Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet 2/28/13: Walmart last in customer satisfaction; Target tops

 

“Walmart ranks dead last in customer satisfaction in Discount stores and Supermarkets according to ACSI’s National Customer Satisfaction Benchmark”   See the rankings at:  https://www.theacsi.org/acsi-results/acsi-benchmarks-february

 

“Target Earnings Top Forecasts, Despite Holiday Weakness” at CNBC.  “After the earnings announcement, the company’s shares initially rose in pre-market trading, but shares have since given up their gains on investor concern over Target’s ability to reach its forecast, given its large-scale expansion plans in Canada.  The discount retailer plans to open its first store in Canada this year, and eventually expand to 124 stores.”  Read more:  https://www.cnbc.com/id/100497566

 

“Survey: Showrooming a threat to Costco, too” by Amy Martinez at The Seattle Times.  “A new study by Seattle startup Placed identifies home-goods chain Bed Bath & Beyond as most at risk of becoming a showroom for Amazon, followed closely by PetSmart and Toys R Us.  The survey — based on responses from nearly 15,000 U.S. consumers, as well as an analysis of their movements through the physical world — also puts Issaquah-based Costco Wholesale on notice that its customers have no qualms about showrooming.”  Read more:  https://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2020438998_ecommerceshowroomingxml.html

 

“Amazon’s Merchandising of Its Search Results Doesn’t Violate Trademark Law” by Eric Goldman at Forbes.  “Many of us have had the experience of going to Amazon to buy one thing but checking out with a huge shopping cart of items that we didn’t initially seek—or even know were available. Amazon’s merchandising often benefits Amazon’s customers, but trademark owners who lose sales to their competition due to it aren’t as thrilled. Fortunately for Amazon, a California federal court recently upheld Amazon’s merchandising practices in its internal search results.”  Read more:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericgoldman/2013/02/26/amazons-merchandising-of-its-search-results-doesnt-violate-trademark-law/

 

“Nearly Six-in-Ten U.S. Adults Report Potentially Higher Shipping Costs Won’t Deter Them From Shopping Online, Finds New CouponCabin.com Survey”  “For those who still continue to click and buy, their typical online shopping behavior will shift to sites that offer free shipping. Nearly three-in-four (73 percent) U.S. adults are more likely to shop online at a website that offers free shipping as opposed to one that doesn’t.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6382176&access=EH

 

This Amazing 3-D Desktop Was Born at Microsoft” by Ryan Tate at Wired.  “The history of computer revolutions will show a logical progression from the Mac to the iPad to something like this SpaceTop 3-D desktop, if computer genius Jinha Lee has anything to say about it.  The Massachusetts Institute of Technology grad student earned some notice last year for the ZeroN, a levitating 3-D ball that can record and replay how it is moved around by a user. Now, following an internship at Microsoft Applied Science and some time off from MIT, Lee is unveiling his latest digital 3-D environment, a three-dimensional computer interface that allows a user to “reach inside” a computer screen and grab web pages, documents, and videos like real-world objects.”  Read more:  https://www.wired.com/business/2013/02/amazing-3d-desktop/?goback=%2Egde_145854_member_217841275

 

“Walmart Sales Near Half a Trillion Dollars, But Amazon’s Still Winning” by Marcus Wohlsen at Wired.  “As others have pointed out, “delivering” in this case would likely mean Walmart is on track to meet or exceed the $9 billion online sales goal Ashe set at Walmart’s shareholders’ meeting in October. (Walmart doesn’t break out its online sales figures separately.)  In many contexts, that’s a lot of money. But not in the context of $466 billion. Walmart undoubtedly looks at that $9 billion and sees nowhere to go but up. The other figure they’re looking at is $61 billion: Amazon’s net sales for its most recent fiscal year. According to the most recent Internet Retailer estimates, Staples is the only other company that has exceeded $9 billion in online sales. Amazon so vastly outstrips all other comers, including Walmart’s online operation, that it in some ways appears to have the market locked. But if anyone can challenge Jeff Bezos’ battering ram, it’s likely the only other company besides Exxon that can say “a half-trillion dollars” with a straight face.”  Read more:  https://www.wired.com/business/2013/02/walmart-nears-half-trillion/

