October 31 – Big Lots Names Nexus Successful Bidder Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings
In its bankruptcy proceeding, Big Lots has filed notice of a successful bidder for its assets, Gateway BL Acquisition, an affiliate of Nexus Capital Management. From: HomePage News
October 31 – Starbucks’ New Strategy Includes Four-Minute Service, Cozier cafes, Simpler Menu
On the company’s earnings call, new CEO Brian Niccol discussed changes in his “Back to Starbucks” plan including reviewing its store designs, with a focus on bringing back more comfy seating and other amenities, including ceramic mugs. From: Chain Store Age
October 31 – The Fresh Market Opens in Chicago’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood
Located at 2730 N. Halsted Street on the city’s North Side, the 17,000-square-foot store is on track to be a food and drink destination for neighborhood residents and visitors. From: Progressive Grocer
October 30 – Target Slates Multiple Holiday Sales Events Featuring Housewares
Along with daily deals, holiday shoppers will discover a new lineup of weeklong deals launching each Sunday starting November 3. On Fridays, they can visit Target’s Weekly Ad to preview the deals for the week ahead. From: HomePage News
October 30 – Evolving Container Store Falls Short of Q2 Expectations
The Container Store missed Wall Street expectations in its second-quarter recent agreement by Beyond, Inc. to take a significant ownership stake in the organization specialty retailer. From: HomePage News
October 30 – HomeGoods Enlists Actress/Singer Chenoweth for ‘Deck the Everything Day’
HomeGoods’ Deck The Everything Day Headquarters, a festive, life-size gingerbread house, will pop-up in New York City’s Madison Square Park November 1-2. From: HomePage News
October 29 – Where Walgreens Shoppers Plan to Spend After Store Closures
Walgreens shoppers surveyed by market researcher Numerator said they are prepared to switch to other drug chains and mass merchants if impacted by the planned closure of some 1,200 Walgreens stores. From: HomePage News
October 29 – SpartanNash Acquires Convenience Chain and Fuel Distribution Business
The deal with Michigan-based Markham Enterprises comes shortly after addition of Fresh Encounter banner. From: Progressive Grocer
October 29 – Holiday Shoppers Want Added Safety Measures from Stores
In a study by mobile communications platform Theatro and survey platform Pollfish 78% of shoppers indicated they fear for their safety while holiday shopping. From: HomePage News
October 29 – Ross Names Boot Barn’s Conroy CEO as Part of Succession Plan
Conroy will join Ross on December 2 as CEO-elect. He also will become a board member at that time, the company reported. From: HomePage News
October 28 – Lemonis Raises His Beyond Stake with Nearly $1 Million Stock Buy
Lemonis said Beyond is “in the process of transforming our asset-light business into an affinity and data monetization model with a strong technology focus, comprised of a collection of brands. ”From: HomePage News
October 28 – Kohl’s Resets for Growth: Leveraging Partnerships and Fresh Strategies for Holiday Success.
