May 31 – Ultra Credits Target Partnership Royalties for Q1 Comp Sales Gain
In a conference call, Ulta CEO Dave Kimball said royalty income from its partnership with Target contributed to the sales gain. From: HomePage News
May 31 – Burlington Rides Early Spring Rebound to Q1 Sales, Earnings Gains
Burlington Stores readily beat Wall Street first-quarter earnings estimates while squeezing past revenue expectations. From: HomePage News
May 31 – Dollar General Beats Q1 Expectations as Market Share Advances
An increase in customer traffic drove comps partially offset by a decrease in average transaction amount. From: HomePage News
May 31 – Nordstrom Revenue Beats Street as Nordstrom Rack Sales Jump 14%
The department store retailer continues to grow its Rack format and opened new stores during the quarter. From: Chain Store Age
May 31 – Kohl’s Touts Home, Beauty and Baby Plans After Tough Q1
Tom Kingsbury, CEO, said Kohl’s continues to build a presence in under-penetrated categories such as home and gifting, and it is looking forward to the upcoming Babies “R” Us launch in its stores. From: HomePage News
May 31 – Best Buy Overcomes Promotional Pressure to Beat Street on Earnings
Sales were tougher to come by at Best Buy, but the retailer managed to improve earnings significantly in the first quarter. From: HomePage News
May 31 – Costco’s Strong Q3 Led by Gains from Discretionary Goods
Costco Wholesale Corp posted strong comparable store sales and earnings in the third quarter, noting its members are ramping up their spending on discretionary merchandise. From: HomePage News
May 31 – Home Depot Digital Chief Broggi Named EVP Customer Experience
Matt Carey, who was EVP of customer experience, will retire from Home Depot on December 31, the company noted. From: HomePage News
May 30 – The Backroom: Lee Peterson and the hard truth about retail stores
E-commerce keeps growing because it’s easier to shop online. To survive, brick and mortar needs a good reason, too. From: Retail Dive
May 30 – Illinois Set to End Grocery Tax
Illinois is one of a minority of states that collect a statewide sales tax on groceries. From: Grocery Dive
May 30 – Kowalski’s Welcomes Shoppers to New Store in Minnesota
Features include an expansive gift and floral department that carries jewelry, apparel, beauty and wellness items and home décor pieces. From: Progressive Grocer
May 30 – Chicago’s H Mart stocked heavy in Korean Bliss
Supermarket News toured three very different Chicago stores. From: Supermarket News
May 29 – Numerator: March Promo Gain Led by Digital Temporary Price Cuts
The volume of temporary price reductions, short-term digital bargains versus circular, weekly ad, pressrun or coupon-book promotions, was up 72% year over year in March. From: HomePage News
May 29 – Survey: Consumer Confidence About Personal Financial Outlook Rising
In May 2024, consumers’ likelihood of making a large purchase in the next six months is about 22% higher than last year. From: HomePage News
May 29 – Dollar Tree Acquires 170 Western Locations from Bankrupt 99 Cents Only
Dollar Tree, in a move to expand its namesake banner, has acquired designation rights for 170 99 Cents Only Stores across Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas. From: HomePage News
May 29 – Meijer Follows Supercenter Openings with First Indiana Grocery Format Store
Meijer Grocery is a concept based on food and everyday needs, but it is multi-departmental in format. From: HomePage News
May 29 – Walgreens Cutting Prices to Support Beleaguered Shoppers
Although major drug retailers lately have been focused on health services, the Walgreens initiative has some emphasis on front-of-store items including general merchandise, such as home goods. From: HomePage News
May 28 – Home Depot Takes Instacart Same-Day Delivery Nationwide
The Home Depot is working to improve the interconnected shopping experience for its customers, and following a successful pilot with Instacart earlier this year. From: HomePage News
May 28 – PayPal Hires Former Uber, Plaid Execs to Launch Advertising Platform
PayPal has named Mark Grether as svp, general manager, PayPal Ads and John Anderson as svp, general manager, consumer group. From: HomePage News
May 28 – Rite Aid Reportedly Close to Deal on Post-Bankruptcy Financing
Rite Aid is now close to a final deal with its lenders and expects to seek court approval of its bankruptcy restructuring in late June, per a Reuters report. From: Drug Store News
May 28 – Walmart ‘Realm’ Launches as Next-Generation Virtual Retail Destination
Walmart Realm features shoppable scenes and influencer presentations consumers can access through walmartrealm.com. The home shops at this time are dominated by furniture and furnishings. From: HomePage News
May 28 – Aldi Chief Executive Officer Jason Hart Discusses Lower Grocery Prices
With the summer heating up, what are the grocer’s plans for its pricing strategies? Jason Hart discusses. From: NRF SmartBrief
May 24 – Stop & Shop Plans to Close Stores as it Eyes a Turnaround
The supermarket chain plans to close an unspecified number of locations as it looks to improve its performance. From: Grocery Dive