 

“Home Depot buys ThrilloftheGrill.com from Mike Mann for $30,000” at Domain Name Wire.  “Earlier this month Mike Mann posted on his Facebook page that he sold the domain ThrillOfTheGrill.com for a sizzling $30,000.  Now the sale through partner Sedo has gone through and we know who the buyer is: Home Depot.”  Read more:  https://domainnamewire.com/2013/02/27/home-depot-buys-thrillofthegrill-com-from-mike-mann-for-30000/#sthash.1T1f8426.dpuf

 

“Walmart Expands Solar Installations in Hawaii”  “Walmart and SunEdison today announced the completion of new solar power installations in the islands at three Walmart stores in Kahului, Kailua-Kona and Kapolei, doubling the total number of stores in Hawaii powered by renewable solar energy. The installations contribute to the company’s broader aspirational goal of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy. Similar installations are already in operation atop the Honolulu Sam’s Club and Mililani Walmart on Oahu, and the Lihue Walmart on Kauai.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6387775&access=EH

 

“Sears Canada Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings and Full-Year Results”  “Sears Canada Inc. today announced its unaudited fourth quarter and full-year results. Total revenues for the 14-week period ended February 2, 2013 were $1,298.0 million versus $1,365.9 million for the 13-week period ended January 28, 2012, a decrease of 5.0%. Same store sales for the quarter decreased 3.8%.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6382187&access=EH

 

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Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet 2/27/13: Home Depot outshines Lowe’s; CEO of Walmart Asia interview

 

 

“Strong sales help Home Depot outshine Lowe’s” at Reuters.  “For the 15th straight quarter, Home Depot also bested its rival, Lowe’s Cos Inc, in sales performance at established stores, pointing to an ongoing dominance that analysts say Lowe’s is far from overcoming.  “They are getting the assortment right,” said Robin Diedrich, analyst at Edward Jones, referring to merchandise in stores. “This quarter is a kind of perfect example of that where they really seemed to have gone after the holiday market, in a much bigger way than Lowe’s did.”  She added: “Just really executing on the right product at the right price goes a long way.”  Read more:  https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/26/us-homedepot-results-idUSBRE91P0CK20130226

 

Home Depot call comments:

*  Home Depot’s CFO Carol Tome says while other retailers have talked about customers feeling the pinch of gas prices and payroll tax hikes, Home Depot is not seeing that in its stores.  https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/26/homedepot-brief-idUSWEN007YF20130226

*  “Our results benefited from storm repair, but they also reflected an improving housing market,” CEO Frank Blake said on the call.  https://www.marketwatch.com/story/home-depot-profit-up-32-outlook-cautious-2013-02-26

*  Craig Menear, Merchandising Chief:  “The number of customer transitions during the fourth quarter grew 1.7%, on a comparable basis, while average transaction size rose 5.6%, helped in part by inflation in lumber and copper. Tickets under $50, about one-fifth of U.S. sales, rose 0.3%, while transactions over $900, also 20% of sales, jumped 9%, helped by purchases of generators and appliances.”  https://www.marketwatch.com/story/home-depot-profit-up-32-outlook-cautious-2013-02-26

 

“Social Media Advertising Budgets Rise in 2013” by Elizabeth Palermo at Fox Business News.  “A recent study by Digiday shows that U.S. advertisers plan to spend $4.1 billion this year on social media advertising. And while many companies started buying up ad space on sites like Facebook and Twitter years ago, those businesses now intend to spend even more on this type of advertising.  The study found that 64 percent of advertisers plan to increase social media ad budgets this year. Meanwhile, only 2 percent of advertisers surveyed say they intend to spend less on paid social media ads in 2013 than they did in 2012.  Read more: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4012-social-media-advertising-budgets.html?#ixzz2M6LcpC00

 

