April 30 – Nordstrom Adds Marketplace, Upgrades Digital Experience
Marketplace customers will get personalized recommendations and thoughtful curation to make it easier to shop for their favorite brands and discover new ones, Nordstrom indicated. From: HomePage News
April 30 – The Save Mart Companies to Roll Out In-Store Retail Media Network
The chain will deploy tech including kiosks and digital screens from Quad/Graphics in 16 stores and plans eventually to introduce the gear chainwide. From: Grocery Dive
April 30 – Amazon Prime Day to Return in July
Amazon asserted that it plans to pack even more savings into this year’s Prime Day. During the promotion. From: HomePage News
April 29 – Joann Close to Emerging from Bankruptcy as a Private Company
In connection with its emergence, Joann would become a private company owned by certain of its financial stakeholders and industry parties. From: HomePage News
April 29 – TelevisaUnivision Partners with Shopsense to Link Content and Product Collections
TelevisaUnivision, a leader in Spanish-language media and content, has partnered with Shopsense AI to bring a retail media service to Spanish-speaking audiences across linear and streaming platforms. From: HomePage News
April 29 – Home Depot ‘Decor Days’ Run from Home Furnishings to Housewares
Throughout Decor Days, shoppers can take advantage of Home Depot’s everyday free buy online, pick up in store service, as well as free and flexible delivery on more than 10,000 online home and decor items, the company stated. From: HomePage News
April 29 – True Value Donates Products to Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Since the fall of 2023, True Value has donated product valued at more than half a million dollars to Habitat ReStores. From: Hardware Retailing
April 26 – Mother’s Day Spending Expected to Approach Record Levels
NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said, “Retailers know the significant importance of this day and are ready to help their customers with a wide selection of meaningful gifts for loved ones to show their appreciation.” From: HomePage News
April 26 – Walmart Highlights Developments in Preparation for Its Annual Meeting
In his annual letter to shareholders and employees, Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon expressed his appreciation for the company’s employees, who, he noted, drove a strong performance in the recently completed fiscal year. From: HomePage News
April 25 – Amazon Named 2nd-Best Large U.S. Company for Career Growth
Amazon earned second place in the LinkedIn Top Companies 50 best large workplaces to grow careers in 2024. From: HomePage News
April 25 – Ulta, 7-Eleven veteran Joins Follett Higher Education as CIO
Follett Higher Education Group has tapped a technology and infrastructure expert to join its c-suite. From: Chain Store Age
April 25 – Cofer Assumes CEO Role As Keurig Dr Pepper Q1 Beats Street
As it welcomes new CEO Tim Cofer, Keurig Dr Pepper posted sales and earnings that surpassed Wall Street expectations. From: HomePage News
April 25 – Tractor Supply Posts Earnings, Comp Gains for Q1
“We remain committed to disciplined investments to capture the significant long-term growth opportunities in our market”, stated Hal Lawton, president, and CEO. From: HomePage News
April 24 – Employees Sue Outfox Hospitality in the Wake of Sudden Closings
The day after 33 Foxtrot stores and two Dom’s Kitchen & Market locations abruptly closed their doors, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of now-former employees. From: Progressive Grocer
April 24 – Qurate Launches FAST Initiative ‘The Big Dish’ on The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel launch reflects Qurate Retail Group‘s strategic initiative to expand the reach of its original v-commerce operations across new media and digital platforms, the company stated From: HomePage News
April 24 – Saks Seeks to Carve Out Luxury Niche in Retail Media with Network Launch
The Saks Media Networks draws on the online retailer’s first-party shopper data and insights from 435 million annual website visits. From: Retail Dive
April 24 – Way Day Kicks Off May 4 but Bargains Begin Early
The global three-day sale is Wayfair’s biggest promotional event of the year and will feature 12-hour flash deals, doorbusters on top-selling products and limited-time sales of up to 80% off all things home, with free shipping on everything. From: HomePage News
April 24 – Consumer Interest in Luxury Goods Rising
Fifteen percent of Americans purchased luxury goods in the last 12 months, up from 9% in 2021, according to YouGov’s report. From: Chain Store Age
April 23 – Comscore: U.S E-Commece Sets Annual, Fourth Quarter Records in 2023
E-commerce spending in the United States reached $1.3 trillion in 2023, setting an annual record up from $1.09 trillion in the year before. From: HomePage News
