January 30 – Home Depot Laying Off 800 Workers at Atlanta HQ in Return-to-Office Move
Our goal is to drive greater agility and position the company to move faster and stay even more closely connected with our frontline associates, said the company. From: HomePage News
January 30 – Gen Z Takes Wedding Planning Lead with Minds on Budget, Social Content & AI
Based on a survey of more than 11,500 couples, Gen Zer’s made up most people who are engaged at 51%, surpassing Millennials at 43%. From: HomePage News
January 30 – Saks Shuttering Offprice Operations to Refocus on Luxury Shoppers
Online, saksoff5th.com, which is a separate legal entity from Saks Global, has determined to wind down its operations. From: HomePage News
January 29 – Home Depot Cuts 800 Corporate Jobs, Mandates Five-Day In-Office Return
“To extend our industry-leading position, we must position the company to move faster and stay even more closely connected to our customers and frontline associates,” said CEO Ted Decker in a message to employees. From: Hardware Retailing
January 29 – Nordstrom Names Chief Supply Chain Officer
Jason Bell was promoted to executive vice president, chief supply chain officer at Nordstrom, effective immediately, according to a Jan. 23 press release. From: Retail Dive
January 29 – Redfin: Gen Zer’s Gaining in Home Ownership Despite Affordability Issues
Average wages have increased in recent years, Redfin indicated, which has enabled some young people to purchase homes. From: HomePage News
January 29 – Bumpy Fourth Quarter Closes Out Tractor Supply Fiscal 2025
In providing guidance for fiscal 2026, Tractor Supply stated it expects net sales to increase between 4% and 6% in net income. From: HomePage News
January 28 – Amazon Shifts Grocery Strategy to Focus on Whole Foods, Delivery
Beth Galetti, Amazon senior vice president of people experience and technology, noted in a blog post the company has been “working to strengthen our organization by reducing layers, increasing ownership, and removing bureaucracy. From: HomePage News
January 28 – Conference Board: Consumer Confidence ‘Collapsed’ in January
The Expectations Index, based on consumers’ outlook for income, business and labor market conditions six months out, dropped 9.5 points. From: HomePage News
January 28 – Michaels Spring Home Decor Collections Mix in Stylish Housewares
Michaels styled the new products based on the most influential design and pop culture trends of 2026, the company stated. From: HomePage News
January 27 – ICSC: Holiday Shoppers Averaged $1,000-Plus Spend Despite Concerns
Three-quarters of consumers shopped in-store and online and 75% of shoppers visited a mall. From: HomePage News
January 27 – Bain: Value Creation Key to Retail Sales Growth in 2026
Volume growth in 2026 will be modest with inflation projected to hover between 2.6% and 3%, Bain maintained. From: HomePage News
Valentine’s Day Spending to Surge to Record $29B in 2026
The figure tops last year’s $27.5 billion and reflects an average shopper budget of $199.78, up from $188.81 in 2025.From: Progressive Grocer
January 27 – BJ’s Adds Florida ‘BJ’s Market’ As It Grows Small-Format Strategy
The new store will be more consumable-oriented than BJ’s bigger stores but will cover much of the assortment available in BJ’s traditional operating format. From: HomePage News
January 26 – Amazon Could Open New Superstore Concept Near Chicago in 2027
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Amazon won local approval from the town of Orland Park, IL, for an approximately 230,000-square-foot store. From: HomePage News
January 26 – Target’s Incoming CEO Co-Signs Letter Calling for ‘Deescalation of Tensions’ in Minnesota
Michael Fiddelke joined about 60 other CEOs, including Best Buy’s Corie Barry, in signing a letter about “recent challenges” in the state. From: Retail Dive
January 26 – Placer.ai: Walmart, HomeGoods Among Retailers Poised to Win in 2026
As the new year proceeds from the old, the brands that win will be those that combine a clear understanding of their unique value proposition with the agility to execute on it, Placer.ai said. From: HomePage News
January 26 – Retailers Face Mounting Consumer Frustration About Returns
55% of shoppers have made or plan to make a return following the 2025 holiday season and 21% of consumers responding said they return items more than once a month. From: HomePage News