“Interview with Walmart’s Scott Price, CEO of Walmart Asia” at Money Control.  “After years of dithering and a false start in 2011, the government finally notified the rules for FDI in multi-brand retail. Companies like Walmart have been waiting to get into the Indian market and this gives them access to the organised sector in India. Scott Price, the CEO of Walmart Asia tells CNBC-TV18 about the company’s plan for the Indian markets.”  Read the full interview:  https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/walmarts-backend-experience-to-help-india-biz-asia-ceo_831241.html

 

 “E-Commerce Customer Satisfaction Continues To Rise According to ACSI”  “Online retail increases 1.2% to an ACSI score of 82, outperforming the brick-and-mortar retail trade sector (76.6) by a wide margin. Amazon continues to the lead the industry (and tops all measured e-commerce companies in this month’s Index) despite a 1% drop to 85. The “all others” category, which is an aggregate of e-retailers and other companies not individually measured, jumps 3% to 82. The “all others” category contains many e-retail websites that also have a brick-and-mortar presence.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6373289&access=EH

 

“Wal-Mart says its e-commerce push is working” by Kevin Woodward at Internet Retailer.  “Wal-Mart, No. 4 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 guide, said in October it expects to reach $9 billion in e-commerce revenue for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2014. Only two U.S. retailers exceeded $9 billion in web sales in 2011, the last year for which top 500 data are available: Amazon.com Inc., No. 1 in the Top 500, and No. 2 Staples Inc. Apple was No. 3 with $6.66 billion in online sales, according to Internet Retailer estimates.”  Read more: https://www.internetretailer.com/2013/02/26/wal-mart-says-its-e-commerce-push-working#sthash.rMySvQ9b.dpuf

 

“Retail M&A Activity Will Continue to Rebound in 2013, BDO USA Survey Finds”  “The retail industry is poised for another year of heavy deal flow. According to a new survey from BDO USA, LLP, nearly all retail CFOs (94 percent) expect merger and acquisition (M&A) activity will increase or remain steady in 2013. CFOs’ bullish forecasts follow $324.6 billion in global retail and consumer M&A activity in 2012, which was up 33 percent over 2011 and the busiest year since 2007, according to Dealogic. A majority of CFOs (68 percent) expect the U.S. markets to see a majority of deal volume, followed by the Asia-Pacific market (20 percent) and Latin America market (7 percent).”  Read more:  https://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsLang=en&newsId=20130226005547&div=-1245645151

 

“Some results of first lady’s anti-obesity effort” by Darlene Superville and Mary Clare Jalonick at AP via The Sun.  “As promised, Wal-Mart also has begun labeling the fronts of hundreds of its store-brand products with a special “Great for You” seal designed to help shoppers easily identify healthier foods…Food Deserts — Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Supervalu and several smaller grocers committed to build or expand 1,500 stores in areas with limited or no access to healthy food, areas the Agriculture Department calls “food deserts.” Wal-Mart, which announced it would open 275-300 such stores by the end of 2016, had opened 86 by the end of last year.”  Read more:  https://www.sbsun.com/living/ci_22677718/some-results-first-ladys-anti-obesity-effort

 

“Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon to present at Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference”  “Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will participate in the 34th annual Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Walmart U.S. President and CEO Bill Simon will provide an update on the Walmart U.S. business at 11:35 a.m. EST.”  Read more:  https://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsLang=en&newsId=20130226006712&div=-1245645151

 

“Law Office of Brodsky & Smith, LLC Announces Investigation of OfficeMax Incorporated”  Under the terms of the transaction, OfficeMax shareholders will receive only $13.50 in cash for each share of OfficeMax stock they own. The investigation concerns possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of state law by the Board of Directors of OfficeMax for not acting in the Company’s shareholders’ best interests in connection with the sale process to Office Depot. The focus of the investigation is whether the OfficeMax Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to conduct an adequate and fair sales process prior to agreeing to this proposed transaction. The transaction may undervalue OfficeMax as an analyst has set a price target of $17.00 per share for OfficeMax stock.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6370854&access=EH

 

