March 31 – Williams-Sonoma Says Tariffs Present Opportunity
Supply chain efficiencies and moving sourcing away from China are giving the home goods retailer a leg up. From: Supply Chain Dive
March 31 – Numerator: Target’s Urban Growth Narrows the Gap with Suburban Shoppers
The market researcher reported that 68% of Target customers are homeowners, with 39% of those homeowners living in suburban areas and 38% living in urban areas. From: HomePage News
March 31 – Conference Board Reports Consumer Confidence Continues to Fade
Amid declining economic and personal financial outlooks for the year’s second half, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell by 7.2 points in March to 92.9, a figure below the 100 mark that divides positive from negative sentiments. From: HomePage News
March 31 – Neiman Marcus in Downtown Dallas to Stay Open Through the Holidays
The Neiman Marcus flagship in downtown Dallas. The store was originally slated to close on March 31. From: Retail Dive
March 31 – West Elm Launches Modern Vintage Home Collection with Pierce & Ward
The collection offers vintage forms and old-world charm with details like curved chair arms, perforated console doors, and turned wood lamp bases. From: HomePage News
March 28 – Report Spotlights Barriers to Supply Chain AI Adoption
A growing execution gap threatens to derail efforts, according to a report by Relex Solutions, which operates a unified platform for retail, manufacturing, and supply chain planning. From: HomePage News
March 28 – QVC Lays Off 900, Closes Fla. Hub, Focuses on Social Media
As part of the QVC Group’s efforts to switch to a live shopping platform on social media, it will relocate the HSN broadcast hub from St. Petersburg, Fla., to its headquarters in West Chester, Pa., and lay off approximately 900 of its 17,000 employees companywide. The consolidation of QVC and HSN operations is a continuation of restructuring efforts that began in 2022. From: Housewares SmartBrief
March 28 – Giant Co. Names VP of Center Store Merchandising
The Giant Co. has appointed Steve Allison VP of center store merchandising, effective immediately. Allison will report directly to SVP and Chief Merchant Rebecca Lupfer. From: Progressive Grocer
March 28 – Walmart Points Small, Medium-Size Businesses to Marketplace Opportunities
Ashley Hubka, senior vice president and general manager, Walmart Business, wrote that the company can provide tools, insights and solutions to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operate efficiently and grow. From: HomePage News
March 28 – Home Depot Identifies Consumer Project Priorities Ahead of Spring Deals
The Home Depot is running a pair of spring savings event while releasing results of a study on how consumers are prioritizing spring projects. From: HomePage News
March 27 – Amazon ‘Interests’ Delivers New Product Listings Suiting Consumer Passions
With a prompt application, Interests continually scans the Amazon store and proactively notifies consumers about newly available and relevant products, restocks and deals. From: HomePage News
March 27 – Walmart Launches ‘Wally’ AI Assistant for Merchants
Walmart designed Wally to be intuitive, requiring no technical training. Merchants simply ask questions and receive actionable insights in seconds rather than having to spend hours, days, or weeks on a specific project point. From: HomePage News
March 27 – H-E-B Opens 2nd Joe V’s Smart Shop in Dallas
Joe V’s Smart Shop is an innovative format focused on offering the best prices for such items as fresh produce, in-store-cut meats, tortillas, and breads made in store, and sushi made daily. From: Progressive Grocer
March 27 – Move by Move, Beyond Looks to Rewrite the Traditional Retail Model
The rapid evolution of Beyond, the operating entity forged in 2023 from the original Overstock.com operation after acquiring Bed Bath & Beyond assets is a unique retail development for the housewares and home décor sectors, being watched by many to see if a business deviating so markedly from the traditional model can work. From: HomePage News
March 27 – Dollar General Names New Executives as It Proceeds with New Structure
Dollar General Corp. has appointed four new executives to the company as it boosts leadership in supply chain, merchandising, store operations and finance. From: HomePage News
March 26 – Pottery Barn Extends LoveShackFancy Collaboration into Housewares
The new collection combines LoveShackFancy’s romantic style with Pottery Barn craftsmanship in an assortment that features tabletop, bedding, bath textiles, decor, wall and window coverings, flooring, and seating items, according to the retailer. From: HomePage News
March 26 – Meijer to Open New Concept in Michigan
Independence Market will emphasize value, convenience, and local products. From: Progressive Grocer
March 26 – The Paper Store Expands New Retail Concept to East Coast
