January 31 – More Consumers to Celebrate Key Holidays Throughout 2025
Consumer intentions to celebrate the various holidays through the course of 2025 are up in nine of the 14 occasions the market researcher tracks, From: HomePage News
January 31 – Costco Raises Pay for Hourly Employees
The company will raise the hourly wage for employees at the top of its pay scale over the next three years. From: HomePage News
January 31 – Temu, Shein Declare Commitment to Product Safety & Quality
Temu and Shein have launched efforts to reassure consumers about their quality assurance programs after shoppers and retail followers have expressed concerns about the safety and quality of products offered on the platforms. From: HomePage News
January 31 – SharkNinja Launching Design Hub in New York’s 41 Madison Building
As part of the initiative, SharkNinja intends to grow its team significantly, with more than 45 roles identified in its initial phase, with the potential for filling additional positions over time. From: HomePage News
January 30 – Tractor Supply Says Its Primed For 2025 Growth After Mixed Q4
In fiscal 2024, the company opened 80 new Tractor Supply and 11 new Petsense by Tractor Supply stores, and it closed three Petsense stores. From: HomePage News
January 30 – Gift Card Purchasing Gained During 2024 Holidays
The total average value of gift cards received also saw a jump, with surveyed consumers reporting the total value increased to $209 on average from $161 a year ago. From: HomePage News
January 30 – Poshmark Wielding AI To Elevate Resale Experiences
Poshmark maintained that the company is integrating AI into seller endeavors as part of reshaping its platform. From: HomePage News
January 30 – Schnucks Store Remodels in the Works
The Seven Hills in Illinois and Union Missouri location are part of Schnucks’ efforts to enhance promotional planning, optimization and analysis chainwide From: Progressive Grocer
January 29 – BJ’s Continues Westward Expansion with Semi-Automated Ohio Distribution Center
The 500,000-square-foot facility will feature what the company called a future-ready solution – this from Swisslog, a provider of warehouse automation and software – that includes automated pallet storage, case-handling equipment and mixed-case pallet building. From: HomePage News
January 29 – Kohl’s Cuts 10% of Corporate Workforce
The downsizing follows store closure plans and will mostly entail eliminating open roles, with layoffs impacting fewer than 200 people. From: Retail Dive
January 29 – Tractor Supply Lands Field & Stream License, Plans LEED-Certified Idaho DC
Tractor Supply Co. has begun two programs to advance strategic priorities regarding operations while realigning its social commitments. From: HomePage News
January 29 – Paul Gianetto Named President of Raley’s Operating Division
Following Jen Warner’s promotion to chief growth and transformation officer, The Raley’s Companies has revealed that her successor for the critical role of president of Raley’s operating division is Paul Gianetto. From: Progressive Grocer
January 29 – Tariff Uncertainty: How the Threat of Higher Duties Is Reshaping U.S. Business Strategies Although President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has not come with the kind of blanket tariff raises, he discussed in his campaign, the threat of additional duties is already costing businesses in the United States money. The ongoing uncertainty will remain as the administration arrives at its comprehensive trade policy. From: HomePage News
January 29 – The Container Store Exits Bankruptcy as Private Company Talking Growth
A group of its lenders now own The Container Store, which maintained their support and allowed it to emerge from bankruptcy with a cleaner balance sheet that will give it a chance to pursue growth initiatives. From: HomePage News
January 28 – Etailer Consumer Satisfaction Slips as General Merchandisers Gain Slightly
In the latest ACSI study, customer satisfaction with online retailers — web-based and omnichannel operator digital businesses — slipped one point to a score of 79, as more than two-thirds of individual companies experienced satisfaction declines. From: HomePage News
January 28 – CVS Launches New App to Strengthen Relationship with Customers
The app bridges the two sides of the CVS business, retail and healthcare, giving consumers a means of more comprehensively managing their health through the company’s resources and reinforcing the relationship between customers and the business. From: HomePage News
January 27 – Mapping Trader Joe’s Ambitious Store Growth
Trader Joe’s went through a major growth spurt in 2024, opening a whopping 34 new stores coast-to-coast. From: Grocery Dive
January 27 – Sam’s Club Advances Retail with Customer-Centric Technology
Walmart has opened an upgraded Sam’s Club store in Grapevine, TX, as a new standard for what the warehouse club chain can be. From: HomePage News
January 27 – Discount, Off-Price Stores Saw Biggest Holiday Traffic Gains
The increase in store traffic occurred generally in the discount store and off-price sectors, while department stores saw fewer visits. From: HomePage News