 “7-Eleven Achieves Record Store Growth in 2012”  “7-Eleven, Inc. achieved record store growth in 2012 and expects the number of 7-Eleven stores worldwide to pass the 50,000-store mark by the end of the first quarter.  Already the world’s largest retailer by store count, 7-Eleven® added close to 5,000 stores to its worldwide portfolio in 2012.  “2012 was a tremendous year for us in terms of organic store growth, acquisitions and business conversions. We expect accelerated growth in North America to continue, and we also see many more opportunities for international expansion.” said 7-Eleven, Inc. President and CEO Joe DePinto.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6380415&access=EH

 

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Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet 2/26/13: Home Depot’s net jumps 32%; Walmart widens price gap

 

“Home Depot’s 4th-Quarter Net Jumps 32% on Extra Week’s Results” by Dow Jones Business News via Nasdaq.com. “Home Depot Inc.’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings jumped 32% as the home-improvement-products retailer was helped by a comparison with a year-ago quarter that included one fewer week, pushing results above Street estimates…”We ended the year with a strong performance as our business benefited from a continued recovery in the housing market coupled with sales related to repairs in the areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy,” Chief Executive Frank Blake said on Tuesday.”  Read more:  https://www.nasdaq.com/article/home-depots-4th-quarter-net-jumps-32-on-extra-weeks-results-20130226-00215#.USykAzCG3X4

 

“The Home Depot Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2012 Results”  “The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today reported sales of $18.2 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, a 13.9 percent increase from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 7.0 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were 7.1 percent…Sales for fiscal 2012 were $74.8 billion, an increase of 6.2 percent from fiscal 2011. Total company comparable store sales for the year increased 4.6 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were 4.9 percent for the year. Excluding the 53rd week, sales for fiscal 2012 increased by 4.5 percent from fiscal 2011.”  Read more:  https://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=63646&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1789153&highlight=

 

“Wal-Mart Widens Price Gap Over Target, Study Says” at Supermarket News.  “Wal-Mart Stores’ “self-funded” price investments are driving increased basket price separation from Target, Kantar Retail here said in a report released Monday.  Kantar’s semi-annual pricing study said a basket of branded goods at Wal-Mart was 4% less expansive than the same basket at Target — the largest gap since the pricing study began in 2009. While strategic price discounts on key items continue to be a cornerstone of Target’s price competitiveness, rather than everyday low prices, Target’s overall basket has not been lower than Wal-Mart’s since the January 2011 iteration of this study, Kantar said.  Read more: https://supermarketnews.com/retail-amp-financial/wal-mart-widens-price-gap-over-target-study-says#ixzz2M0U1w4jb

 

“Lowe’s Builds on Improvement” by Joan Solsmon at WSJ.  “The retailer has been comprehensively reviewing its product lines and progressively resetting parts of its stores to improve assortment, focus on everyday value rather than promotions and better tailor products to specific markets. Lowe’s has completed about 80% of its planned reviews of merchandise and 30% of its category resets, which are producing higher sales rates and better margins. But the changes last year took longer than expected to gain traction with customers, and the reviews were supposed to be further along by now.  Chief Customer Officer Gregory M. Bridgeford said Lowe’s is being deliberate with its resets. The company wasn’t executing them thoroughly at first, Mr. Bridgeford said, and it caused disruption as they were reworked.”  Read more: https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324338604578325813120328822.html

 

“Target takes aim at Canadians, but are we too tapped out?” by Jamie Sturgeon at Global News.  “In a matter of weeks, scores of rebranded and freshly redesigned Zellers department stores will be re-launched under the new owner’s banner, providing the first real jolt of competition to Canada’s relatively cozy retail market place in two decades.  Consumers stand to gain as domestic giants like Walmart Canada, Canadian Tire, Loblaw among others are forced to slash prices, beef up loyalty programs and introduce other frills. But are consumers ready to embrace the new retailer?  A cooling economic environment, sharp slowdown in retail spending and a growing chorus of warnings from banks over personal debt levels all strongly suggest Target’s reception could be frostier than what the company was hoping for.”  Read more:  https://www.globalnews.ca/target+takes+aim+at+canadians+but+are+we+too+tapped+out/6442816264/story.html

