February 29 – How Sam’s Club Is Transforming the Customer Experience
The retailer is embracing technology applications in its quest to make shopping and working even easier, including robotics, computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI). From: Progressive Grocer
February 29 – Dollar General Reaches 20,000 Stores with New Texas Location
DG Markets are a Dollar General format that is more food-oriented than the company’s traditional general merchandise format. From: HomePage News
February 29 – eBay Exceeds Q4 Expectations While Shifting Customer Focus to ‘Enthusiasts’
“Last year, we made significant progress toward our vision to reinvent the future of e-commerce for enthusiasts,” said Jamie Iannone, eBay CEO. From: HomePage News
February 29 – Party City Debuts New Store Format, Plans to Accelerate Remodels
The new format also allows for testing of new product assortments, with a focus on categories related to kid’s celebrations such as trending favors, toys and more. From: Chain Store Age
February 29 – Office Depot/OfficeMax Parent to Streamline Operations After Q4 Earnings Beat
ODP Corp. announced Project Core, a move to streamline operations, reemphasize the main business and increase shareholder returns. From: HomePage News
February 29 – Best Buy Expects Better Selling Climate in 2024 Following Lower Q4 Sales Comps
Best Buy will highlight new technology as it emerges in categories across the store, including appliances, while investing in its health care initiatives, said Corie Barry, Best Buy CEO.
From: HomePage News
February 29 – Aldi Opens Stores in Missouri and Ohio
Aldi also made headlines in February for a new pilot program testing “Aldi Go” technology at a single store in Aurora, IL. From: Supermarket News
February 28 – TJX CEO Herrman Points to Surging Home Product Business After Strong Q4
Looking at the full year, Ernie Herrman, TJX president and CEO said Marmaxx sales advanced in the apparel and home businesses. From: HomePage News
February 28 – Qurate Turns to Adjusted Profit in Q4, Names Bowe HSN President
As it released its financial results, the company announced that it had appointed Stacy Bowe president of its HSN business. From: HomePage News
February 28 – Belk Celebrates 10 Years of Crown & Ivy
Belk worked with Society Social for the limited-edition capsule collection, which consists of home decor and women’s apparel to celebrate the anniversary. From: Store Brands
February 27 – Macy’s Announces ‘Bold’ New Strategy While Posting Q4 Wall Street Beat
As a main part of the Bold New Chapter strategy, Macy’s will work to strengthen its eponymous nameplate, accelerate growth in luxury merchandise and simplify and modernize operations throughout the business. From: HomePage News
February 27 – Dillard’s Tops Wall Street Expectations Despite Market Softness
Dillard’s came out ahead of Wall Street expectations despite lower comparable sales amid sluggish consumer demand. From: HomePage News
February 27 – Lowe’s Ready for Spring After Adapting to Beat Q4 Expectations
Lowe’s now is focusing on winning the biggest season for home center retailers: spring. From: HomePage News
February 27 – The Container Store Opening New Maryland Store
The Gaithersburg store will be the retailer’s seventh small-store format nationwide and the first of its size in Maryland. From: Store Brands
February 27 – Macy’s to Close 150 More Stores in 3 Years
Macy’s Inc. will also open 15 Bloomingdale’s stores, at least 30 Bluemercury stores and 30 small-format, off-mall stores. From: Retail Dive
February 26 – Tractor Supply Reports 2.5% Growth in Net Sales, Plans 80 New Stores
The company attributes comparable store sales performance to continued strength in core year-round merchandise, including consumable, usable and edible (“C.U.E.”) products, which significantly outpaced the chain average. From: Hardware Retailing
February 26 – Kroger Vows to Fight FTC Suit Attempting to Block Albertsons Acquisition
“This supermarket mega merger comes as American consumers have seen the cost of groceries rise steadily over the past few years,” said Henry Liu, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition.” From: HomePage News
February 26 – CVS Health invests nearly $35M in affordable housing for Hawaii
Following the fires the CVS Health Foundation committed $450,000 to several organizations providing direct relief, including the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen. From: Drugstore News
February 26 – West Elm Launches New Designer Home Goods Collection
Key items from this latest West Elm collaboration include the Ceramic Shell Bowls, Bennett Lights, Checkered Rug, Lacquered Coffee Table and the Modular Curved Sofa. From: HomePage News
February 26 – Walmart Revising Job Qualifications, Employee Development Programs
Walmart also wants to help employees develop skills that will facilitate their moving into roles in technology, health and wellness and trucking. From: HomePage News
February 26 – H-E-B Springs Into 2024 With Store Openings
This H-E-B has one of the grocer’s largest sections of international foods and also features its new foodservice concept: a walk-up seafood boil stand in the front. From: Progressive Grocer