April 23 – Walmart Touts Sustainability, Mother’s Day Initiatives
Walmart described its sustainability efforts to help make eco-friendly choices second nature for shoppers with 78% of consumers saying that a more sustainable lifestyle is important to them. From: HomePage News
April 23 – Newegg Rolls Out Free Loyalty Program
In developing the program, Newegg maintained that it had evaluated customers’ needs and expectations to align benefits before launch. From: HomePage News
April 22 – Sustainability, Wellness Weigh on New Product Choices
55% of consumers in the United States say they’re more likely to try a new product if it’s marketed as being aligned with a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, according to a new consumer sentiment survey commissioned by and advertising effectiveness consultant NCSolutions. From: HomePage News
April 22 – Target Advancing Sustainability Efforts Across Multiple Initiatives
In time for Earth Day, Target is touting multiple eco-friendly initiatives, ranging from own-brand design considerations to the 200-plus electric vehicle charging stations in operation to the energy used to power its almost 2,000 stores. From: HomePage News
April 22 – Albertsons Q4 Earnings Beat Street as Divestiture Plan in Kroger Merger Gets Update
Albertsons Cos. released its fourth quarter and full-year earnings, while announcing a reconfigured joint plan of divestiture with C&S Wholesale Grocers related to the proposed Kroger and Albertsons merger. From: HomePage News
April 22 – Efficient Retail Replenishment Requires Sharper Inventory Level Insight
Doug Murless, vice president, North America for Krunchbox, advised housewares sellers and buyers to sharpen their inventory level awareness in a presentation during the recent Inspired Home Show as part of the show’s Inspiration Theater industry education program. From: HomePage News
April 19 – Circana: Consumer Value Priority Disrupts Traditional Spring Spending Patterns
Despite the appearance of sales volatility in week-to-week sales trends created by shifts in the calendar, consumer spending behaviors are stabilizing, said Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry advisor for Circana. From: HomePage News
April 19 – Big Lots Touts New FILO Loan as Liquidity Booster
The loan significantly enhances Big Lots’ liquidity position, the retailer stated, and is incremental to the borrowing capacity within the company’s current $900 million asset-based revolving loan facility. From: HomePage News
April 19 – Target Rolls Out Beard Club Trimmers in Stores, Online
Beard Club produces a range of grooming essentials tailored specifically for the modern man; the company stated. From: HomePage News
April 19 – Do it Best Announces Q3 Financials, Operational Successes and Planned Investments
Growth is at the core of Do it Best’s decision to merge with United Hardware, a co-op serving much of the Great Plains region. From: Hardware Retailing
April 19 – Nordstrom Board Considers Family Proposal to Take Retailer Private
The Nordstrom board has formed a special committee of independent directors to evaluate a proposal by Erik and Pete Nordstrom’s to explore a transaction to take the company private. From: HomePage News
April 18 – Study: Consumers Demand More from Omnichannel Retailers
A new study from ShipStation and Retail Economics indicates that 73% of U.S. consumers blend online research, physical store visits and options such as buy-online-pickup-in-store or in-store returns on their way to making purchase decisions. From: HomePage News
April 18 – Amazon Insists Automated Checkout Remains Vital Despite Change at ‘Fresh’ Stores
Amazon is taking a layered approach to convenient checkout based on recognition of consumer preferences. From: HomePage News
April 18 – Wayfair Preparing Its First Namesake Store for May Opening
The store will weigh in at 150,000 square feet and provide shoppers with a better sense of what the retailer has available on its e-commerce website. From: HomePage News
April 18 – Michaels Lowers Prices on Over 5K Products
Michaels is dropping prices to 2019 levels or lower at a time when customers are looking for deals, according to the company. From: Retail Dive
April 17 – JCPenney Steps Up Loyalty Program with Assist from NBA Great Shaquille O’Neal
JCPenney today announced the launch of a new loyalty program that allows consumer to sign up for free and offers a chance to meet National Basketball Association legend Shaquille O’Neal. From: HomePage News
April 17 – Hy-Vee enters Indiana with Acquisition of Strack & Van Til
Hy-Vee announced Wednesday that it is acquiring Strack & Van Til, a 22-store grocery chain in northwest Indiana. The companies did not disclose the terms of the deal. From: Grocery Dive
April 17 – Census Bureau: Retail Sales Keep Gaining