Kohl’s looks to recapture sales lost to a previous repositioning, particularly in home and certain apparel categories, such as petites and dresses, while building off new points of emphasis, such as gifting and impulse. From: HomePage News
October 28 – Wegmans, Publix Among Best Workplaces for Women
Fortune’s list is based on feedback about workplace experience collected from 1.3 million employees, of which nearly 600,000 were women at qualifying Great Place to Work Certified organizations in the United States. From: Progressive Grocer
October 28 – Macy’s Casts Actress Alison Brie as Holiday Gift Guide
Already available on Macy’s .com, key gift guide categories include For Home, as well as For Her, For Him, For Kids & Baby, For Teens and For Everyone. From: HomePage News
October 28 – Dollar General Holiday Deal Days Serve Up Housewares Savings
DG Deal Days will run as sales occasions every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the duration of the event, featuring 25%- and 50%-off discounts, buy-one-get-one deals and additional ways to save, the company noted. From: HomePage News
October 25 –7-Eleven to Open Over 600 Stores Under New Design by 2027
7-Eleven’s New Standard format is the first prototype the convenience retailer has launched since it rolled out its Evolution store concept in March 2019. From: Retail Dive
October 25 – Survey: Consumers, Retail Marketers Disconnected on Holiday Purchase Expectations A survey by cash-back provider Rakuten reveals a disconnect exists between retail marketers and shoppers as they enter the 2024 holiday season. From: HomePage News
October 25 –Trader Joe’s Picks Up Pace of Openings
The grocer has opened 10 stores since Oct. 1, with geographical representation across the United States From: Progressive Grocer
October 25 – BJ’s Expanding Store Base in Florida, Indiana
BJ’s Wholesale Club is expanding to Florida and newer markets in the Midwest. From: HomePage News
October 25 – Tractor Supply to Acquire Online Pet Pharmacy
The move expands the retailer’s market opportunity. Meanwhile, new locations spurred Q3 sales, as store comps and net income declined. From: Retail Dive
October 24 – Tractor Supply Posts Mixed Q3 Amid Allivet Pet Pharmacy Acquisition
In the third quarter, Tractor Supply Co.’s net income and comparable sales declined, although total revenues pushed ahead. From: HomePage News
October 24 As the 118th Congress Winds Up its Session, the National Retail Federation Continues its Push Against Retail Crime
The trade group is holding its third straight “Fight Retail Crime Day” amid ongoing questions surrounding the scope of shrink and theft. From: Retail Dive
October 24 – Beyond Q3 Sales and Earnings Slip as the Company Transforms
During rapidly instituted changes as it reconfigures into a new, holding company-style operation, Beyond posted lower third-quarter sales and bigger losses that fell short of Wall Street expectations. From: HomePage News
October 24 – The Paper Store dedicates $60M to brick-and-mortar expansion
This year so far, the company will have opened or refreshed 10 stores, including six in Massachusetts (including Hyannis), two in New Hampshire, one in Florida and one in Illinois. From: Retail Dive
October 23 – Early Online Holiday Sales Rise as Shoppers Seek Digital Discounts
Up by 4% in the first half of October, Home Goods and Decor ranked fourth as to year-over-year gains. From: HomePage News
October 23 – EXCLUSIVE: Jewel-Osco Unveils Latest Store in 125th Year
More than 2 decades after purchasing property, retailer welcomes enthusiastic shoppers to outpost in Diamond, IL. From: Progressive Grocer
October 23 – BJs Readies Home & Housewares Deals for Early Black Friday Event
Members can get ready for the holidays and check off their gift-giving lists with special offers on select toys, small appliances, furniture, TVs and tech, the company stated. From: HomePage News
October 23 – Beyond Plans 20% Workforce Reduction After Recent Investments
Beyond noted it undertook the workforce actions to establish a more variable, leverageable cost structure and create a more streamlined organization that aligns to its asset-light low-inventory business structure. From: HomePage News
October 22 –Circana: Spending Remained Stable Through Early October Retail Promotions
In the five weeks ending October 5, 2024, overall retail sales across general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG) were up 3% in dollars and 1% in units compared to the same time in 2023. From: HomePage News