February 26 – FTC Files Lawsuit to Halt Kroger-Albertsons Merger
Attorney generals of Arizona, California, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wyoming have joined the lawsuit filed by the FTC. From: Progressive Grocer
February 23 – Costco, Macy’s Lead General Merchandise Retailers in Customer Satisfaction Index
The supermarket category came in at a three-way tie, with scores of 85, among Costco, H-E-B and Publix. From: HomePage News
February 23 – Bankrupt Rite Aid Stresses Customer Commitment in New Ads
The new Rite Aid ads include employees working with customers to meaningfully impact their lives, the company noted. From: HomePage News
February 23 – Amazon Sees Steep Sales Gains from Everyday Needs
According to Momentum, Amazon’s steep growth in its everyday needs categories, including pet care and beauty and personal care, suggests that Amazon is incorporating itself into the daily lives of consumers in the U.S. more deeply than ever. From: HomePage News
February 22 – Wayfair Cuts Losses in Q4, Looks Ahead to 2024 Initiatives
Wayfair reported it is preparing for a year ahead that will include further business improvements and the launch of new initiatives, including the first Wayfair banner store and a brand refresh. From: HomePage News
February 22 – Crate & Barrel Launches Latest Leanne Ford Home Collaboration
The collection features 129 pieces ranging from sofas to cribs to dinnerware, featuring a gentle approach to design that includes layered neutrals and encompassing curves with a bit of rock-and-roll fun thrown in, Crate & Barrel maintained. From: HomePage News
February 22 – Illinois Gov. Pritzker Proposes to Kill State Grocery Tax
The proposal comes less than a year after the tax was reinstated last July. From: Supermarket News
February 21 – Target Introducing Diane Von Furstenberg Collaboration
The more than 200-piece assortment starts at $4, with most items under $50. From: HomePage News
February 21 – Beyond Posts Earnings Miss, Revenue Beat as Revamped Leadership Updates on Strategy
Beyond pointed out that its active customer file reached 5.6 million in the quarter, an increase of 9% year-over-year. From: HomePage News
February 21 – Investor Group Arkhouse Nominates Directors as It Pursues Buyout of Macy’s
As the company considers investor interest in a buyout, Macy’s announced that it had received notice from Arkhouse Management Co. about its nomination of directors to the retailer’s board. From: HomePage News
February 20 – The Best Independent Grocers of 2024
One key point in common among Progressive Grocer’s class of Outstanding Independents in 2024 is their deep connection to the neighborhoods where their stores are located and where, very often, they live as well. From: Progressive Grocer
February 20 – Dillard’s Goes After Luxury Shoppers with ‘The Coterie Shop’
Dillard’s is updating its merchandise offering as more department stores diversify their own product assortments. From: Retail Dive
February 20 – Home Depot Q4 Beats Wall Street Despite Lower Comps, Earnings
Fiscal 2023 was a year of moderation for Home Depot, but the company ended it with a Wall Street fourth-quarter beat and entered 2024 better positioned to push key strategies. From: HomePage News
February 20 – Walmart Delivers Strong Q4, Bolsters Omnichannel Strategy with Deal to Buy Vizio
The company expects the acquisition to further accelerate Walmart’s media business in the U.S. From: HomePage News
February 20 – Beyond Reshapes Leadership, Names Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock CEOs
Beyond has established a new executive structure to support Bed Bath & Beyond operations as well as those of a revived Overstock, which will function alongside its retail sibling as a clearance/off-price operation. From: HomePage News
February 20 – The Save Mart Companies Names New Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer
Chris Hooks, who stepped into the role Tuesday, brings more than 25 years of experience working for grocers, discounters and private label companies. From: Grocery Dive
February 19 – Retailers Optimistic About 2024 As They Adapt to Changing Conditions
The Levin Management Corp. finding aligns with national trending, in which store openings continue to outpace closures, the company noted. From: HomePage News
February19 – Finger Promoted to Publix Customer Experience VP
Publix is promoting David Finger to vice president of customer experience, succeeding Bob Bechtel, who will retire on March 31 after 45 years of service. From: HomePage News
February19 – Nordstrom Continues Expanding Rack Operations
The new year isn’t yet two months old, and Nordstrom has announced four new Rack stores. From: HomePage News
February17 – Q4 Sales, Transaction Count Down, Transaction Size Up Slightly in Retailer Index
Q4 Sales, Transaction Count Down, Transaction Size Up Slightly in Retailer Index From: Hardware Retailing
February16 – Mintel: Amazon-Weary Gen Zers Want More Personalized E-Commerce Experience
Mintel stated its research suggests e-commerce sales will reach $1.2 trillion in 2024, a 9% increase over 2023. From: HomePage News
February16 – Staples Launching Revamped, More Customer-Centric Loyalty Program