January 27 – Gen Z Still Prefers In-Person Shopping
Gen Z is still showing a preference for shopping in person despite its digital upbringing, research from payments platform Adyen shows. From: Retail Dive
January 27 – Circana: Consumer Spending Caution Returns After Late Holiday Surge
After demonstrating strong holiday 2024 spending, U.S. consumers returned to cautious spending behavior as 2025 began and new distractions emerged, according to market analytics company Circana. From: HomePage News
January 27 – Hy-Vee Appoints New CMO, RedMedia President
In her new leadership role for RedMedia, Mazza will oversee the retail media network’s growth and development, according to the announcement. From: Grocery Dive
January 27 – Retailers To Embrace AI in 2025 To Enhance Shopping, Workforce, Efficiency
More than 80% of retailers intend to increase artificial intelligence capabilities during 2025, according to a Honeywell Research sponsored survey. From: HomePage News
January 27 – Placer.ai: Store Visits Fell Flat in Q4 with Some Exceptions
Foot traffic at retail, as assessed in the white paper by store visit researcher Placer.ai, was up at many major chains in the fourth quarter of 2024, but some exceptions crept into the mix. From: HomePage News
January 24 – NRF Hails Federal Trade Policy Review Ahead of Potential New Tariffs
The National Retail Federation welcomed President Donald Trump’s decision to instruct federal agencies to investigate national trade policies. From: HomePage News
January 24 – 2025 Ushering in Mass to Micro Digital Retail Transformation
Retail will delve deeper into a more personalized digitized future in 2025, according to the 2025 U.S. Retail Industry Outlook from Deloitte. From: HomePage News
January 23 – Amazon, Costco, UPS Top 2024’s Corporate Reputation Rankings
Amazon, Costco and UPS have the best corporate reputation among the biggest listed companies in the United States in 2024, just ahead of well-respected brands such as FedEx and Lowe’s, according to Caliber, a stakeholder intelligence company. From: HomePage News
January 23 – Bloomingdale’s to Close San Francisco Centre Anchor
After operating there for nearly 20 years, the location will close in late spring, the company said. From: Retail Dive
January 23 – Coresight Research Predicts Jump in Store Closures in 2025
Coresight Research has issued its predictions for 2025 store openings and closures by sector in the United States, with store closures up to about 15,000 and store openings steady at 5,800. From: HomePage News
January 23 – The Fresh Market Names New President and CEO
Walmart is adding a new consumer insight initiative, In-Home User Tests, to help suppliers advance the merchandise they’re developing. From: Grocery Dive
January 23 – Home Depot Expands On-Demand Delivery Services with DoorDash, Uber Eats Partnerships
Through partnerships, Home Depot customers can have products delivered on demand, including gardening supplies, building materials, tools and other essentials. From: Retail Dive
January 23 – Walmart Expanding Insight Services to Drive Inspired Product Development From: HomePage News
January 22 – Daiso Opens First Store in Florida, Adds New Location in California
Japanese retailer Daiso continues to grow in the United States, adding two new stores, including its first in Florida. From: HomePage News
January 22 – Do it Best and True Value Announce Support for California Wildfires
Do it Best and True Value operating as one entity, announced a combined $110,000 donation to aid in disaster relief and recovery efforts for communities impacted by the fires in Altadena and surrounding areas in California. From: Hardware Retailing
January 22 – Walmart Expanding Insight Services to Drive Inspired Product Development
Amazon is promoting the latest iteration of a savings hub on its website that helps shoppers connect with discounts. From: HomePage News
January 22 – Grocery Outlet taps The Fresh Market chief to be next president and CEO
The grocery discounter has appointed Jason Potter to the roles following the sudden departure of RJ Sheedy at the end of October. From: Grocery Dive
January 22 – New Home Depot Uber Eats; DoorDash Delivery Covers Items from Tools to Housewares
In an expansion of delivery options, The Home Depot has struck deals with Uber Eats and DoorDash, the companies announced. From: HomePage News
January 21 – Report: E-Commerce Brands Grew in 2024, Eye New Channels for 2025
More than half of all e-commerce orders in the United States were placed in eight states in 2024: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia. From: HomePage News
January 21 – Independent Retailers Stand Strong During Greater Los Angeles Wildfires
California’s Altadena Hardware, Anawalt Lumber, and Topanga Lumber & Hardware Co., come through for their communities and employes after the devastating wildfires. From: Hardware Retailing
January 21 – Weis Markets Names COO
As COO, Gleeson will oversee the Mid-Atlantic food retailer’s merchandising, marketing, advertising, store operations, information technology, asset protection and pharmacy departments. From: Progressive Grocer