May 24 – Survey: Nearly Half of Consumers Interested in Livestream Shopping
61% of consumers under 55 years of age showed interest in live shopping experiences. From: HomePage News
May 24 – Ross Beats Street in Q1 Against Continuing Headwinds
The results reflected an economy in which inflationary pressures continue to have a larger impact on the lower-income householders among dd’s prime shoppers. From: HomePage News
May 23 – Hy-Vee Springs into Action After Tornado Strikes in Iowa
Hy-Vee assembled a team of staff and volunteers to provide water to victims of the Greenfield, Iowa tornado that leveled parts of town on May 21. From: Progressive Grocer
May 23 – BJ’s Q1 Beats Street Estimates as Home Rebounds
Home textiles were particularly strong, but BJ’s has been placing more emphasis on kitchen and cleaning appliances with trend-right items in higher growth categories to drive higher member demand. From: HomePage News
May 23 – UPDATE: An Inside Look at the Wayfair’s First Physical Store
The store brings quality furniture, home decor, kitchen, appliances and home improvement items together in one space. From: HomePage News
May 22 – Numerator: Consumer Confidence Slipped in April
The April Financial Outlook Score was 50.5, down 0.4% from March, indicating that consumers feel neutral about their household finances. From: HomePage News
May 22 – Williams-Sonoma Q1 Earnings Jump but Comps Lag
First-quarter Williams-Sonoma earnings soundly beat analyst forecasts, but company comparable sales fell. From: HomePage News
May 22 – Home Helps TJX Post Solid First Quarter
TJX Cos.’s earnings broke a billion dollars during the first quarter, as comparable sales were gained across the company. From: HomePage News
May 22 – Target Q1 Comps, Earnings Fall but CEO Cornell Anticipates Better Future
The company’s chair and CEO, Brian Cornell, said that recent moves, including price cuts the company has been rolling out, position it for a return to growth. From: HomePage News
May 22 – Pier 1, Stein Mart ownership changes hands
Omni Retail Enterprises now owns Pier1.com along with other brands including DressBarn.com and the intellectual property of Modell’s Sporting Goods, SteinMart and Linens-N-Things. From: Retail Dive
May 21 – Lowe’s Beats Wall Street in Q1 Although Earnings, Revenues Slipped
“We are pleased with our start to spring, driven by strong execution and enhanced customer service,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s CEO. From: HomePage News
May 21 – Party City to Re-Open 3 Stores Featuring New Format
The locations in Maryland, Florida and New Jersey have new design elements including a “balloon shopping experience” and “birthday worlds.” From: Retail Dive
May 21 – Northeast Grocery Shares Renewed Strategy for Retail Success
Senior leadership reveals how Tops banner overcame adversity of deadly tragedy, plus how it’s navigating operational challenges posed by 2021 merger. From: Progressive Grocer
May 21 – Amazon Rolls Out Early Memorial Day Deals with Household Goods Prominent
Amazon has launched its Memorial Day sale with lots of bargains on home goods and outdoor living products, as well as mattresses, electronics and apparel. From: HomePage News
May 20 – JCPenney Sales Slip but Income Tumbles
Last year, JCPenney announced a $1 billion reinvestment program to boost customer experience and operational efficiencies. From: Homepage News
May 20 – Dollar General Names Walmart Veteran DeVille to Senior Store Ops Post
Prior to joining Dollar General, DeVille served as senior vice president of operations at Advantage Solutions, which develops marketing services or manufacturers and retailers. From: HomePage News
May 20 – Do it Best Names Jared Hufford Director of Strategic Initiatives
The change in roles marks a return to sales for Hufford. His diverse experience and proven track record make him an invaluable asset to the Do it Best team. From: Hardware Retailing
May 20 – Walmart Opens Fourth Next-Generation High-Tech Fulfillment Center
Walmart describes the next-generation facilities as combining people, technology and machine learning together to achieve faster shipping and delivery while increasing Walmart.com order fulfillment capacity. From: HomePage News
May 20 – Target Chops Prices for Summer Needs, Holidays, Back to School
The program largely focuses on food and other everyday needs but also includes products consumers may seek in preparation for upcoming holidays, including Memorial Day and back to school. From: HomePage News
May 17 – ISM: Economic Outlook Positive but with Lesser Growth
The U.S. economy will continue to expand slowly for the rest of 2024, according to purchasing and supply executives in the Spring 2024 Semiannual Economic Forecast from the Institute of Supply Management. From: HomePage News
May 17 – Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards more than $10.6M
In total, these grants are expected to positively impact more than 1.4 million individuals. From: Drug Store News
May 17 – Aaron’s Q1 Misses Wall Street Estimates
