October 30 – Hy-Vee Makes $125K Donation to Nourish Local Families
Hy-Vee has donated $25,000 to DoorDash’s new initiative to waive delivery and service fees for customers who receive food assistance benefits, helping families stretch their budgets even further. From: Drug Store News
October 30 – Why This Manufacturer isn’t Crumbling Under Tariff Pressure
Cookie-cutter maker Ann Clark shifted to in-house production more than two decades ago and sources most inputs domestically. From: Retail Dive
October 30 – Starbucks posts first same-store sales gain in nearly two years.
Starbucks Corp. ended its fiscal year with mixed results but a positive sign, reporting its first same-store sales increase in seven quarters. From: Chain Store Age
October 30 – Red Points Study Highlights Escalating E-Commerce Counterfeit Threat
The problem of counterfeit merchandise persists, and a Red Points report, “The Counterfeit Buyer Teardown,” shows that the challenges posed by fake products, especially online, are becoming even more difficult with the growth of e-commerce and the influence of advancing technology. From: HomePage News
October 30 – eBay Delivers Q3 Beat While Reinforcing Consumer-to-Consumer Connections
eBay surpassed analysts estimates in its third quarter as the company celebrated its 30th anniversary and moved to boost its consumer-to-consumer selling capabilities. From: HomePage News
October 30 – J.C. Penney, iHeartRadio partner on holiday collection
The move is part of the department store’s broader plans for the season, which also include special 24-hour deals throughout November. From: Retail Dive
October 30 – Walmart Details Holiday Promotional Events, Launches ‘WhoKnewVille’ Campaign
Walmart has scheduled three major holiday shopping events in and around Black Friday and Cyber Monday while also debuting its WhoKnewVille seasonal marketing campaign. From: HomePage News
October 30 – Grocers Roll out Efforts to Combat Food Insecurity Amid SNAP Woes
With payments set to stop in November due to the government shutdown, several retailers have plans to help consumers who depend on the benefits. Grocery Dive
October 30 – Consumers Still Relish In-Store, Print Catalog Shopping as Joyful Holiday Traditions
A new survey demonstrates stores still matter to holiday shoppers, as many consumers want high-touch shopping experiences and look forward to the excitement that comes with in-person gift discovery. From: HomePage News
October 29 – HomeGoods Invites Early Holiday Decorators to ‘Deck the Everything’ Event
HomeGoods will run its third annual Deck the Everything Day on November 1 to encourage shopping by consumers eager to get a jump on holiday decorating. From: HomePage News
October 29 – Nordstrom Relaunches Holiday Catalog
The department store will host more than 1,500 events this year and will also have Santa Claus at all of its locations for the first time. From: Retail Dive
October 29 – NRF: Worsening Retail Crime Exposes Law Enforcement Limitations
Theft and threats of violence plague the retail industry, and the disruption has worsened according to a new study released by the National Retail Federation and the Loss Prevention Research Council. From: HomePage News
October 29 – CVS Posts Strong Q3 With Help from Front-End Comps
Front-end comparable sales gained in the CVS Health third quarter as the company turned in better results than Wall Street expected. From: HomePage News
October 29 – Ace Hardware Unveils Curated Gift Guides for the Holiday Season
With economic uncertainties still looming, Ace Hardware is working to capture market share for holiday spending with its curated gift guides stocked with must-have brands and hot deals. From: Hardware Retailing
October 28 – Amazon Cutting 14,000 Jobs in Plan for a Leaner, AI-Invested Future
After weeks of media speculation about looming layoffs, Amazon told workers it would begin eliminating 14,000 corporate jobs in a plan to establish a leaner organization driven by the evolution of artificial intelligence. From: HomePage News
October 28 – Wayfair Shrugs Off Tariffs, Weak Housing Market to Beat Q3 Estimates
Wayfair topped Wall Street third-quarter estimates as the company sets up operations to grow despite tariffs and a weak housing market with help from AI. From: HomePage News
October 27 – Half of Shoppers Plan to use BNPL this Holiday Season
Affordability and budget control are the top reasons U.S. consumers are using buy now, pay later services, according to a PayPal survey. From: Retail Dive
October 27 – Retail Veteran Foley Picked to Lead Brand House Collective Marketing
The Brand House Collective, formerly operating as Kirkland’s, has appointed retailing veteran Lisa Foley chief marketing officer, with responsibilities across the company’s portfolio of retail brands, including Bed Bath & Beyond, BuyBuy Baby, Kirkland’s Home and Overstock. From: HomePage News
October 27 – At Home exits bankruptcy with nearly $2B in debt eliminated, most stores open