March retail sales, as reported by the United States Census Bureau, increased as tax refunds and job growth put more money in shoppers’ pockets, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz concluded. From: HomePage News
April 17 – QVC Puts New Emphasis on Women Over 50 and Their ‘Age of Possibility’
The Age of Possibility initiative kicks off with a first-of-its-kind summit in Las Vegas on April 24, bringing together the Q50 for a day of conversation, creative inspiration and cultural exploration. From: HomePage News
April 16 – Aldi Introduces Checkout-Free Technology at Chicago-Area Store
As it launched ALDIgo checkout-free shopping at the Chicago-area grocery store, PARTNER Grabango noted that Aldi is the first major grocery retailer in the United States to deploy checkout-free technology in an existing, full-size store. From: HomePage News
April 16 – Celigo Integration Platform Partners with TikTok Shop to Support Sellers
The collaboration provides sellers on TikTok Shop access to comprehensive insights that can drive informed decision-making and harnesses automation, providing them with valuable intelligence about market trends, consumer behavior and product performance, Celigo stated. From: HomePage News
April 16 – GC Buying Group Recognized ‘Best Vendors’ at Inspired Home Show
“Timing for the Chicago Inspired Home Show works well for the GC team and our members as an excellent follow-up to the January Start the Year Member Conference,” said Janis Johnson, Founder and President of Gourmet Catalog/GC Buying Group. From: HomePage News
April 16 – Canada, Mexico Serve Up Distinct Consumer Housewares Preferences
Macroeconomic trends that have resulted in distinctive market developments and consumer needs and preferences in Canada and Mexico, the Circana analysts said. From: HomePage News
April 16 – Amazon Adds Fast Channel to Its Live Shopping Streamer
The Fast Channel launch gives U.S. customers the ability to use what Amazon calls “shop the show” technology, which helps customers more seamlessly interact with content they are watching on a TV. From: HomePage News
April 15 – Retail Conn’s Q4 Beats Street on Earnings but Falls Short on Revenue
Conn’s beat an analyst’s estimate for fourth-quarter loss but fell short of an estimate for revenues. From: HomePage News
April 15 – SpartanNash Expands Wisconsin Footprint with Acquisition
The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based company has acquired Metcalfe’s Market, a three-store grocery chain in Wisconsin. From: Chain Store Age
April 15 – Retail Monitor: Value Consumer Spending Keeps Store Sales Growing
Retail sales grew at a steady pace in March, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor and released by the National Retail Federation, with core retail sales up 0.23% month over month and 2.92% year over year in the month. From: HomePage News
April 15 – Progressive Grocer Names the 10 Most Sustainable Grocers
This year’s standouts are excelling at eco-friendly actions and messaging. From: Progressive Grocer
April 15 – Pottery Barn Readies New Michael Graves Accessible Furnishings
The new Michael Graves Design for Pottery Barn collection is part of a commitment by Williams-Sonoma banner to provide functional, beautiful, and accessible products, the retailer noted. From: HomePage News
April 15 – Fareway Expands in Nebraska
As Fareway expands across its multi-state footprint, the retailer has also been busy enhancing its presence in Iowa. From: Progressive Grocer
April 12 – Temu Joins Anti-Phishing Group in Latest Security Initiative
Through its APWG membership, Temu hopes to contribute its experience in safeguarding customer data and thwarting impersonation efforts, the company indicated. From: HomePage News
April 12 – Illinois Rolls Out Grant Program for Small Grocers
Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton announced an addition to the Illinois Grocery Initiative that would offer grants to those who build grocery stores in food deserts. From: Progressive Grocer
April 12 – Home Depot Extends Google Cloud Partnership to Boost Operations, Customer Experience
The extension comes at a time when an increasing number of retailers are adapting operations to establish a more singular approach to the consumer across in-store and online platforms and to align systems to provide a clearer view and coordination of processes From: HomePage News
April 12 – Port Traffic Volume Rises Despite Shipping Challenges
Inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports should gain through spring as imports grow despite new supply chain challenges, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. From: HomePage News
April 11 – Grocery E-commerce Sales Hold Steady in March
Pickup garnered approximately 43% of online grocery sales last month, delivery accounted for 39% of the market and ship-to-home claimed an 18% share. From: Grocery Dive