For the first quarter, The Aaron’s Co. came up short of Wall Street estimates as the business turned to a loss. From: HomePage News
May 17 – Social Media Fans Star in Target’s Newest Marketing Campaign
The campaign features a reimagined version of the hit 2001 song, “Everywhere,” by Michelle Branch as it evokes nostalgia for the early days of the century, the company noted. From: HomePage News
May 16 – Census Bureau: April Core Retail Sales Slip from March but Gain Year Over Year
The United States Census Bureau released figures indicating that retail sales moderated in April, the National Retail Federation reported. From: HomePage News
May 16 – H-E-B Opens E-Comm Fulfillment Center to Support Omnichannel Strategy
The Cibolo, TX facility marks H-E-B’s eighth e-commerce fulfillment center opened since 2018.From: Progressive Grocer
May 16 – Dillard’s Focuses on Profits to Beat Wall Street
Recent business highlights, according to the company, include opening a new 140,000-square-foot location in March at The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, SD, with South Dakota becoming the company’s 30th state of operation. From: HomePage News
May 16 – Trust in Retailer a Top Concern for Home Improvement Shoppers
Customers who have “complete” trust in their home improvement retailer make 80% of their purchases there. From: Chain Store Age
May 16 – Walmart Exceeds Q1 Expectations with Help from Home
The first quarter exceeded Wall Street and company expectations as Walmart pressed lower-pricing initiatives across various categories, including Home. From: HomePage News
May 16 – Indiana Welcomes 1st Niemann Harvest Market
Independent grocer unveils supermarket and co-located restaurant in Carmel. From: Progressive Grocer
May 16 – At Home Names Former Party City, Petco Leader Weston CEO
Jeff Evans, Jerry Murray and Ashey Sheetz will continue in their At Home leadership roles as president and chief merchandising officer, CFO and COO, respectively. From: HomePage News
May 15 – Ace Q1 Revenues Gain but Profits Slip
In terms of merchandising categories, Ace stated that outdoor power equipment, power tools and lawn and garden equipment enjoyed the best sales gains. From: HomePage News
May 15 – Best Buy Applying AI-Enhanced App Upgrade
My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total loyalty program members will be able to enjoy personalized and exclusive deals. From: HomePage News
May 15 – The Home Depot Launches New Hub to Support Military Relocations
Procured Move (PPM). The Home Depot’s new Military Moving hub is designed to be a one-stop-shop for all military relocation essentials. From: Chain Store Age
May 15 – Meijer Supersizes Store Openings
The Michigan-based retailer held grand openings for supercenters in Hillsdale, Mich., Alliance, Ohio, and North Canton, Ohio. From: Progressive Grocer
May 15 – HomeGoods Invites Consumers to Experience a Summer Camp Getaway
“HomeGoods Finder’s Camp is an opportunity to bring our community of brand fans, our Finders, together to celebrate why they love HomeGoods so much,” said Samantha Kussmann, HomeGoods manager of marketing. From: HomePage News
May 14 – Amazon Raking in Big Advertising Revenue but Competition Is Growing
A major part of Amazon’s popularity with sellers is its advertising capabilities, which have unique benefits over other channels, Jungle Scout asserted. From: HomePage News
May 14 – Home Depot Beats Earnings but Is Short on Revenue
From the perimeter to center store, suppliers and food retailers are addressing the call for green packaging with solutions that don’t compromise on quality. From: HomePage News
May 14 – Grocers Go Green for Food Packaging
From the perimeter to center store, suppliers and food retailers are addressing the call for green packaging with solutions that don’t compromise on quality. From: Progressive Grocer
May 14 – WalletHub: Q1 Household Debt Level Shows Improvement
The average household owed a total of $147,489 at the end of Q1 2024, only $13,694 below the all-time high. From: HomePage News
May 14 – Container Store Ponders Strategic Alternatives as It Confronts Delisting Notice
On May 14, after receiving the delisting notification, Container Store notified the NYSE that it intends to cure the stock price deficiency and return to compliance with listing standard. From: HomePage News
May 13 – Ollie’s Pursuing 11 Texas 99 Cents Only Stores
In reviewing the transaction, Pulse Ratings commented, “For Ollie’s, the acquisition of 11 stores will go towards the company’s goal of 50 store openings in fiscal 2024, as it continues its aggressive growth plans.” From: HomePage News
May 13 – Store Traffic Metrics Hint at Upcoming Retail Financial Results
The Placer.ai traffic tracker has thrown a spotlight on the brick-and-mortar popularity of major retailers as a means of providing a sense of how a critical component of those operations has performed recently. From: HomePage News
May 13 – Circana: Steady April Retail Sales Reveal Competition for Discretionary Dollars
Consumer spending levels at retail are holding relatively steady to recent trends, but what consumers are spending on is changing, according to market research and analytics company Circana. From: HomePage News