Compared to The Paper Store, Uncharted stores focus more on trending brands, in-store experiences and a lifestyle-first merchandising approach, according to a company spokesperson. From: HomePage News
March 26 – Dollar Tree Announces Sale of Family Dollar While Posting Mixed Q4 Results
On March 25, after a strategic review, Dollar Tree announced it entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Family Dollar business to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management for $1.01 billion. From: HomePage News
March 25 – Newegg Spring Sale Highlights Small Appliance Bargains
The Super Spring Sales at Newegg Commerce has begun with home appliances, including kitchen and floorcare electrics among the categories getting a promotional lift on the e-commerce site alongside gaming desktops, laptops, surveillance, and software. From: HomePage News
March 25 – JCPenney Partners with Social Marketer VaynerMedia
JCPenney will leverage VaynerMedia’s social influencer seeding operation, which provides strategic influencer services to maximize relevance, according to the company. From: HomePage News
March 25 – Wayfair Introducing Verified Product Evaluation, Approval Program
In developing a seal of approval, Wayfair is simplifying the customer’s shopping process by spotlighting products that maintain a designated level of quality through rigorous evaluation, the company indicated. From: HomePage News
March 24 – Ollie’s, HomeGoods, Dollar Tree Top Yelp’s 50 Fastest Growing Brands
The Yelp list is based on a blended metric including net new business openings, searches on Yelp in 2024 compared to 2023 and consumer interest including viewing business pages or posting photos or reviews. From: HomePage News
March 24 – Ocean State Drives Growth Plan with Addition of 15 Big Lots Locations
Already operating 159 stores across the northeastern United States, Ocean State intends to open up to 22 new stores this year, in an effort that includes expansion into two additional states, Maryland and Delaware. From: HomePage News
March 24 – R.P. Lumber Expands Illinois Footprint
The new location will bring around 30 new jobs and will revitalize a vacant building. The new Quincy location expands R.P. Lumber’s service area. From: Hardware Retailing
March 24 – Beyond Plans ‘Tokenization’ with Buy Buy Baby Relaunch, Overstock Promo
A May 8th grand online reopening of its recently acquired Buy Buy Baby banner will have a Baby Days event featuring daily giveaways, quality baby essentials and registry picks. From: HomePage News
March 21 – Ross Debuted 19 Stores in March on Way to Opening 90 This Year
Ross Stores opened 16 Ross Dress for Less and three dd’s Discounts locations in 14 different states during March. From: HomePage News
March 21 – Walmart Rolls Out ‘Super Savings Week,’ Spring Home Deals
As it prepares its Super Savings Week, Walmart is launching a spring clean-up promotion, including deals on home essentials and Bissell floorcare. From: HomePage News
March 21 – Malhotra Out as Container Store CEO After Retailer’s Bankruptcy Exit
Satish Malhotra has left his post as CEO of The Container Store, which has created an Office of the Chief Executive to run the company with Joel Bines, the company’s board chair, becoming executive chairman. From: HomePage News
March 20 – Numerator: Consumer Confidence Steady as Saving, Debt Paydown Prevails
Survey results said consumers are saving money by cooking at home, at 40%; shopping for items on sale, at 40%; and using coupons/discount codes, at 40%. From: HomePage News
March 20 – Lowe’s SpringFest Sale Highlights Grilling, Cleaning
Lowe’s shoppers have access to exclusive products from top brands, such as Weber, EGO, Char-Broil, Toro, Bonnie Plants, Craftsman and Scotts. From: HomePage News
March 20 – Ollie’s Points to 2025 Opportunities After Missing Q4 Expectations
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet declared market conditions provide it with greater opportunity in 2025 after posting lower-than expected sales and profits in its recent fourth quarter. From: HomePage News
March 19 – Inspired Home Show Debuts Aim to Simplify, Beautify Kitchens
Many of the kitchen products at the show emphasize aesthetics, whether in form or with the use of color and finishes, making kitchen work more pleasant. From: HomePage News
March 19 – Amazon Showcases Home & Housewares in Big Spring Promotion
The Big Spring Sale will be March 25-31, offering discounts across more than 35 categories, including housewares, outdoor furniture, garden, and other home-related products. From: HomePage News
March 19 – Macy’s Moves Private Label Focus to the Home with Latest Launch
“Arch Studio” items are priced from $14 bowls and platters to $220 for a three-piece seersucker comforter set, and include products such as stainless-steel cookware, towels and drinkware. From: Retail Dive