 

“Martha Stewart’s JC Penney Deal Left Macy’s CEO ‘Sick'” at Reuters.  “Macy’s Chief Executive Terry Lundgren said he was shocked when Martha Stewart told him in 2011 that she was starting a new alliance with rival J.C. Penney.  Lundgren, testifying on Monday in the trial of two Macy’s lawsuits over the alliance, said Stewart told him of the deal the night before J.C. Penney announced it.  He said he was so appalled he hung up on her. “I was completely shocked and blown away,” Lundgren said. “I was literally sick to my stomach.”  Read more:  https://www.cnbc.com/id/100492718

 

“Apple isn’t building retail stores as fast as its sales are growing” by Erica Ogg at Gigaom.  “Apple has about 400 stores in 14 countries, and they are at peak traffic — 370 million people walked through their doors last year. But as the data below shows, while Apple is selling more iPhones, iPads and Macs than ever, it’s having a hard time keeping up on the retail store front. Horace Dediu at Asymco pulled together the data in a chart that shows how Apple isn’t building new stores fast enough relative to its expanding sales.  Read more:  https://gigaom.com/2013/02/25/apple-isnt-building-retail-stores-as-fast-as-its-sales-are-growing/

 

“Valassis and Roundy’s, Inc. Announce In-store Marketing Partnership”  “With this new partnership, Valassis will reach Roundy’s customers in-store while shopping in the grocery aisle. The new partnership will enable Roundy’s to create a consistent look for its marketing and media programs, aligning with the company’s overall marketing objectives and maximizing efficiencies across the Roundy’s network of stores. This will create a shopping environment that directly meets consumers’ needs.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6368217&access=EH

 

“Did Loblaw and Metro miss an opportunity with Safeway (Canada)?” by Jonathan Ratner at Financial Post. “Safeway Inc. looks less likely to sell its Canadian assets after the supermarket chain’s fourth quarter profit beat estimates and its discount program appears to be on the right track.  It shares surged more than 13% on Thursday after the company’s fourth quarter results beat expectations and same-store sales for the first quarter of 2013 trended higher on the back of its new “just for U” discount membership program.”  Read more:  https://business.financialpost.com/2013/02/25/did-loblaw-and-metro-miss-an-opportunity-with-safeway/

 

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Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet 2/25/13: Google Glass could be a game-changer; Lowe’s earnings top est.

 

“Why Brands Are Already Looking at Google Glass, and Why Apple Should Be Worried —  Experts say product could kill smartphones, alter marketing landscape for years to come” by Christopher Heine & Sam Thielman at AdWeek (Text & “How if Feels” Video).  “Will Google Glass kill the smartphone? Reinvent gaming? Steal the second screen from tablets? Alter the marketing and shopping landscape entirely? Probably not completely, and not all at once (since the device won’t be commercially available until next year). But experts predict that the new product could be a game-changer along the lines of the iPhone—one that could send shockwaves across the entertainment, advertising, commerce, media and gaming worlds.”  Read more:  https://www.adweek.com/news/technology/why-brands-are-already-looking-google-glass-and-why-apple-should-be-worried-147435

 

“Google’s plan to eat Amazon’s lunch and dominate retailing” by Jason Lehmbeck at Gigaom.  “With the advent of today’s on-demand culture, Google is betting that it no longer matters who actually sells the product. Consumers are squarely in control and Google will increasingly help them find that product they are looking for, and do so at the right location for the right price. This was traditionally the role of ecommerce players like Amazon and massive offline retailers like Wal-Mart and Target.  However, with the growth of Google Shopping and the integration of those results into its core search engine, Google is quickly becoming the “digital store shelf” that it had always promised.”  Read more:  https://gigaom.com/2013/02/24/googles-plan-to-eat-amazons-lunch-and-dominate-retailing/

 