May 13 – Target Reaffirms Inclusive Strategy with Launch of Pride Goods at Select Stores, Online
The 2024 Pride product assortment will roll out on May 28, according to the Target website. From: HomePage News
May 10 – Sally Beauty Hit by Q2 Softness in its Consumer Business
Sally Beauty Holdings fell short of analyst estimates for its second quarter as comparable sales in the consumer-oriented Sally Beauty Supply operating segment declined. From: HomePage News
May 10 – Weis Markets Poised for Growth
“We plan for record investments in 2024, when we will begin the construction of six new stores, which we expect to open in 2025,” said Jonathan H. Weis, CEO. From: Progressive Grocer
May 10 – Costco Posts Solid April Sales with Help from Home Furnishings
The strongest comparable sales were in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest. From: HomePage News
May 9 – Retail Monitor: Easter Shift Pressures April Sales Comps
General merchandise stores were up 0.26% month over month, seasonally adjusted, and 0.69% year over year unadjusted. From: HomePage News
May 8 – Port Tracker: March Cargo Volume Up from 2023 with Increases to Follow
Monthly inbound cargo volumes at major container ports in the United States are building, with March figures up significantly year over year and April looking to follow. From: HomePage News
May 8 – Qurate Retail Turns to Adjusted Profit in Q1
As it pursues a turnaround, Qurate Retail turned to an adjusted profit in the first quarter although revenues trailed a Wall Street estimate. From: HomePage News
May 8 – Inside Walmart’s Omnichannel Revolution Toward a Tech-Driven Future
Although the course of its omnichannel development wasn’t always smooth, Walmart stands on the brink of a significant revolution. From: HomePage News
May 8 – Beyond Reports Growth Is Coming After Q1 Falls Short of Expectations
Chairman Marcus Lemonis said in a conference call that transaction gains and the rapid growth of such categories as soft home, kitchen and other legacy core Bed Bath & Beyond segments indicate that the brand remains strong. From: HomePage News
May 7 – The Workshop at Macy’s Providing Underrepresented Entrepreneurs a Business Boost
The company characterizes The Workshop at Macy’s as the retail industry’s longest-running vendor accelerator program, one that provides retail industry knowledge, resources, and tools. From: HomePage News
May 7 – Independent Retail Advocate Creating Specialty ‘Storefronts’ at Summer Dallas Market
Heart on Main Street launched in 2022 to provide knowledge, resources and connections to independent retailers to help them evolve and thrive. From: HomePage News
May 7 – Upcoming Amazon Beauty Event Follows Pet Promotion
As part of the promotion, customers will receive a credit for $10 when they spend $50 or more on beauty products shipped and sold by Amazon. From: HomePage News
May 7 – NRF: Economy Slows but Still Showing Growth
Economic growth in the United States slowed in the first quarter of 2024, but consumers are still spending more than they did last year, according to NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. From: HomePage News
May 6 – Von Maur Updating Physical Department Store Network
The remodeled stores will sport a new interior aesthetic as the company continues to prioritize the customer shopping experience, Von Maur stated. From: HomePage News
May 6 – Pottery Barn Beckons Summer with Coastal Lookbook
The Pottery Barn Coastal Lookbook encompasses a range of products for every room in the home, from indoor and outdoor spaces to decorating and entertaining. From: HomePage News
May 3 – Srebreva Named New Pampered Chef CEO
Srebreva led the company’s expansion in Europe and transitioned the business to a virtual model during the pandemic, Pampered Chef noted. From: HomePage News
May 3 – Comp Gains Boost Publix Q1 Results
Publix sales gained in the first quarter and earnings per share advanced slightly. From: HomePage News
May 3 – Earnest: Circle Week Gave Target a Lift
The latest Circle Sale represents an increase in the membership program’s contribution to Target revenue since mid-2023. From: HomePage News
May 2 – Wayfair Tops Q1 Estimates as Loss Declines
For the first quarter, Wayfair beat Wall Street estimates with a lesser loss, although sales declined slightly. From: HomePage News
May 2 – Pottery Barn Teen Rolls Out Back to College Support
The new digital tools, including the Build My Bed 3D visualizer and Ultimate Dorm Wishlist feature, are up and running on the Pottery Barn Teen mobile app and website. From: HomePage News
May 2 – Walmart Adds Tech Upgrades to Store, Distribution Operations
What Walmart describes as a first-of-its-kind application of artificial intelligence and computer vision technology has now been successfully deployed at more than 120 clubs since January. From: HomePage News
May 2 – Beyond Reinforces Merchandising, Digital Leadership
“The most important part of building a long-term, profitable, growing business is putting the right players on the field,” said Marcus Lemonis, executive chairman, Beyond. From: HomePage News