March 19 – Meijer Opening Three Ohio Supercenters in May
Meijer announced it plans to open three new 159,000-square-foot supercenters in Northeast Ohio on May 8, increasing the retailer’s store count in the state to 58. From: HomePage News
March 18 – Williams-Sonoma Finishes 2024 Strong with Lift from Housewares, Decor
Laura Alber, CEO, said “a key component of our growth strategy is our robust non-furniture assortment that includes inspirational seasonal and decorative accessories, textiles and housewares.” From: HomePage News
March 18 – Wellen Named QVC Group President, Chief Growth Officer
QVC Group Inc. announced the appointment of digital media veteran Alex Wellen as its president and chief growth officer. From: HomePage News
March 18 – Census Bureau: February Retail Sales Rebound from January Dip
In commenting on the report, NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz noted consumer worries over inflation and Washington policy decisions are likely keeping consumers cautious in their spending. From: HomePage News
March 17 – Beyond Sells Majority of Zulily, Adds Former Revlon CEO Perelman to Board
Alex Thomas, CEO, said, “This (Zulily) sale reflects our commitment to resource optimization, our mandate to delivering profits for our home and family-centric brands, and a focus on our largest growth opportunities as a company.” From: HomePage News
March 17 – Hudson’s Bay Could Start Liquidating Canadian Stores Next Week
The bankruptcy filing did not include operations in the United States, which Hudson’s Bay had incorporated into a separate business, Saks Global, last summer. From: HomePage News
March 17 – Ulta Outlines Online Marketplace Plan After Posting Q4 Comp Gain
Ulta marketplace news comes after the specialty beauty retailer said it added shops in 100 Target Stores in 2024 in reporting fourth-quarter financial results, including comparable sales and per-share income advances. From: HomePage News
March 17 – Macy’s Launches Its Own ‘Arch Studio’ Brand of Stylish, Affordable Homewares
The Giant Co. has appointed Steve Allison VP of center store merchandising, effective immediately. From: HomePage News
March 14 – Crate & Barrel Extends Jake Arnold Collab with New Kids, Outdoor Collections
The new collections expand the partnership to kids rooms and household outdoor spaces. From: HomePage News
March 14 – Fareway Upgrades Continue in Iowa
Grocer starts relocation projects in home state and also rolls out new lottery feature. From: Progressive Grocer
March 14 – Wayfair’s Second Superstore Set to Open in 2026 in Atlanta
The Atlanta location emerges as Wayfair’s second large-format store after the May 2024 debut of the first such operation in Wilmette, IL. From: HomePage News
March 13 – Dollar General Trims Popshelf Fleet Amid Store Footprint Review
Dollar General plans to close 96 of its namesake stores and 45 Popshelf stores, the company said Thursday as part of its Q4 earnings announcement. From: Retail Dive
March 13 – Martha Returns to QVC with Spring Cookware, Gardening, Food Collection
The new Martha Stewart collection is rolling out now across all platforms, and will continue with additional product drops throughout the year, according to QVC. From: HomePage News
March 13 – BJ’s Eyes Texas Expansion After Mixed Q4 Performance
BJ’s plans to open 25 to 30 clubs during the next two fiscal years, including several set for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area in early 2026. From: HomePage News
March 13 – Dollar General Realigning Store Base After Q4 Comp Gain, Income Decline
Dollar General is making changes in its store portfolio after posting higher comps but lower profits in the fourth quarter while beating Wall Street expectations. From: HomePage News
March 12 – Target Circle Week Returns March 23 with Savings on Home Goods
Target Circle Week will focus on spring items, including apparel, patio furniture, home essentials, beauty products, and grocery items, as well as kitchen appliances, storage, and floorcare in-store and on Target.com. From: HomePage News
March 12 – Westlake Ace Hardware Expands in Illinois
Westlake Ace Hardware announced the agreement to acquire Chicago-based Edgebrook Ace Hardware, a family-owned retailer. From: Hardware Retailing
March 12 – Hudson’s Bay Bankruptcy Won’t Touch Associated U.S. Retailers
Hudson’s Bay is exploring strategic alternatives and engaging stakeholders to explore potential solutions to preserve and strengthen their business, the company said. From: HomePage News
March 12 – The Cook’s Warehouse Celebrates 30 Years in Atlanta
Founded by former professional chef Mary Moore, The Cook’s Warehouse now boasts a larger footprint at the flagship store, a strong e-commerce business to complement its retail offerings. From: HomePage News
March 11 – NRF: Port Volumes Remain High but May Slide in Summer