The furniture retailer is now owned by a group of lenders, which is providing $500 million in new financing to support a turnaround. From: Retail Dive
October 24 – BJ’s Wholesale Club donates more than $1.2M to local communities
The grants were awarded to 88 charities nominated by team members. From: Drugstore News
October 24 – Word of Target Layoffs Signals Change As Fiddelke Prepares to Take Reins
As an internal memo led to widespread media reports about Target laying off 1,000 corporate staffers and eliminating 800 unfilled positions, the company has initiated a corporate restructure that has generated rumors of significant executive departures, including in merchandising. From: HomePage News
October 24 – Whole Foods Market expands smaller-format store concept
The natural and organic foods grocer has opened the fourth location of its Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Va. At 10,000-plus sq. ft., it’s the largest location of the concept to date, and also it’s first outside of New York City. From: Chain Store Age
October 24 – Nordstrom Blends Value, Experience in Holiday Retail Strategy
Holiday shoppers at Nordstrom will encounter a festive environment where value is essential, as each location will offer gift shops featuring 1,000 gifts, with 90% priced under $100 and 60% under $50. From: HomePage News
October 24 – Ace Hardware’s SAVINGSource Program Reaches 10-Year Milestone
Ace Hardware’s group purchasing program, SAVINGSource, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and approaching a major milestone: $100 million in collective savings since its launch in 2015, with projections to surpass that milestone by year-end. From: Hardware Retailing
October 24 – Amazon Launches AI Tool To Help Shoppers Decide Among Choices
Amazon has upgraded its suite of AI shopping tools with a new feature, Help Me Decide, to help users select from several options to affirm and finalize purchase decisions. From: HomePage News
October 23 – Tractor Supply Narrows Full-Year Guidance as Q3 Earnings, Comps Advance
We are encouraged by the early momentum in our ‘Life Out Here 2030’ strategic initiatives: enhancing the customer experience, expanding our capabilities and strengthening our foundation for long-term growth said CEO Hal Lawton. From: HomePage News
October 23 – ICSC: Retailers Shouldn’t Overlook Gen X Spending Power
Despite its relatively small size, Gen X outnumbers Baby Boomers, Millennials and GenZers in in-store revenue per shopper across nearly all key products and services categories, according to ICSC. From: HomePage News
October 23 – Consumers Adopting Strategic Approach to Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Survey respondents said they intend to spend less this holiday season, with many planning to take on post-holiday debt, likely totaling $55 billion. From: HomePage News
October 22 – Playful Heirloom Design Enlivens Crate & Kids’ Sharland England Collection
The collection is presented in modern and unique silhouettes, offers what Crate & Kids describes as a sense of “playfulness and old-world craftsmanship” tailored for baby and kids’ products. From: HomePage News
October 22 – Accenture Survey: AI Can Help Retailers Ease Holiday Shopping Stress
In preparation for Black Friday, 46% shoppers in the United States express interest in using conversational or GenAI tools. From: HomePage News
October 22 – Breaking Down Gen Z Spending Preferences from Walmart to Social Media
GenZers do like to put their own twist on things, with 57% preferring to customize products as a means of expressing themselves. From: HomePage News
October 22 – Hilco Putting Rite Aid Brand Assets Up for Sale
The sale is subject to approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, where Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 protection. From: HomePage News
October 21 – Macy’s North Carolina Fulfillment Center Advances Distribution Modernization
By supporting all product categories from home to beauty, the new facility will facilitate more shipments from a single location and, so, ensure products reach consumers faster and in fewer boxes. From: HomePage News
October 21 – Lowe’s Holiday Promotional Plan Spotlights Food Prep Solutions
In addition, Lowe’s creator partner MrBeast will offer a curated collection of gifting products. It will complement a Lowe’s Gift Zone, mounted in-store and online to expand the array of present options. From: HomePage News
October 20 – Wayfair’s Perigold Expands Brick-and-Mortar Presence with West Palm Beach Location
The layout sets aside space for richly styled vignettes, dedicated collaboration areas for designers and clients, and gathering spaces for events and community programming, according to Perigold. From: HomePage News
Walgreens Taps Rachael Vegas as Chief Commercial Officer
Rachel will start Oct. 22 and lead Walgreens’ end-to-end customer experience strategy, including owned brand and merchandising, marketing and its loyalty program. From: Drug Store News
October 20 – Returns Remain Stubborn, Costly Retail Challenge as Holidays Approach