October 22 –Target Cuts Prices, Gets Festive for The Holidays
Along with the new, everyday low prices, Target is making the holidays more affordable with season-long deals and a wide range of options for gifting and gathering, including its largest holiday assortment ever, the company noted. From: HomePage News
October 22 – NRF: Early Shopping Could Fuel Record Per-Person 2024 Holiday Spend
The survey suggests that the holiday spending increase will come largely from spending on gifts. From: HomePage News
October 22 – Wayfair Launches Paid Membership Program
Wayfair has introduced a membership program that extends across all its banners for an annual fee of $29. From: HomePage News
October 21 – Best Buy Marks Calendar with Holiday Sales
The company’s plans include a Holiday Gift Center operation and new doorbuster bargains dropping each Friday from November 8 through December 20 on the Best Buy app, bestbuy.com and in stores. From: HomePage News
October 21 – Beyond Investment in Kirkland’s Sets Stage for Return of Bed Bath & Beyond Stores
Under the agreement, Kirkland’s will pilot up to five “neighborhood” Bed Bath & Beyond stores featuring a curated version of the retail brand’s legacy assortment; and it will open up Bed Bath & Beyond shops in Kirkland’s stores. From: HomePage News
October 21 – Ross Reaches 2,192 Locations After Completing 2024 New Store Rollout
Ross Stores opened 43 Ross Dress for Less and four dd’s Discounts stores across 22 states in September and October, completing the company’s store growth plans for fiscal 2024. From: HomePage News
October 18 – ICSC: Holiday Retail Sales to Advance From 3% to 3.5%
The shopping forecast from the former International Council of Shopping Centers projects a 6% increase in food-and-beverage spending besides the retail sales gains, bringing the total expected spend for the season to $1.66 trillion. From: HomePage News
October 18 – Ulta looks to open 200 stores over the next 3 years as it plots growth in a tough market With the new store opening plan, Ulta will open about 200 new stores over the next three years, which comes to about 66 per year, and is targeting a footprint of more than 1,800 stores. From: Retail Dive
October 18 – Hy-Vee President Donna Tweeten to Retire
In 2022, Tweeten became the first woman in Hy-Vee history to serve as the company’s president. From: HomePage News
October 18 – pOpshelf Rolling Out New Store Format, Loyalty Program, App
The customer appreciation event will include 20% off coupons and complimentary product samples to the first 50 adult customers. Additional benefits may vary by store, pOpshelf indicated. From: HomePage News
October 18 – CVS Replaces CEO Karen Lynch with Exec David Joyner
The healthcare and pharmacy giant also pulled its earnings guidance, citing increased medical cost pressures in its Aetna health benefits unit. From: Retail Dive
October 18 – Joyner Takes CVS Reins As Lynch Exits Amid Rumors of Retail, Health Benefits Split Joyner also has taken a position on the board of directors. Previous CVS Chairman Roger Farah has become executive chairman. From: HomePage News
October 17 – Martha Stewart Collection Helping JCPenney Ring in Holiday Season
Gibson Homewares is licensed to develop and market Martha Stewart kitchenware and tableware. From: HomePage News
October 17 – Census Bureau: Retail Sales Gains Continued in September
United States Census Bureau figures show retail sales increasing again in September as employment grew and inflation and interest rates fell. From: HomePage News
October 17 – H-E-B Grows Store Roster in Texas
H-E-B is in development mode as it makes moves for new stores in its home state of Texas. From: Progressive Grocer
October 17 – Deloitte Breaks Down How Consumers Expect to Spend This Holiday Season
Consumers in Deloitte’s Holiday Retail Survey told the business services firm they plan to spend an average of $1,778 this year, including experiences, up 8% from 2023. From: HomePage News
October 17 – Retailers Provide Support Following Hurricanes Helene, Milton
Retailers, including Southeastern Grocers, Dollar General and Publix are providing support to those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. From: Drugstore News
October 17 – The Quest for Shipping and Supply Chain Stability Arrives at Its ‘Inflection Point’
Craig Akers, executive director of the International Housewares Shippers Association (IHSA), cautions that the year ahead is going to be challenging for retailers and suppliers who are moving goods internationally. From: HomePage News