“Rosalind Brewer: Rising Star in Wal-Mart (Sam’s)” by Chris Bahn at Arkansas Business.  “Sam’s Club will open 12 new stores this year, and there is a focus on identifying locations close to metropolitan areas for further expansion. Improving and expanding the products offered — Brewer points out the addition of Apple and Eddie Bauer merchandise — are also key to reaching the company’s goals.“W  e will be aggressive this year about finding unique merchandise for our members,” Brewer said.  Read more:  https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/90983/rosalind-brewer-rising-star-in-wal-mart

 

“Bill Lennie, President of Home Depot Canada, is keynote speaker at Berry College” by Doug Walker at Rome News Tribune.  “The Home Depot has 180 stores in Canada where, Lennie said, the smaller division allows the giant corporation to be faster to market and more nimble testing pilots. He noted that eight out of 10 LED light bulbs sold in Canada are sold by The Home Depot.  “We’re going to own innovation,” he told the largest Roundtable crowd in five years.  Lennie said the housing industry in Canada didn’t take the dip that the U.S housing market did during the Great Recession.  Read more:  https://www.romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/21786947/article-The-annual-Berry-College-Executive-Roundtable-pairs-students-with-business-leaders-to-boost-networking-skills?instance=home_news

 

“How Target plans to distinguish itself in Canada — less waiting” by Mark Reilly at Minneapolis-St.Paul Business Journal.  “The Financial Post of Canada reports on Target’s “brand manifesto” video ad that began airing this week at the Minneapolis-based retailer’s Canadian website. It’d fit into just about any Target campaign in the United States — which is probably the point, because a lot of Canadians are familiar with the retailer, and the ad tries to underline that it’s the same experience, noting that they’ll be carrying “the same red basket.” But tucked in there is the pledge of “a short line — everytime.”  Target seems to be making that service a key point of differentiation between it and other Canada rivals.”  Read more:  https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/morning_roundup/2013/02/how-target-plans-to-distinguish-itself.html

 

“Target to launches Canadian ad campaign during Oscars as it readies new stores” by The Canadian Press at Macleans.  “Two years after U.S. retailer Target announced plans to move into the Canadian marketplace, the company is nearly ready for its north of the border television debut.  On Sunday, during the first hour of the Oscars ceremony, the company will showcase its first Canadian TV commercial touting its entry into the “neighbourhood.”  The 60-second spot paints the Target brand as a friendly new neighbour, set to a remake of the theme from “Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood” recorded by Canadian band Dragonette.  In the commercial, a woman rides a motorcycle with the Target dog sitting in the sidecar, as the two scoot cross-country past numerous landmarks and events. Brief nods are made to Moving Day in Quebec, ice skating in Toronto and a lighthouse in St. John’s.”  Read more:  https://www2.macleans.ca/2013/02/22/target-to-launches-canadian-ad-campaign-during-oscars-as-it-readies-new-stores/

 

“Lowe’s Earnings Top Estimates, but Outlook Falls Short” at CNBC.  “Helped by cleanup efforts after super storm Sandy, Lowe’s reported earnings and revenue that outpaced analysts’ expectations on Monday.  But the company’s shares fell in pre-market trading, as the company’s outlook disappointed investors.”  Read more:  https://www.cnbc.com/id/100486177

 

“Wal-Mart expands self-checkout in stores via its iPhone app” by  Bill Siwicki at Internet Retailer.  “Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has its sights set on the smartphone-wielding shopper, this week expanding use of the “Scan & Go” feature for its iPhone app to 40 stores in the Denver area. It has been testing the mobile commerce technology in stores in Northwest Arkansas, Atlanta, San Jose, CA, and Portland, OR, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman tells Internet Retailer.  Scan & Go enables a shopper to scan the bar codes on products as she picks the products off shelves and puts them into her shopping cart. The app creates a list of all products scanned. When the shopper has completed shopping, she presses the Done Shopping button and the app generates a custom QR code. The self-checkout terminals scan the QR code on the smartphone, tally the list, and ask the shopper to select a payment option to complete the transaction at the terminal.”  Read more:  https://www.internetretailer.com/2013/02/20/wal-mart-expands-self-checkout-stores-its-iphone-app

 