January 26 – Ace Hardware and Menards Lead 2025 Home Improvement Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty Benchmark
Ace Hardware and Menards recently earned the highest scores in the customer experience (CX) category in Market Force Information’s 2025 Home Improvement Retail Benchmark Study. From: Hardware Retailing
January 23 – Global Economic Issues Continue to Influence Consumer Spending Intentions
Daily online shopping has slipped 12 points year over year, with only 9% of consumers doing so. From: HomePage News
January 23 – Report Underscores Demographic Differences in 2025 Holiday Shopping
71% of younger shoppers bought a gift card instead of a physical gift due to concerns about spending, versus 49% of older shoppers. From: HomePage News
January 22 – Newsweek Names SharkNinja, Cuisinart Among Most Trusted Home Brands
Several categories resulted in ties, including Black+Decker and Rowenta in clothes irons; Igloo and Yeti in coolers; Honeywell and Lasko in space heaters; and Cuisinart, KitchenAid and Wüsthof in kitchen knives. From: HomePage News
January 22 – Store Openings Slowed in 2025
Openings for 2026 are projected to accelerate, increasing 1.4% year over year, led by beauty, off-price and discount retailers, per the repo. From: Retail Dive
January 22 – Walmart Debuts Collection Celebrating African Heritage with Artist Coker
Walmart has posted a video illustrating Coker’s personal creative journey from childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, to his studio in Dallas. From: HomePage News
January 22 – Numerator: Consumer Sentiment Got a Bit Jollier in December
Financial outlook continued to rebound in December after a sharp slide in October, with consumers feeling neutral about their future finances, Numerator noted. From: HomePage News
January 21 – BJ’s Builds on Late-2025 Growth with Selma, NC Store Opening
The new store will include an on-site station and will provide curbside pickup, in-club pickup and same-day delivery, the company noted. From: HomePage News
January 21 – Lidl US CEO Out
Under Rampoldt’s leadership, Lidl made numerous changes aimed at boosting the discounter’s image among American consumer. From: Grocery Dive
January 21 – China-Based Vevor to Open First U.S. Brick-and-Mortar Store in Houston
The store gives consumers a place to explore professional-grade tools in dedicated hands-on demonstration areas – including a Hands-on Pro Zone – where they can access equipment such as car jacks and woodworking tools. From: HomePage News
January 21 – Target Partners With Google to Boost AI Capabilities
At Target, we’re focused on using technology to make shopping easier and more intuitive wherever our guests are,” said Prat Vemana, Target chief information and product officer. From: HomePage News
January 20 – Sendik’s Food Market Celebrates a Century in Business
Ted Balistreri, one of the chain’s three sibling co-owners said he “credits associates for maintaining the culture that has defined the banner for decades.” From: Progressive Grocer
January 20 – Circana: Newness Needed to Unlock Spending from Hesitant Shoppers
In-the-moment excitement that can come from a message, a demonstration or a product stimulates additional spending, Circana note. From: HomePage News
January 20 – Longtime Neiman Marcus Merchant Heads to Bloomingdale’s
Russ Patrick is returning to department store merchandising as Bloomingdale’s general merchandising manager of home. From: Retail Dive
January 20 – Saks Gets First $500 Million in Bankruptcy Financing
The $500 million in funding will facilitate go-forward payments to brand partners and the acceleration of inventory flow, Saks pointed out. From: HomePage News
January 20 – Core Home Rolls Out Valentine’s Day-Themed Thyme Table Collection at Walmart
The line, according to Core Home, “makes preparing, cooking and storing food accessible for everyone under one brand (of) cookware, dinnerware, barware, gadgets, cleaning, bakeware and kitchen appliances.” From: HomePage News
January 16 – Saks Investor Amazon Objects to Bankruptcy DIP Financing
Amazon also claims Saks failed to uphold commitments that were part of the investment terms and, through the Saks bankruptcy and DIP actions, would undermine Amazon’s security in the flagship entity. From: HomePage News
January 16 – Walmart’s John Furner Overhauls Leadership