October 17 – Lidl Reintroduces Brand in U.S. With New Campaign
The “Super-EST Market In Town” launches in-store signage, online videos, billboards, digital displays and more. From: Progressive Grocer
October 16 – Ulta Sets Priorities for Profitable Beauty & Wellness Expansion
To act on the priorities, Ulta intends to accelerate new store openings, targeting 1,800-plus stores in the long-term while driving loyalty program growth to 50 million members by 2028. From: HomePage News
October 16 – Macy’s Garnishes Holiday Traditions with New Experiences, Products & Promotions
Macy’s shoppers can tap a Top 100 Holiday Gifts selection, as well as assortments developed to address consumer needs across gift giving and entertaining, showcasing such brands as Breville, De’Longhi, SMEG, Le Creuset and Bella. From: HomePage News
October 16 – Hy-Vee Offers More Welcoming Experience for People Living with Dementia
“At Hy-Vee, we want to ensure every customer feels welcomed and valued,” said Tina Potthoff, SVP of communications for Hy-Vee. From: Progressive Grocer
October 16 – Beyond, Container Store Partnership Plan Eyes Strength from Shared Resources
The companies expect the collaboration to drive increased Container Store traffic and consumer engagement with the core assortment and high-margin, solution-driven Custom Spaces services business. From: HomePage News
October 16 – Bloomie’s to Open Fourth Location
Bloomingdale’s small-format concept — is set to open its fourth location on Nov. 14 at The Grove Shopping Center in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. From: Retail Dive
October 16 – Albertsons Q2 Sales Gain but Earnings Lag
As its merger with The Kroger Cos. continues to face opposition from the United States government, Albertsons beat Wall Street estimates on earnings and revenues, as identical sales gained. From: HomePage News
October 16 – Indies Grappled with Inflationary Pressures, Rising Costs in FY 2023
The survey suggested that most holiday shopping will occur in late November despite heightened interest in October promotional events, Deloitte maintained. From: Progressive Grocer
October 15 – NRF Forecasts Holiday Sales Gain of 2.5% to 3.5% from Consumers Primed to Spend
The NRF holiday prediction is consistent with the organization’s forecast for 2024 annual sales growth of 2.5% and 3.5% against 2023 sales. From: HomePage News
October 15 – Walgreens Plots 1,200 Store Closures in Retail Optimization Plan
Walgreens Boots Alliance revealed it plans to close 1,200 underperforming stores as it reported fourth-quarter earnings declines in its overall and U.S. retail operations while sales gained in both segments. From: HomePage News
October 14 – Walmart Names Chief Growth Officer to Head Up New Business Group
Walmart has named Chief Revenue Officer Seth Dallaire as its chief growth officer of Walmart U.S. From: Retail Dive
October 14 – Anthropologie Launches ‘Gilded’ Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection
The 44-piece collection’s prices range from $18 for a mug to $148 for a tiered stand. Products are available at Anthropologie stores nationwide and on its website. From: HomePage News
October 14 – Big Y: When Retailing Feels Like Family
The company looks to accelerate growth by investing in operational innovations, hyperlocal assortments and acquisitions — all while preserving its emphasis on family culture and employee development. From: Progressive Grocer
October 14 – True Value Files Chapter 11; Do It Best Named Stalking Horse Bidder
Do It Best becomes a stalking horse bidder in the True Value Chapter 11 proceedings occurring in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. From: HomePage News
October 14 – Tech Initiatives Driving Walmart into the Adaptive Retail Era
The platform, as the company described it, will enable hyper-personalized, convenient and engaging shopping across Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, apps and various virtual environments. From: HomePage News
October 11 – Pottery Barn Introduces Polar Express Collection for the Holidays
Pottery Barn is introducing a new home furnishings collection inspired by the Warner Bros. holiday film, “The Polar Express.” From: HomePage News
October 11 – Kohl’s Holiday Plan Spotlights Renewed Home and Housewares Strategy
Shoppers will find 50% more seasonal home decor items this year compared to last year with prominent front-of-store positioning, the company indicated. From: HomePage News
October 11 – NRF: September Sales Beat 2023 Comp Despite Month-to-Month Dip