Imports at the nation’s major container ports are likely to remain elevated through the spring, but volume could see year-over-year drops this summer amid ongoing tariff developments. From: HomePage News
March 11 –Dick’s Plots ‘Significant Investments’ in Stores, Digital as Winning Streak Continues
Dick’s is planning “significant investments” in both digital and stores, CEO Lauren Hobart said on a call with analysts Tuesday. From: Retail Dive
March 11 – Dollar General’s Latest Dolly Parton Collection Serves Up Tableware, Coffee Accessories In addition, Dollar General plans to launch a Dolly Parton summer entertaining collection slated to arrive in stores during May; and a Christmas collection that will hit sales floors in time for the holiday season. From: HomePage News
March 11 – Home Decor Growth Helps Kohl’s Offset Softer ‘Legacy’ Home Products in Q4
Kohl’s topped Q4 Wall Street expectations, but comparable sales and earnings slid in the period as its “legacy” home products business softened while its recently reinvigorated home decor business strengthened. From: HomePage News
March 11 – Ross Opens 19Sstores in March
The company plans to open 90 new stores during fiscal year 2025, including 80 Ross locations and 10 DD’s Discounts stores. From: Retail Dive
March 10 – The Fresh Market Debuts 1st Spirits & Wine Store
The new Spirits & Wine store is located adjacent to The Fresh Market’s Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., grocery store location. From: Progressive Grocer
March 10 – Retail Monitor: February Sales Dip Reveals Uneasy Consumer
In releasing the report, the National Retail Federation maintained that the overall economy as it has been performing across the United States remained strong. From: HomePage News
March 7 – Walgreens Going Private in $23.7B Agreement
On March 6, the global organization announced that it has agreed to be acquired by an entity affiliated with New York-based private equity firm Sycamore Partners. From: Progressive Grocer
March 6 – Macy’s Refocused Sales Growth Strategy Gains Traction in Q4
Macy’s ‘First 50’ namesake stores continued sales progress in the fourth quarter as its luxury brands, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, made significant comp gains. From: HomePage News
March 6 – Ross Stores Q4 Comp Sales Gain Hit by Expected Margin Pressure
Ross Stores comparable sales gained in its fourth quarter, but earnings came up short year over year while still beating a Wall Street estimate. From: HomePage News
March 6 – ALDI Merch Targets New Generation
In addition to the limited-time merch, this month’s ALDI Finds include spring items like Belavi Boho Hanging Hammock Chair and a Heart to Tail Pet Rain Jacket. From: Progressive Grocer
March 6 – Burlington Rides Solid Comp Sales Increase to Strong Q4
The fourth quarter generated better-than-expected results for Burlington Stores. From: HomePage News
March 5 – Best Buy Q4 Beats Wall Street Expectations as Comps Rise but Earnings Decline
Best Buy delivered positive comparable sales in the fourth quarter with adjusted earnings and revenue topping Wall Street expectations. From: HomePage News
March 5 –Target Talks New Strategy Amid Better Than Anticipated Q4 Sales
Target said it is revisiting the home assortment as part of the plan by adding more trend-forward newness to exclusive brands such as Hearth & Hand with Magnolia and Threshold designed with Studio McGee. From: HomePage News
March 5 – Numerator: Consumer Awareness of Tariff Issues Grows
64% worry about tariffs raising the price of everyday goods, 44% worry about the limited availability of certain products and 25% worry about a potential slowdown in economic growth. From: HomePage News
March 4 – Publix Reports Higher Sales and Comps, Lowers Capital Budget
The grocer reported comparable-store sales growth of 4.1% in Q4 — the highest rate for that metric since Q3 2023. From: Grocery Dive
March 4 – Nordstrom Posts Robust Holiday Quarter, CFO Plans Jump to Starbucks
The company plans to open another 21 Rack locations this year, after opening 23 in 2024, per its release Tuesday. From: Retail Dive
March 4 – NRF: Uncertainty Clouds 2025 Economic Picture
NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said strong economic performance in 2024 is likely to carry over and influence growth this year, but a wide range of uncertainties exist. From: HomePage News
March 3 – Albertsons Names Susan Morris Its Next CEO
Albertsons Cos. Inc. has revealed a CEO succession plan in which Susan Morris, currently EVP and COO, will assume the role of CEO following the planned retirement of Vivek Sankaran on May 1. From: Progressive Grocer
March 1 – Ulta Hosting Spring Beauty Celebration in San Antonio
The one-of-a-kind beauty celebration unites beauty lovers, industry insiders and top brands for a day of discovery and inspiration, Ulta stated. From: HomePage News