“As AI rapidly reshapes retail, we are centralizing our platforms to accelerate shared capabilities, freeing up our operating segments to be more focused on and closer to our customers and members.” Said Incoming Walmart Inc. CEO John Furner. From: Retail Dive
January 16 – Gen Alpha Starting to Shape Next Generation of In-Store Shopping
97% of Gen Alpha members want to help brands make design decisions by testing new items and informing product development, as well as by shaping the look and feel of store environments. From: HomePage News
For Retail Brands, TikTok Shop’s Rise Brings Viral Success — and Disruption
The marketplace accounted for about one-fifth of the social commerce segment in 2025 and is forecast by eMarketer to exceed $20 billion in sales this year. From: Retail Dive
January 15 – J.C. Penney Expands 2 Home Collections
With its newest home goods collections, J.C. Penney is aiming to bring “unique personality and trendy styles to the home at accessible price points” the company said. From: Retail Dive
January 15 – Omnisend: Biggest Brands Captured the Bulk of E-Commerce Gains
Customers who clicked on promotions were 51% more likely to buy than in the previous year, and they spent 22% more per order. From: HomePage News
January 15 – Walmart’s Latest Supercenter Showcases Updated Home Department
The new layout includes expanded home and apparel offerings that Walmart intends to elevate everyday living, the company emphasized. From: HomePage News
January 14 – Amazon Proposes 229,000-Square-Foot Superstore Near Chicago
The Orland Park Plan Commission recently approved Amazon’s proposal, which will now face a vote from the Orland Park Village Board. From: Progressive Grocer
January 14 – Kroger Appoints New SVP of Retail Divisions
Kroger has promoted Victor Smith, president of the company’s Atlanta Division, to the role of senior vice president of retail divisions, the supermarket chain announced Tuesday. From: Grocery Dive
January 14 – Kroger Reshuffles Leadership Team Following Merger Setback
Kroger promoted Victor Smith, president of the company’s Atlanta division, to senior vice president of Retail Divisions, the company stated. From: HomePage News
January 14 – ISM: Retail Helps Push Services Sector Further into Expansion Territory
The 11 service industries reporting growth in December were Retail Trade, Finance & Insurance, Accommodation & Food Services, Transportation & Warehousing, Arts, Entertainment & Recreation, Mining, Health Care & Social Assistance, Information, Wholesale Trade, Public Administration and Utilities. From: HomePage News
January13 – HTI Buying Group Helps Entrepreneurs Make Their Dream Kitchenware Stores a Reality
Members are introduced directly to the manufacturers and distributors who shape the housewares industry and get access to curated assortments, trusted vendor programs and buying power that new stores rarely enjoy on their own. From: HomePage News
January13 – Wayfair Builds on AI Advancements With New Google Checkout Function
In a posting, Wayfair maintained Muse and Discover are important means of supporting customers as they shop for favored styles and furnishings. From: HomePage News
January13 – Tractor Supply Opens 2,400th Store as Part of a 100-Unit Expansion Plan
The new Aiken store is one of four Tractor Supply locations that have hosted a grand opening within the first two weeks of 2026, the company noted. From: HomePage News
January13 – Macy CEO Spring Says Strategy Gaining Traction, but More Store Closures Are Coming
CEO Tony Spring said the company’s Reimagine 125 stores, for which Macy’s has invested in new approaches to the shopper, and grew comparable sales 2.7% in the third quarter. From: HomePage News
January12 – Retail Monitor: 2025 Closed Out with Strong December Sales
“December Retail Monitor data saw a sharp surge in growth as consumers continued prioritizing holiday spending on family and friends,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. From: HomePage News
January12 – Aldi to Open 180 New Stores in 2026 as Part of Major expansion
This year, Aldi aims to open more than 180 new stores across 31 states, bringing its U.S. footprint to nearly 2,800 locations. From: Grocery Dive
January12 – IBM/NRF Study: More Shopping Kicks Off with a GenAI Assist
Even as consumers adjust to the presence of shopping options enabled by artificial intelligence, retail executives acknowledge challenges to deploying AI remain. From: HomePage News
January12 – Walmart, Home Depot Among Retailers Expanding AI Capabilities with Google