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor reported retail sales in the United States dropped slightly month-over-month in September but moved ahead of the total for the same period in 2023. From: HomePage News
October 11 – 7-Eleven Parent Company to Shutter 400-Plus Stores in North America
7-Eleven Inc. remains the top convenience store chain in North America, but its parent company, Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd., plans to trim its store count by 444 locations. From: Convenience Store News
October 10 – Ulta Rolls Out Online Community, New Wellness Initiatives, Podcast
Ulta describes The Joy Project: The Joy Hub as a vibrant destination delivering feel-good content from the Ulta Beauty Joy Council and The Joy Of…, a new podcast, as exploring the intersection of beauty and joy. From: Progressive Grocer
October 10 – Amazon Touts Big Deal Days Gains As it Preps More Holiday Promotions
The company said Prime members saved more than $1 billion across millions of deals during the event, including on seasonal merchandise and gifts, home goods, electronics, toys, beauty and apparel. From: HomePage News
October 10 – Walgreens Names SVP and Chief Commercial Officer
Jason Stenta will lead commercial growth strategies, including areas within the company’s B2B health care services. From: Progressive Grocer
October 10 – Home Furnishings Help Lift Costco September Comps
Comparable sales, with the effects of gasoline price and foreign exchange volatility excluded, gained 9.3% in the United States. From: HomePage News
October 10 – Authentic Brands Group, Saks team up on luxury joint venture
Growth of a slew of Authentic-owned labels will follow the pattern set by Barneys New York, which the brand-management firm acquired in 2019. From: Retail Dive
October 9 – Circana: Holiday Spirits Improving as Consumers Strategize to Save Cash
Household food and grocery costs will impact holiday shopping for 62% of consumers, yet more holiday shoppers are feeling positive about their personal financial situation. From: HomePage News
October 9 – Helen of Troy Beats Q2 Estimates with Help from Home Products
Helen of Troy, helped by gains in select home product categories, beat Wall Street estimates in the second quarter despite lower year-over-year overall sales and earnings. From: HomePage News
October 9 – Big Lots Adds to List of Planned Store Closures
In a filing with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, Big Lots identified leases it is ready to depart and stores it is ready to close, now combining for a total of nearly 500. From: HomePage News
October 8 – Container Store Adopts Limited-Duration Stockholder Rights Plan
The Container Store Group has adopted a limited-duration stockholder rights plan, effective immediately and is scheduled to expire on October 7, 2025, in response to the rapid and significant accumulation of the company’s common stock by a single unidentified stock owner and to protect value for all shareholders, it stated. From: HomePage News
October 8 – Qurate’s Grandin Road Brand Unveils Christmas 2024 Collection
The Qurate Retail Group banner is offering new holiday entertaining items including Be Merry and Gilded Reindeer serveware and Dashing Deer and Nostalgic Christmas tableware. From: HomePage News
October 8 – Anthropologie, The Met Launch Collection for the Holidays
The collection includes dinnerware, serveware, glassware and barware, a classic tea set, textiles, candles and decorative accents, per news release. From: Retail Dive
October 8 – U.S. Port Volumes Remain High in Strike Aftermath
Ports handled unusually large volumes of cargo this past spring as importers brought in goods early because of the potential for a strike and shifted some vessels to the West Coast, where dockworkers are represented by a different union, NRF noted. From: HomePage News
October 7 – Newegg Rolls Out ‘FantasTech’ October Discounts
FantasTech II Sale, running through October 11, has deep discounts on a wide selection of laptops, computer components, gaming accessories, furnishings, small appliances and smart home devices. From: HomePage News
October 7 – Consumers Are Boosting Budgets for Holiday Gift Cards
BHN reported consumers plan to spend almost half of their holiday budget on gift cards. From: HomePage News
October 7 – Midwest States Work to Support Grocers in Rural and Underserved Areas
Illinois leaders recently announced the recipients of $7.8 million in funds for new stores and equipment upgrades. From: Progressive Grocer
October 7 – Amazon Enhances Visual Search Functions