April 11 – Survey: The Need for Speed Drives Product Development Today
In assessing the state of product development today, Protolabs determined that speed is of the essence. From: HomePage News
April 11 – Walmart Automation Advances Distribution, Workforce Development
Whether its automated forklifts or clean power generation, Walmart has been increasingly aggressive in applying technological solutions to challenges it identifies as important to the company and its customers. From: HomePage News
April 11 – A Look Inside H-E-B’s Newest Store in DFW Metroplex
The 125,000-square-foot H-E-B Alliance joins the recently opened Frisco, Plano, McKinney and Allen H-E-B stores. From: Progressive Grocer
April 11 – CEO Jassy Details Amazon’s ‘Primitive’ Approach to Creating New Tech Advantages
Amazon president and CEO Andy Jassy, in his annual letter to shareholders, detailed how the company is building new capabilities and services, highlighting how generative AI would fit into its operation. From: HomePage News
April 11 – Bloomingdales Opens Camp-themed Pop-up Stores
Product categories in the curated seasonal assortment will including swimwear, accessories, beauty, food and beverage. From: Chain Store Age
April 11 – Adrienne Weiss: Build Your Brand Like It’s a Storybook
“There’s an emotional and intellectual idea at the heart of every brand,” Weiss said at the Inspired Home Show Event. From: HomePage News
April 10 – MarketTime Appoints Lee as CEO
MarketTime, a provider of wholesale commerce software solutions, has announced the appointment of Christine Lee as its new Chief Executive Officer. From: HomePage News
April 10 – Southeastern Grocers Launches Campaign to Support Children’s Hospitals
Since the program began in 2021, Southeastern Grocers has raised more than $1.1 million for its children’s hospital partners. From: Progressive Grocer
April 10 – Qurate Reconfigures Executive Suite as Chief People Officer Plans Exit
As part of a business realignment, Qurate Retail Group announced it promoted finance chief Bill Wafford to the expanded role of chief administrative officer and CFO, and chief people officer Linda Aiello is leaving the company. From: HomePage News
April 10 – Macy’s Shakes Up Board in Response to Investor Pressure
The new independent directors are Richard Clark and Richard Markee, Macy’s announced. From: HomePage News
April 9 – Meijer To Open Three New Supercenters in May
Meijer has announced opening dates for new supercenter operations in Michigan and Ohio, adding to its store count in what is the company’s 90th anniversary year. From: HomePage News
April 9 – Nordstrom Taps Company Veteran to Lead Rack Merchandising
Longtime Nordstrom merchant Lori Marten has been named executive vice president and general merchandising manager of the retailer’s Rack business, the company said. From: Retail Dive
April 9 – JCPenney Opens New Store Anchoring New Jersey Mall
JCPenney has opened a new store in New Jersey after announcing a massive reinvestment program last year. From: HomePage News
April 9 – Consumers Willing to Pay for Sustainability, But They Want More Help
79% of consumers want an easier way to identify eco-friendly companies. From: HomePage News
April 8 – Survey Underscores Urgent Need for Retailers to Address Inefficiencies
The Coresight/Simbe survey addresses the do-it-yourself/home center, drugstore, grocery, mass merchandise and warehouse club channels. From: HomePage News
April 8 – Numerator: Consumer Confidence Continued Climb in March
March was up 1.6 points from February’s score to reach 57.3, which is based on an average of how consumers felt about the job market, their household finances, and their spending comfort levels. From: HomePage News
April 8 – NRF: Top Global Retailers Faced Major Challenges in 2023
The NRF study, with information compiled by market research firm and consultant Kantar, reflects the economic uncertainties stemming from a potential global recession and disrupted supply chains. From: HomePage News
April 8 – True Value Marketing Campaign Spotlights Hardware Heroes
“For decades, we’ve understood the essential role of the local hardware store in communities of all sizes, as well as why consumers take on DIY projects,” said Jake Kalnitz, True Value senior vp, chief merchandising officer. From: HomePage News
April 5 – Tractor Supply Launches Weber Grills, Barbecue Tools, and Accessories
Tractor Supply is offering natural gas and liquid propane Weber gas grills, as well as pellet grills, charcoal grills and portable cookers, the company noted. From: HomePage News
April 5 – U.S. Convenience Store Sales Reach New Highs
Convenience stores saw record sales in stores in 2023, according to newly released data from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). From: Supermarket News