January 21 – Do it Best Announces New Divisional Merchandise Manager
Dan Clymer has been appointed to be the divisional merchandise manager after previously serving as head of merchandising for the factory channel and licensing at another national retailer. From: Hardware Retailing
January 21 – BJ’s Debuts 250th Store While Entering 21st State, Kentucky
The move into Kentucky continues BJ’s expansion westward as the company continues moving beyond its East Coast base. Alabama was BJ’s 20th state of operation. From: HomePage News
January 21 – Best Buy to Launch Third-Party Marketplace this Summer
With the new platform, third-party sellers can integrate their product assortment onto Best Buy’s website and mobile app, the company said. From: Retail Dive
January 21 – Training as a Long-Term Investment at Hartville Hardware
An onboarding process at Hartville Hardware in Hartville, Ohio, immerses new employees in training for the first four weeks on the job. From: Hardware Retailing
January 21 – Walmart Sells Robotics Unit to Symbotic for Pickup, Fulfillment Automation Boost
Symbotic has agreed to acquire Walmart’s Advanced Systems and Robotics business as part of a deal that will see the tech company develop pickup and fulfillment automation for the retailer. From: HomePage News
January 21 Ace Retail Holdings Announces 3 Key Promotions
Bob Massengill has been promoted to senior VP of business development and general counsel, Chris Ekeland has assumed the role of corporate VP of commercial business and home services, and Stacey Knapp has been promoted to director of human resources. From: Hardware Retailing
January 17 – Gen Z Embrace In-Store Shopping as an Experience
When asked whether they considered shopping in physical locations a chore or an enjoyable experience, 57% of Gen Z called it an experience versus 35% of Baby Boomers. From: HomePage News
January 17 – First-Party Fraud Casts Shadow Over 2024 Holiday Season
One in eight Americans committed first-party fraud, such as return and refund abuse, during the 2024 holiday shopping season, according to Socure. From: HomePage News
January 17 – Holiday, Full-Year Retail Sales Beat NRF Forecast
Core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season grew by 4% over 2023 to a record $994.1 billion, according to the National Retail Federation, based on United States Census Bureau data. From: HomePage News
January 16 – AI Grabbing Shopper Attention as Price Remains Top Priority
The study indicates generational divides are affecting attitudes about affordability, and AI-driven personalization is impacting consumer purchasing. From: HomePage News
January 16 – Numerator Reports Consumer Confidence Gained in December
According to the Numerator Consumer Sentiment Tracker 40% of consumers are cooking at home to save cash. From: HomePage News
January 16 – Target Updates Executive Suite After Better-Than-Expected Holiday Sales
Target Corp. issued a holiday sales performance update, including a 2% comparable sales gain, and announced a series of leadership changes made in part to boost the company’s technological and digital retailing capabilities. From: HomePage News
January 15 – Consumers Say Cooking at Home a Greater Priority in 2025
In response to The Harris Poll survey, consumers stated cooking meals at home is not only one of the best ways to save money on food, cited by 89%, but it also is a healthier alternative to takeout or dining out, also cited by 89% From: HomePage News
January 15 – Joann Files Chapter 11 Again with Gordon Bros. as Stalking Horse
Joann has commenced proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business, with stores remaining open in ordinary course to serve customers, the company reported. From: HomePage News
January 15 – Michaels Creates Interim CEO Office as Former Chief Takes Reigns at Kohl’s
The Michaels Cos. board of directors has established an interim office of the chief executive officer to provide leadership continuity following the previously announced departure of former CEO Ashley Buchanan, who just took up leadership of Kohl’s. From: HomePage News
January 14 – AI Assisted Holiday Shopping Leaves Consumers Satisfied and Wanting More
72% of survey respondents said AI helped them save money because it enhanced their ability to find cost-saving deals and options. From: HomePage News
January 14 – Nordstrom Touts Strong Holiday Season; Macy’s Registers Mixed Results
In previewing early fourth-quarter results, including the 2024 holiday season, Nordstrom came out ahead of Macy’s, which still made some notable gains. From: HomePage News
January 14 – Grocery E-Commerce Finishes 2024 on a High Note
The delivery, pickup and ship-to-home channels all posted gains in December as the sector hit $9.6 billion in sales for the month, Brick Meets Click and Mercatus said. From: Grocery Dive
January 13 – Walmart Freshens Brand to Unify Consumer View
The brand refresh builds on existing elements in Walmart’s branding scheme, particularly the spark logo, which remains, and will continue to suggest Walmart’s dynamism, the company said. From: HomePage News