Google described Gemini Enterprise for CX as a proactive digital concierge that connects the shopping process. From: HomePage News
January 9 – Port Tracker: Import Volumes Remain Soft Despite January Uptick
After being hit by uncertainty from increased U.S. tariffs in 2025, trade policy will continue to have a pronounced effect on import volumes, Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. From: HomePage News
January 9 – Salesforce: Holiday E-Commerce Grows as AI Drives Higher Intent, Conversion Rates
Shopping remained brisk throughout the holiday period, with sales during the last two weeks of December up 9% in the U.S. and 12% worldwide YOY. From: HomePage News
January 8 – Pottery Barn Kids, Teen Partner with Stoney Clover Lane on Customizable Home Collection
Products range from furniture, bedding, lighting and bath products to luggage, decorative accessories, storage items and drinkware, with many offered with personalization options. From: HomePage News
January 8 – Helen of Troy Q3 Sales, Earnings Slip but Satisfy Wall Street
In the third quarter, Helen of Troy made progress toward stabilizing the business, CEO G. Scott Uzzell stated, while key metrics met or exceeded Wall Street expectations. From: HomePage News
January 8 – Appliances Help Costco Make Strides in December
Non-foods were up in mid-single digits with small appliances, majors, jewelry and tires best. Food & Sundries grew in the mid-single digits. From: HomePage News
January 7 – Adobe: Holiday Online Spending Grew 6.8% With Home Categories Gaining
Adobe noted that spending in its Furniture & Home Goods category reached $31.1 billion, up from $29.2 billion in the year prior. From: HomePage News
January 7 – Target Resolves to Expand Wellness with In-Store Events, Product Growth
The company intends to strengthen its position as the destination for everyday well-being, Target noted, and to offer stylish, relevant products that support customer goals From: HomePage News
January 7 – True Value Launches National Advertising Campaign
Anchored in individuality and humor, the campaign celebrates the hands-on determination that defines how real people approach projects today, and how True Value can help each step of the way. From: Hardware Retailing
January 7 – Tech Initiatives Give Alberstons a Third Quarter Lift
“Our investments in technology and AI are fundamentally reshaping how we operate and serve our customers, driving smarter decisions, greater efficiency and more personalized experiences, said Albertsons CEO Susan Morris. HomePage News
January 6 – Forbes Customer Service Ranking Holds Retailer Surprises
The UPS Store exceeded all others in the recently released Forbes Customer Service Study, the top five also include Mary Kay, Chick-fil-a, USAA and REI. HomePage News
January 6 – More States Cut Grocery Taxes
Opponents of grocery taxes say that the levies hinder food affordability, while supporters point to the revenue that the taxes generate to support local communities. From: Grocery Dive
January 6 – Placer.ai: Some Retail Channels Saw Holiday Store Visit Gains, Some Didn’t
Categories closely tied to self-gifting performed well compared to more traditional holiday segments during the 2025 season, with pet stores and services up 5.5% YOY and home improvement retailers up 3.4%, Placer.ai reported. HomePage News
January 6 – Conference Board Reports Consumer Confidence Slipped in December\
The Present Situation Index, based on consumer assessment of current business and labor market conditions, fell 9.5 points to 116.8 in December. HomePage News
January 5 – Saks Executive Chairman Takes CEO Post Amid Bankruptcy Rumblings
Baker will work closely with the company’s management team to advance a Saks transformation, the company stated, delivering exceptional products, elevated experiences and highly personalized service to meet luxury consumer demand. HomePage News
January 5 – Holiday Shoppers Report Taking on More Debt in 2025
Among those who took on debt in the 2025 holiday season, Lending Tree maintained, 41% said they were still digging out from the previous year’s bills. HomePage News
January 5 – Lemonis Assumes Bed Bath & Beyond CEO Role, Outlines Expansive Strategy
Bed Bath & Beyond has been assembling a portfolio that includes retail banners as Bed Bath & Beyond Home, Kirkland’s Home, buybuy Baby and Overstock, as well as home-related services. From: HomePage News