April 5 – 99 Cents Only to Liquidate All 371 Stores
After months of actively pursuing alternatives, the company ultimately determined an orderly wind down was necessary and the best way to maximize the value of 99 Cents Only Stores’ assets. From: HomePage News
April 5 – Beyond Gets Social With X, Promotes Robinson to Chief Customer Officer
Beyond, Inc. has launched a partnership with social media platform X and promoted Carlisha Robinson to chief customer officer responsible for product management and user experience functions across the company’s e-commerce platforms. From: HomePage News
April 4 – Burlington to Open its Biggest Distribution Center
Burlington is beefing up its distribution network to support its goal of opening 100 stores a year, though the retailer only made it to 80 stores in 2023, CEO Michael O’Sullivan said on the earnings call. From: Retail Dive
April 4 – ISM: Service Sector Records 15th Straight Month of Growth
In March, the manufacturing index joined the service index in the expansion range, according to ISM. From: HomePage News
April 4 – Home Chef Launches New National Food Rescue Program
The Kroger-owned meal solutions company has launched a new sustainability-focused program aimed at redirecting surplus food and reducing waste in its manufacturing and production processes. From: Progressive Grocer
April 4 – Placer.ai: Shopping Mall Traffic is Recovering from COVID
Luxury is winning everywhere, especially in the Sunbelt States, according to Placer.ai. Malls are adding high-end and designer stores at a rapid pace as demand for luxury goods has taken off. From: HomePage News
April 4 – Miniso Touts North American Growth as it Preps New Jersey Flagship Opening
Miniso attributes the growth to its IP collaborations, constant product innovation and strategic store expansions across the region, whether the licensed brand was Snoopy, Barbie, Care Bears, or any of the several others the company offers. From: HomePage News
April 4 – Wegmans Is the Best Place to Work in Food Retail
The grocer ranked No. 6, way ahead of the other food retailers on this year’s list. From: Progressive Grocer
April 3 – Amazon Spring Sale Posted Modest Gains but Represented Turnaround
Held from March 20-25, Amazon’s inaugural Big Spring Sale generated a modest 3.1% lift in sales versus the average trailing four weeks, according to Earnest credit card data. From: HomePage News
April 3 – NRF: Consumer Spending Supports Slow but Sustainable Economic Growth
The economy should continue to advance through the remainder of this year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said as part of the April NRF Monthly Economic Review. From: HomePage News
April 3 – Poshmark Earth Month Event Marries Sustainable Brands, Resellers
Throughout Earth Month, Poshmark will spotlight the second-hand community on its social channels and blog, the company noted, and offer upcycling, sourcing, and packaging tips. From: HomePage News
April 2 –Home Depot Spring Sales Event Features Outdoor Living Bargains
Home Depot shoppers will find deals on grills and outdoor décor, as well as premium patio furniture. The retailer will provide free assembly and delivery on select grills priced at $399 or more purchased in store. From: HomePage News
April 2 –Target Promotes Circle Week with Kristen Wiig’s SNL Character ‘Target Lady
The Target Lady’s comeback is a one-of-a-kind creative campaign showcasing leaning into humor while making a point of how Target makes customers’ lives easier by saving them time and money, according to the retailer. From: HomePage News
April 2 – Walmart Lays Out Future of Proprietary Advertising Network
In a fourth-quarter conference call, Doug McMillon, Walmart president and CEO, said the company drove advertising growth of 28% for the year to reach $3.4 billion globally. From: HomePage News
April 1 – Williams Sonoma Expands Aerin Collection with New Tabletop, Furnishings
The current collection was a joint effort with Aerin Lauder, founder, and creative director of her namesake banner. From: HomePage News
April 1 – Big Lots Opens Two Asia-based Buying Offices
The initiative is expected to yield significant operational cost savings beginning this year and will bring the chain’s long-time, exclusive third-party agent’s sourcing team in-house as Big Lots’ Asia sourcing team. From: Chain Store Age
April 1 – Headwinds, Internal Initiatives Hit RH Q4 Financials
In the fourth quarter, Restoration Hardware sales and earnings slid, but CEO Gary Friedman insisted that the company has positioned itself for growth. From: HomePage News
April 1 – Lowe’s Strikes DoorDash Deal Among Its Spring Initiatives
The deal expands consumer access to Lowe’s assortment and boosts the home center operator’s profile, as consumers who prefer to shop directly through the DoorDash app will have a Lowe’s option. From: HomePage News