Staples has transformed its loyalty program and is relaunching it under the banner Easy Rewards, with a special savings event on February 29. From: HomePage News
February16 – NRF: Census Bureau Retail Data Confirms Consumers are Still Spending
Retail data released by the United States Census Bureau is in line with the assessment recently released by CNBC and the National Retail Federation. From: HomePage News
February 16 – New First-of-its Kind Starbucks is Focused on Accessibility
Starbucks Coffee Company has unveiled a new store design that puts the focus on accessibility and inclusion. From: Chain Store Age
February 15 – Target Launches Low-Cost Private Label ‘Dealworthy’
With products starting at less than $1 and most under $10, Dealworthy will strengthen Target’s portfolio of private labels by providing a line focused on a price/value position that should appeal to consumers who have been watching their dollars amid economic uncertainty. From: HomePage News
February 15 – SharkNinja Fiscal Year Gets Boost from Q4
At the end of the fiscal year, SharkNinja posted Wall Street beats on earnings and revenue. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Kroger Counters Albertsons Merger Scrutiny with Promise to Lower Prices
Beset with criticism and regulatory scrutiny about the possibly anti-competitive results of a merger with Albertsons Co., The Kroger Co. is answering with a declaration of how the company lowered prices after previous mergers. From: HomePage News
February 14 – RH Launches Outdoor Sourcebook, New Collections
The collections will also debut on RH.com and in the brand’s Design Galleries across North America and Europe. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Warm Weather Deals Ace Hardware a Sour Q4
Ace Hardware Corp. suffered a fourth-quarter sales slump, but leadership pointed to positives for the fiscal year in announcing financial results. From: HomePage News
February 14 – Foxtrot Parent Company Names New CEO
Outfox Hospitality, parent company of Foxtrot Market and Dom’s Kitchen & Market, has named Rob Twyman as its CEO, effective March 11, according to a Tuesday press release. From: Retail Dive
February 13 – Jungle Scout: Amazon-Based Business See Opportunities Elsewhere
According to the Jungle Scout State of the Amazon Seller report for 2024, the number of businesses adopting an omnichannel commerce strategy has been ticking upward over the years, with many turning to Amazon and other marketplaces to establish or expand their online presence. From: HomePage News
February 13 – Numerator: Retail Faces Uncertain Consumer Setting New Priorities
Market researcher Numerator, in its Visions ‘24 report identified four dynamics likely to have a significant impact on retail as consumers confront uncertainty by establishing new priorities. From: HomePage News
February 13 – December Port Volume Gained Versus 2022 Despite Red Sea Conflict
Inbound cargo volume at major container ports in the U.S should see year-over-year increases through the first half of the year despite attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the NRF and Hackett Associates. From: HomePage News
February 13 – Wayfair Looks to Furnish Expanding Housewares Program at Inspired Home Show
Paige Kelly, Wayfair’s Head of Housewares & More noted that the opening of Wayfair’s first full-range brick-and-mortar store in the Chicago metropolitan area is a key development in the e-tailer’s expanding home and housewares strategy. From: HomePage News
February 12 – Walgreens Adds New Execs as It Advances Health Services Agenda
The company will continue to build health services around its store portfolio, Walgreens noted. To advance that strategy, it has made multiple senior management moves. From: HomePage News
February 12 – Shein Opening Metro Seattle Office to Aid U.S. Expansion
The office will support Shein’s U.S. fulfillment and logistic operations as the company continues to localize and support speedier delivery times for U.S. customers. From: HomePage News
February 12 – Retail Monitor Spotlights Strong January Sales Results
The NRF announced that retail started strong in 2024, with January sales nearly matching December’s busy holiday spending and significantly rising year over year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. From: HomePage News
February 12 – Zulily’s Inventory is Up for Sale as it Winds Down
After ceasing operations in December, the e-tailer’s warehouse equipment and $85 million worth of remaining products are being liquidated. From: Retail Dive
February 12 – Convenience Store Operators Grapple with Rising Crime
According to the FBI, 4.5% of all reported violent crime in 2022 took place at a gas station or convenience store. From: CS News
February 9 – Ikea USA Introduces Style Guide, AI Assistant
As the company introduces its style guide, Ikea has also announced the launch of a ChatGPT AI assistant that can provide personalized help with interior design. From: HomePage News
February 9 – Newell Brands Q4 Topped Street Estimates Amid Initiatives to Boost Operations
In the fourth quarter, Newell Brands did better than Wall Street expected as it pursued a revamped corporate strategy that included initiatives to improve operations. From: HomePage News