January 13 – Wayfair Exiting Germany to Focus on U.S., Tech and Better Global Prospects
Wayfair plans to enhance core initiatives, including expansion of the company’s physical retail footprint, optimizing marketing reach, growing its Wayfair Rewards loyalty program and developing the Wayfair Verified product resale program. From: HomePage News
January 13 – Retail Monitor: Shift in Key Shopping Days Boosts December Sales
Retail sales made gains in December, boosted in part by two busy Thanksgiving weekend holiday shopping days falling during the final month of the year, the National Retail Federation announced. From: HomePage News
January 10 – Walgreens Pursues Retail Turnaround, but Q1 Comps Slip
As it engages in a turnaround effort, Walgreens Boots Alliance posted lower earnings and lower retail comparable sales but still beat Wall Street estimates. From: HomePage News
January 10 – Albertsons Posts Solid Q3 After Kroger Merger Fails
Vivek Sankaran, Albertsons Cos. CEO, stated that the company had positioned itself for future growth, despite a planned merger with The Kroger Co. falling through due to opposition from United States Federal and a group of state governments. From: HomePage News
January 9 – JCPenney, SPARC Merge to Create Extensive Portfolio of Veteran Retail Brands
The merger highlights a brand portfolio that includes SPARC’s Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica banners. From: HomePage News
January 9 – Costco Posts Strong December Gains with Boost from Nonfoods
For the fiscal month of December, Costco Wholesale Corp. posted net sales of $27.52 billion, up 9.9% from the year-earlier period. From: HomePage News
January 8 – NRF: Solid Economic Growth Should Continue into 2025
Economic growth has withstood inflation, high interest rates and other challenges in 2024 and should remain strong in 2025, according to National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. From: HomePage News
January 8 – Pottery Barn Rolls Out Kravet Collection of Housewares, Home Furnishings, Textiles
Pottery Barn is introducing a new collaboration with the home furnishings producer Kravet. From:: HomePage News
January 7 – Online Holiday Sales Registered Solid Gains with Big Boost from Discounts
Business services provider Adobe reported that the furniture/home goods category went up 6.8% year over year. From: HomePage News
January 7 – Store Traffic Squeaked Ahead in 2024 As Home Category Enjoyed a Late Rebound
Foot traffic for the market researcher’s Discount & Dollar stores category was up year over year by 2.8% and Superstores category was up 1.7% to lead the way among channels tracked by Placer.ai. From: HomePage News
January 7 – Ulta Names Steelman CEO, Upgrades Financial Outlook
Ulta Beauty announced that chief executive Dave Kimbell has retired after 11 years in the role, and company veteran Kecia Steelman has succeeded Kimball with the title of president and CEO. From: HomePage News
January 6 – Consumers Prioritizing Wellness, Finances for 2025 Resolutions
52% of consumers making financial resolutions want to save more money and 49% want to reduce spending, while 39% want to pay off loans. From: HomePage News
January 6 – Big Lots Closes Store-Saving Deal with Gordon Bros., Variety Wholesalers
Plans call for the stores to continue operating as Big Lots, and up to two distribution centers. From: HomePage News
January 6 – Salesforce: AI Propelled Holiday Digital Gains, but Returns Threaten Profits
Shoppers used AI- and agent-powered chat for customer service 42% more than they did during the 2023 holiday season. From: HomePage News
January 3 – Amazon New Year Shop Helps Fulfill Consumer Resolutions for Home, Health & More
The New Year Shop categories include Home & Storage, Health, Wellness & Self-care, Wardrobe Refresh, Our Top 100 and Health Services. From: HomePage News
January 3 – Consumers Chasing Deals, Large Purchases in Post-Holiday Shopping
In post-holiday purchasing, the coupon and cash-back site operator noted that most shoppers spend between $100 and $499. From: HomePage News
January 2 – Mastercard: Holiday Sales Gained 3.8% from November Through Christmas Eve
The last five days of the holiday season accounted for 10% of all holiday spending, Mastercard pointed out. From: HomePage News
January 2 – Japan’s Daiso Pushes U.S. Store Expansion with 10 New Locations
In an ongoing expansion across the United States, Japan-based value retailer Daiso is starting off the new year by opening 10 locations in CA, TX NM, and WA. From: HomePage News
January 2 – Saks Global Finalizes Neiman Marcus Acquisition
In announcing the transaction closing, Richard Baker, Saks Global executive chairman, said, “This milestone transaction marks a transformative moment for Saks Global and the luxury retail industry”. HomePage News
January 2 – Gordon Brothers, Variety Wholesalers Deal Could Keep Up to 400 Big Lots Stores Going Big Lots announced that it entered into an agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners that enables the transfer of Big Lots assets to other retailers and companies. From: HomePage News