Retailers are faced with balancing customer expectations and the need to grow online businesses against the rising operational costs associated with returns. From: HomePage News
October 20 – Best Buy’s Extended Holiday Promotional Season Starts with Halloween
Best Buy will debut doorbuster deals on designated products every Friday of the holiday season. From: HomePage News
October 17 – Survey: Tariff Concerns Reshaping Holiday Shopping Priorities
With economic concerns overshadowing social considerations, 34% of survey respondents said sustainability only matters if it doesn’t raise costs, and 34% said sustainability has no impact on their purchasing decisions at all. From: HomePage News
October 17 – Ulta Rolls Out Marketplace Showcasing Only Invited Brands
Ultra shoppers can access UB Marketplace through ulta.com and the company’s app. The marketplace aligns with Ulta’s “Unleashed” strategy to scale new businesses. From: HomePage News
October 16 – September retail sales rise amid signs of waning spending power
Total credit and debit card spending per household rose 2% year over year, driven mostly by services and gasoline, according to a Bank of America Institute report from Friday. From: Retail Dive
October 16 – CBA Hails California Governor’s Veto of Bill to Ban Cookware With PFAS
In the lead-up to Newsom’s decision to veto the bill, the International Housewares Association sent a letter to the governor supporting the CBA request for a veto. From: HomePage News
October 16 – Ulta Appoints New CFO
Ulta Beauty named Christopher DelOrefice as its next chief financial officer, effective Dec. 5, per company release Thursday. From: Retail Dive
October 16 – NIQ: Macro Forces, Consumer Priorities Set Stage for 2026 Home Appliance Growth
NIQ projects 2% year-over-year sales growth for global Consumer Tech & Durable Goods (T&D) between 2024 and 2025, with household appliances playing a significant role in that growth. From: HomePage News
October 16 – Dollar Tree Expects Strong Growth During Next 3 Years
The discounter offered a three-year outlook that yields a 12% to 15% compounded annual growth rate in earnings per share for fiscal years 2026 to 2028. From: Progressive Grocer
October 16 – Wayfair’s Way Day 2025 Launches October 26 with Four Days of Bargains
“Today’s customers are more intentional than ever when it comes to their homes,” said Jon Blotner, Wayfair president of commercial and operations. From: HomePage News
October 16 – Meijer keeping toy prices low this holiday season
The nostalgic catalog-style guide leads with gifts at a value, including categories for gifts under $10, $20, $30 for budget-friendly shopping. From: Drug Store News
October 16 – NRF: Consumer Holiday Spending Intentions Fall Just Short of Record
This year, 42% of shoppers plan to start holiday shopping before November. From: HomePage News
October 15 – Circana: ‘Give Consumer a Reason to Prioritize Spending in Your Favor’
Market research and insight company Circana reported that the trend of diminishing demand at retail appeared mid-year and continues, revealing shifts in consumer spending behavior spanning the retail marketplace. From: HomePage News
October 15 – Most Consumers Turning to Dollar Stores for Holiday Shopping Value
The survey results indicate the 2025 holiday season will be one when discount retailers sit at the intersection of affordability and accessibility, VTEX pointed out. From: HomePage News
October 15 – Sam’s Club Kicks Off Holiday Campaign with Membership Drive
As part of its outreach to consumers, Sam’s has developed a campaign dubbed “Yes AND” to highlight value throughout the holiday. From: HomePage News
October 15 – ChatGPT Shopping Expands Walmart AI Capacities
Walmart is promoting AI literacy across its workforce as one of the first partners to embrace OpenAI Certifications. From: HomePage News
October 14 – Smaller Retailers Face Their Toughest Holiday Season in Years
Foot traffic is solid, but average basket size is down, according to Mike Spriggs, head of consumer insights at Fiserv. From: Retail Dive
October 14 – Amazon’s Retail Operation Tops 2025 Loyalty Leaders List
The company replaced Apple in the number one slot this year. Apple fell to number four year over year. From: HomePage News
October 14 – Albertsons Q2 Beats Wall Street as Repositioning Efforts Take Hold
Albertsons Cos. beat Wall Street estimates in its second quarter as the supermarket retailer continues to redefine operations after its failed merger with The Kroger Co. From: HomePage News
October 14 – Kohl’s Categorizes Gift Lists by Budget to Highlight Value
“We know our customers are looking for gifts that feel special without stretching their budget,” Nick Jones, Kohl’s chief merchandising officer, said in a statement. “ From: Retail Dive
October 14 – Target Unveils Woolrich Collection Spanning Home, Apparel, Outdoor Gear
The Collection features more than 100 products that blend Woolrich’s heritage of outdoor craftsmanship with modern style across home, outdoor gear, men’s and women’s apparel and food and beverage, From: HomePage News