February 9 – Dollar Tree COO Creedon Takes on Additional Responsibility
Appointed COO in 2022 amidst a series of executive exits and entrances, he will add leadership of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar merchandising and supply chain to his responsibilities. From: HomePage News
February 8 – Beverly Hills Saks Remodel Extols Luxury Lifestyle
The Wilshire Boulevard store checks in at 130,000 square feet and offers six-level shopping, featuring luxury goods and services, including an expanded Fifth Avenue Club personal shopping and styling provision with an exclusive outdoor terrace. From: HomePage News
February 8 – Costco Forges Ahead in January
For its fiscal January, Costco Wholesale Corp. posted net sales of $22.08 billion, up from $21.13 billion in the year-previous month. From: HomePage News
February 7 – CVS Tops Estimates, Creates New Store Segment
CVS has a new Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness segment, which includes its retail and long-term care pharmacy operations and related pharmacy services, as well as its front store operations and general merchandise. From: HomePage News
February 7 – Kroger’s Millerchip to Succeed Galanti as Costco CFO
According to Costco, Galanti will remain with the company through January 2025 as an advisor and continue serving on the board of directors. From: HomePage News
February 7 – Container Store Turns to Loss in Q3, Cites New Product Gains
The Container Store posted year-over-year sales and earnings declines for its third quarter, although it noted new product success during the period. From: HomePage News
February 7 – Garnet Hill Opens First Full-Price Location
DTC retailer Garnet Hill has opened its only full-price retail store at Legacy Place in Dedham, Massachusetts. From: Retail Dive
February 6 – Services Sector Continues Expansion Despite Lagging Retail
Economic activity in the services sector advanced in January, reaching 53.4% in the Services PMI index, although retail lagged. From: HomePage News
February 6 – Simon Reports Q4 Gains with JCPenney on Track for Improvement
Simon indicated that its mall and outlet occupancy was 95.8% as of December 31, 2023, versus 94.9% as of December 31, 2022. From: HomePage News
February 6 – Wayfair Offering Decorify Room Modeling on Apple Vision Pro
The app gives users the means to quickly and easily redesign their spaces in familiar and new styles in an immersive environment, Wayfair indicated. From: HomePage News
February 5 – Wayfair Market Share Leads Home Specialists as HomeGoods Gains Ground
Wayfair, HomeGoods and Big Lots had the highest market shares among pure-play specialty home product retailers for the fourth quarter of 2024, according to market researcher YipitData. From: HomePage News
February 5 – Numerator: Consumers Ready for More Celebrations in 2024
Numerator’s 2024 Holiday Intentions Preview looked at how shoppers plan to celebrate and shop for 14 major holidays in the United States in 2024. From: HomePage News
February 5 – Spring Takes Over as Macy’s CEO
Macy’s has announced that Tony Spring has taken over the CEO role at the company, succeeding Jeff Gennette, who is retiring. From: HomePage News
February 2 – Ross Beyond Digitally Reprises Bed Bath & Beyond 20% Off Coupon
In an email blast, the online retailer’s parent company, Beyond, sent out the deal using the same familiar look reformatted for computer and device screens. From: HomePage News
February 2 – Ross Veteran Fleming Promoted to President of dd’s Discounts
Fleming will direct all aspects of merchandising at dd’s Discounts, the company stated. From: HomePage News
February 2 – Walmart Building, Remodeling More Stores
Over the next 12 months, Walmart intends to remodel 650 stores across 47 states and Puerto Rico. From: HomePage News
February 2 – Amazon Q4 Beats Estimates as CEO Touts AI Future
In announcing its financial results, Amazon maintained that generative artificial intelligence would be a critical element in the development of its business with the potential to drive billions of dollars in sales. From: HomePage News
February 2 – Aldi Debuts Automated Checkout Tech at Chicago-Area Store
Aldi has installed its first fully automated checkout system in the U.S. in partnership with technology firm Grabango at a store in Aurora, Illinois. From: Grocery Dive
February 1 – Tractor Supply Q4 Sales, Earnings Slip
Soft discretionary demand and weaker cold weather business lead to declines in fourth-quarter earnings and comparable store sales at Tractor Supply Co., although profits exceeded Wall Street estimate. From: HomePage News
February 1 – NRF: Economic Prospects Unclear Despite Encouraging Indicators
NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz stated that the U.S. economy hasn’t given indication that it’s sliding into a recession and “has been more resilient than expected.” From: HomePage News
February 1 – Sally Beauty Q1 Sales, Earnings Hit by Lower Consumer Traffic
With sales and earnings both down year over year, Sally Beauty Holdings beat an analyst estimate for both revenues and profits in the first quarter. From: HomePage News
