ambitious mixed-use master plan called EastSide, reports the Pittsburgh Business Times. From: Supermarket News
January 10 – Publix Reaches Its 8th State with Louisville, Kentucky Supermarket
As part of an ongoing geographic expansion, Florida-based Publix opened the company’s first store in Kentucky, its eighth state of operation. From: HomePage News
January 10 – Walmart Rings in New Year with Andy Cohen Campaign To Boost Memberships
Walmart has partnered with author, TV host and producer Andy Cohen to “Save Your Resolutions” with money-saving incentives, particularly a membership sign-up offer. From: HomePage News
January 10 – NRF: Retailers Posted Strong December Sales
Total December retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, gained 0.44% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 3.07% unadjusted year over year in December. From: HomePage News
January 10 – Lowe’s Launches Loyalty Program Aimed at DIY Shoppers
Lowe’s has established a loyalty program designed for DIY customers that can help them save on items they need for their homes now and earn rewards toward what they want next, the company stated. From: HomePage News
January 10 – Amazon Announces, ‘Buy with Prime’ Salesforce Integration
Amazon has announced it will make Buy with Prime available for Salesforce Commerce Cloud integration. From: HomePage News
January 10 – Walmart Details How Tech Will Boost Operations
Walmart pointed out how technologies such as AI, GenAI, and AR will redefine its role as a shopping destination by serving as a customer concierge and helping consumers satisfy their shopping goals, among other functions. From: HomePage News
January 9 – Albertsons Q3 Tops Wall Street Estimates
Albertson Cos. sales gained while earnings slipped in its third quarter, but both results beat Wall Street estimates. From: HomePage News
January 9 – Ports Slowing Post-Holiday Amid East Coast Disruption Concern
The recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea are prompting concerns about some shipping disruptions, mainly impacting East Coast ports. From: HomePage News
January 9 – Container Store Updates Q3 Guidance, Previews Strategy
The Container Store President and CEO Satish Malhotra said the company expects the custom business to drive growth going forward. From: HomePage News
January 9 – Save A Lot is Finally Ready to Open Chicago Store
After months of delays, the Auburn Gresham Save A Lot is expected to open in April, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. From: Supermarket News
January 8 – Dollar General Expands Deckard’s Role Across the Company
Deckard will lead store operations across Dollar General retail locations, Mi Súper Dollar General in Mexico, Popshelf stores, the company stated. From: HomePage News
January 8 – EXCLUSIVE: Specialty Grocers Remain Destinations Across Demographics
Progressive Grocer talks with Placer.ai exec about how shoppers of varying income levels are gravitating toward these retailers. From: Progressive Grocer
January 5 – BJ’s Expansion Continues with New Florida Location
As it grows in new and existing markets, BJ’s Wholesale Club has added a location in the Sunshine State. From: HomePage News
January 5 – CVS Makes Executive, Loyalty Program Changes
In dual developments, CVS Health announced executive and loyalty program updates. From: HomePage News
January 5 – Costco Reports December Traffic, Comps Gains
Costco Wholesale Corp. posted solid total and comparable store gains in December. From: HomePage News
January 5 – Sprouts Farmers Market Sets Opening Date, Locations for Seven New Stores
As part of a five-year plan, the company remains committed to a robust growth strategy, aiming to expand 10% year over year. From: Chain Store Age
January 4 – Adobe: Digital Sales Strengthened Through the Holidays
Cyber Monday led the way with sales of $12.4 billion, followed by Black Friday at $9.8 billion and Thanksgiving at $5.6 billion. From: HomePage News
January 4 – Walgreens Beats Q1 Street Estimate but Retail Comps Decline
With last year’s opioid settlement behind it, Walgreens Boots Alliance posted first-quarter results exceeding Wall Street estimates despite adjusted earnings decline and negative comps in the retail operation. From: HomePage News
January 3 – Acosta Group: Retail Transformation Continues in 2024
Acosta Group has announced its 2024 retail predictions in a market that is still subject to the effects of larger social, demographic and economic dynamics that have made consumers more conscious of how they shop. From: HomePage News
January 3 – Temu Used ‘23 Holiday to Build Its U.S. Gen Z Base
Temu, intensifying its build of a value-retail niche in the United States, reached out to consumers via extensive holiday promotions highlighting its low-priced products. From: HomePage News
January 3 – NRF: Retail Returns in 2003 Hit $743B with $101B Fraudulent
The report indicated for every $1 billion in sales across the sector, retailers incurred $145 million in merchandise returns. From: HomePage News
January 3 – Nordstrom Ready to Rack Up More Offprice Stores in 2024
Nordstrom has plans to open more of its off-price operations across the United States in the year ahead, even as it drives the e-commerce element of the bargain business. From: HomePage News
January 2 – How Kowalski’s Is Tapping into the Potential of Shopping Malls
Areas within and next to shopping malls are attracting attention from grocers looking to expand their operations, especially as some of those revamped buildings include residences. From: Progressive Grocer
January 2 – Newegg Plugs into New Sales Channels to Stem Losses
After regaining compliance with NASDAQ share price requirements, Newegg Commerce announced financial results through the third quarter including a net loss of $44 million for the nine months versus a net loss of $27.4 million for the period a year earlier. From: HomePage News
January 2 – Container Store Exec Promotions Bolster E-Commerce, Marketing, Custom Spaces
The Container Store Group promoted Lindy Rawlinson to chief digital officer and vice president of stores and Jennifer Pape to senior vice president of stores. From: HomePage News
January 2 – Mastercard Reports 3.1% Holiday Retail Sales Gain Led by Digital
For the holiday season, online sales advanced 6.3% from the 2022 timeframe, while in-store sales were up 2.2%, the company noted. From: HomePage News