October 14 – Nordstrom plans holiday gift shops — and Santa visits to every store
The department store retailer’s holiday plans include an expanded, nearly 100-page catalog with more than 800 “must-have” gifts that customers can find at their nearest Nordstrom store. From: Chain Store Age
October 13 – Amazon Kicks Off Holiday Push with Beauty Event, Seasonal Hiring Surge
The 2025 Holiday Beauty Event gives customers up to 40% off across skin care, makeup, hair care, fragrance, men’s grooming, wellness and personal care. From: HomePage News
October 13 – Tariffs Altering Consumer Spending Approach to Durables, Beauty
L.E.K. observed most consumers will trade down to lower-priced brands within categories to reduce their spending rather than to stop purchasing altogether. From: HomePage News
October 13 – Ross Completes Cross-Country 2025 New Store Rollout
With 36 namesake and four dd’s Discounts stores opening in September and October across the United States, Ross Stores has completed its store expansion plan for fiscal 2025. From: HomePage News
October 10 – Williams-Sonoma Launches ‘Wicked: For Good’ Collections Across Banners
The Wicked for Williams Sonoma collection takes cues from the film’s Emerald City locale with an assortment of bakeware, confections and kitchenware including an Elphaba green Le Creuset Dutch oven. From: HomePage News
October 10 – Publix Moves Further Up the East Coast
The Florida-based grocer plans to open a store in Manassas, Virginia, about 35 miles from the nation’s capital. From: Grocery Dive
October 10 – Retail Monitor: Spending Slowed in September After Solid Summer
Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline revenues, decreased by 0.66% seasonally adjusted month over month and gained 5.42% unadjusted year over year in September. From: HomePage News
October 10 – Costco Posts Solid September Sales with Help from Appliances
In a conference call, Costco noted that comp traffic was up 1.4% in the U.S. Strongest sales regions were the Northwest, Midwest and Los Angeles. From: HomePage News
October 9 – Prime Big Deal Days Shoppers Focus on Affordable Home, Personal Items
As the holidays are near, 61% of consumers plan to shop on Black Friday, 58% on Cyber Monday, 21% on Thanksgiving and 33% on Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving. From: HomePage News
October 9 – Grocers Continue to Gain Ground on Restaurants, FMI Survey finds
Nearly a quarter of shoppers who participated in the poll said they buy less food from quick service or fast casual restaurants now than they did a year ago. From: Grocery Dive
October 8 – Imports Projected to Slow After Tariff-Mitigating Jump on Holiday Shipments
Although the falling monthly totals are related to tariffs, NRF indicated that the year-over-year percentage declines are due to this year’s early peak season and elevated imports in late 2024 driven by concerns about port strikes. From: HomePage News
October 8 – Numerator: Prime Big Deal Days Spark Early Holiday Purchases
Nine in 10 Amazon shoppers were aware of Prime Big Deal Days before clicking on the site, while 37% said the sale was their primary reason for visiting. From: HomePage News
October 8 – Target Highlights Home Savings During October Circle Week Event
Deals are reserved for members of the Target free to join Circle loyalty program and specific featured bargains are available to them during the promotion. From: HomePage News
October 8 – ICSC Forecasts Higher, Yet More Selective, Holiday Spending in 2025
92% of shoppers plan to spend in a physical store, with younger consumers being the most enthusiastic. From: HomePage News
October 7 – JCPenney Parent Catalyst Brands Launches Seasonal Hiring Across Retail Portfolio
Seasonal workers may have the opportunity for continued employment and advancement after the holiday, the company noted. From: HomePage News
October 7 – ISM: Services Sector Stalls as Retail Weakness Pushes Activity to Breakeven
Steve Miller, chair of the ISM Services Business Survey Committee, stated that the Services PMI reading in September was two percentage points lower than the August figure. From: HomePage News
October 7 – Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise System with Tokenized Security Financing
Franchise location deals will include a turnkey Bed Bath & Beyond store package that enables operations in Home, Kitchen, Living, Storage and Organization, and Holiday Shoppe departments. From: HomePage News
October 6 – Adobe: Consumers Will Boost Online Spending on Home During Holiday 2025
Mobile devices are expected to cement their position as the dominant shopping platform for the holiday season, driving a record 56.1% share of e-commerce spend, according to Adobe. From: HomePage News
October 6 – Do it Best and True Value Report Year End and Q1 Results
“Our industry is transforming through substantial change, and Do it Best is at its forefront, benefiting all independent dealers,” says David Sturdivant, chair of the Do it Best Board of Directors. From: Hardware Retailing.