Amazon is adding new features to its shopping app with a focus on visual search functions designed to help customers quickly and easily connect with the products they’re seeking. From: HomePage News
October 7 – Lingering Inflation Concerns Still Directing Shoppers Toward Value
Inflation is still a significant factor in consumer behavior even though the rate has declined, according to a survey conducted by R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. From: HomePage News
October 4 – Home Depot Spotlights Housewares Brands in October Sale Event
Prompted by Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days and responses by rivals including Lowe’s Cos. and Ace Hardware, Home Decor Days promises up to 50 % off select furniture, decor and bath products through October 7. From: HomePage News
October 4 – Port Strike Suspension Welcomed as Good Economic News
Another letter signatory, the National Retail Federation, pointed out that the end of the strike was a positive development for the U.S. economy. From: HomePage News
October 3 – FTC: Kroger, Albertsons Merger Could Mean Higher Prices in Over 1,400 Communities
In its post-hearing brief to the District Court of Oregon, the FTC argued that the two grocery chains failed to successfully argue that the merger would not create a monopoly. From: Supermarket News
October 3 – PwC: Holiday Spending Plans Influenced by Income, Inflation and Generation
Women emerged as a driving force behind holiday spending gains in 2023, This season, male shoppers intend to outspend their female counterparts with a projected 13% increase in holiday budgets, PwC observed. From: HomePage News
October 3 – Amazon Wants to Hire 250K for the Holidays Again
Amazon said last month it would invest $2.2 billion in additional pay for about 800,000 fulfillment and transportation workers. From: Retail Dive
October 3 – Ace Launching Rewards Member Deals October 8
Ace Hardware loyalty member bargain promotion that promises sharp prices on a wide variety of popular items, from grills and power tools to housewares and lawn and garden supplies. From: HomePage News
October 3 – Grocers Tap into Alcohol Sales with Standalone Liquor Stores
Grocers including Hy-Vee, Southeastern Grocers, Food Lion, Fareway and ShopRite have opened stand-alone liquor stores over the past several years. From: Grocery Dive
October 3 – Amazon Previews Housewares Bargains on Big Deal Days
Amazon is emphasizing Big Deal Days participation by its independent marketplace sellers, many of which are medium and small businesses. From: HomePage News
October 2 – Physical Store is Next Major Channel as Retail Media Continues to Evolve
The Acosta Group’s latest study offers insights into the importance of in-store shopping. From: Drug Store News
October 2 – Numerator: GenAlpha Purchasing Power Already at $28 Billion
In a look at the youngest consumer demographic, Numerator tracked Generation Alpha behavior, leveraging verified purchase data and a survey of more than 35,000 parents/guardians with children. From: HomePage News
October 2 – Ashley, Samsung Partner in Immersive Approach to Selling Smart Home
The intent of the partnership is to revolutionize the way people shop for their homes, Ashly announced. From: HomePage News
October 2 – J.C. Penney Names Consulting Chief Marketing Officer to Bolster Turnaround Plan
Marisa Thalberg has joined J.C. Penney in the role of consulting chief marketing officer, the executive shared in a LinkedIn post. From: Retail Dive
October 1 – Income of Consumers Budgeting More for Holidays Affects Spending Priorities
71% of survey respondents said they would use two or more channels to shop for the holidays. From: HomePage News
October 1 – Meijer Achieves Best Refrigerant Emissions Rate
For the fourth consecutive year, Meijer has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) GreenChill Program for having the lowest corporate-wide refrigerant emissions rate out of all partners nationwide over the past year. From: Progressive Grocer
October 1 – SpartanNash Offers New Child Care Benefits for Employees
The new associate benefits provide care options for children, adult dependents and elderly family members – while lessening financial stress. From: Progressive Grocer
October 1 – Shopping Center Operator Simon Launches Campaign Promoting ‘Mall Culture’
Dubbed “Meet Me @themall,” the campaign blends ’80s and ’90s nostalgia with a focus on a new generation of consumers who want to shop, eat, stay and play at the mall as much as their parents did. From: HomePage News