October 6 – Hy-Vee Engages with Its Younger Shoppers
The Hy-Vee Kids Club is a tangible example of Hy-Vee living our mission of making lives easier, healthier and happier,” said Tina Potthoff, SVP of communications. From: Progressive Grocer
October 6 – RH Introduces Long Island Gallery in Luxury Shopping Center
Located in an upscale shopping center in Manhasset, NY, the new store features furniture, antiques, artifacts and art in one of RH’s gallery-style stores. From: HomePage News
October 6 – Rite Aid Closes All Stores
The retailer ran about 1,275 stores and three distribution centers in 15 states, employing about 24,500 people. From: Retail Dive
October 6 – Amazon Reveals Prime Day Bargains, New Purchasing Feature
The company has also announced a new shopping feature that makes it easier for consumers to make multiple purchases even after checking out. From: HomePage News
October 6 – Home Depot Veteran Joins 1-800-Flowers.com C-suite
1-800-Flowers.com Inc. has announced the appointment of Melanie Babcock as chief marketing and growth officer. In the newly created role. From: Chain Store Age
October 3 – Tariff-Wary Holiday Shoppers to Balance Affordability with Quality
The survey, conducted in concert with marketing agency Team Lewis, found 75% of respondents agree they are more likely to buy based on a need and 55% will usually wait until the product is on sale.
From: HomePage News
October 3 – Sur La Table Sets First National TV Ad While Heating Up Its Coffee Program
The effort is designed to reflect Sur La Table’s broader digital expansion, blending heritage storytelling with advanced targeting to connect with today’s consumer. From: HomePage News
October 3 – Dollar General Rolling Out Full Schedule of Holiday Promotions
The company will host weekly 3-Day Sales Events, running every Thursday through Saturday beginning October 30 and continuing throughout the holiday season. From: HomePage News
October 2 – Study Reveals Consumers’ Deal-Driven Holiday Shopping Strategies
The company reported shoppers plan to spend about $913 total dollars in the holidays, with $611 on gifts for others and $302 on products for themselves. From: HomePage News
October 2 – Five Below Names Veteran Finance, Merchandising Chiefs
Five Below Inc. has announced the appointments of Daniel Sullivan as chief financial officer and Michelle Israel as chief merchandising officer, effective Oct. 6, 2025. From: ChainStore Age
October 2 – Big Lots to Celebrate Its Return Under Variety Wholesalers with Grand Opening
Big Lots reopened in 15 of the United States after Variety acquired the banner’s intellectual property and 219 store locations. From: HomePage News
October 2 – Target Launching Home Products, More Ahead of ‘Wicked: For Good’ Film Release
The latest Wicked collection comes after Target unveiled an extensive product assortment, including its then-partner Ulta Beauty, related to the first film in the two-part series. From: HomePage News
October 1 – Etsy Teams With OpenAI to Enable Direct Purchasing in ChatGPT
Etsy is also moving to employ additional technology to help its shoppers, according to Rafe Colburn, Etsy’s chief product and technology officer. From: HomePage News
October 1 – Home Purchase Intent Gained Despite Consumer Confidence Slip in September
The view consumers have on their current financial situations recorded the largest one-month drop since the Conference Board started to collect the family data in July 2022. From: HomePage News