 “Lowe’s names new senior vp for multichannel” at Home Textiles Today.  “Lowe’s has hired Lara Lee as senior vp, customer experience design to work on integrated, multi-channel strategies.  “Customer needs and trends are constantly changing. In this new role, Lara will not only design experiences that support customers across every stage of the home improvement journey, but will also ensure that our employees’ abilities to deliver excellent experiences are evolving and improving to meet those ever-changing customer needs,” said Bob Gfeller, customer experience design executive, to whom she reports.”  Read more:  https://www.hometextilestoday.com/article/560326-Lowe_s_names_new_senior_vp_for_multichannel.php

 

“In Thrifty Times for Publishers, Food Finds Success” by Stuart Elliot at NY Times.  “Demand for magazines in retail outlets keeps weakening, and Wal-Mart Stores is worried because shoppers are holding a tight rein on spending. So a new magazine, available only at Walmart, should rank right up there among what Twitter users.  Delish, introduced last year by Hearst, is available only at Walmart.  Instead, the magazine, Delish, did well enough with its first issue in November, according to its publisher, Hearst Magazines, that it is being expanded this year to quarterly frequency.  Read more:  https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/business/media/delish-magazine-sold-only-at-walmart-performs-remarkably-well.html?_r=0

 

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Eye-on-Retail 2/22/13: Walmart’s “silent killer”; Walgreens University

 

“The ‘Silent Killer’ In Wal-Mart’s Business” by Ashley Lutz at Business Insider.  “There’s a “silent killer” that became evident in Wal-Mart’s earnings announcement today.  “The results announced today are flat-out bad, and its time for shareholders to take management to task for this,” said Brian Sozzi, chief equities analyst at NBG Research.  The biggest problem, according to Sozzi?  Sam’s Club.”  Read more:  https://www.businessinsider.com/the-silent-killer-at-walmart-2013-2#ixzz2Lczl5sBJ

 

 “(Louise) Wendling (Costco Canada) to push for lower tariffs, regulatory harmonization” by Peter Kovessy at Ottawa Business Journal.  “As Ms. Wendling prepares to entire retirement – which was supposed to happen in December, but she joked she’s only had 10 days off so far in 2013 – she said she wants to make politicians aware of the costs retailers face and show them the benefits of harmonizing regulations where possible.  “Sometimes when they pass a law, they don’t realize the implications,” Ms. Wendling said in an interview following her talk at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer Alumni Breakfast Speaker Series.  She said she’d also like to see the price gap between Canadian and U.S. retail prices narrowed, starting with a review of import tariffs.”  Read more:  https://www.obj.ca/Local/Retail/2013-02-15/article-3178246/Wendling-to-push-for-lower-tariffs-regulatory-harmonization/1

 

“A Titan’s (Facebook’s Sandberg) How-To on Breaking the Glass Ceiling” by Jodi Kantor at NY Times via CNBC.  “When her book is published on March 11, accompanied by a carefully orchestrated media campaign, she hopes to create her own version of the consciousness-raising groups of yore: “Lean In Circles,” as she calls them, in which women can share experiences and follow a Sandberg-crafted curriculum for career success. (First assignment: a video on how to command more authority at work by changing how they speak and even sit.)  “I always thought I would run a social movement,” Ms. Sandberg, 43, said in an interview for “Makers,” a new documentary on feminist history.”  Read more:  https://www.cnbc.com/id/100483841

 

“Canadian Tire Announces Positive Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results”  “Consolidated retail sales in the fourth quarter increased 1.4% and consolidated revenue increased 1.0% to $3.2 billion for the period…”Canadian Tire Retail also had a solid year,” he said. “In 2012, we focused on improving our margins, introduced new products, executed successfully in key heritage categories, retrofitted over 70 more Smart store formats and have strengthened our position as Canada’s Store.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6347135&access=EH

 

“Walgreens University Opens Doors to Opportunity on Friday”  “Walgreens University is not solely a building, but a national program with national access and offerings for team members at every level of the company,” Wilson-Thompson said. “We hope every one of our 240,000 team members will find ways to grow their careers and improve themselves through the educational opportunities that Walgreens University will expand or introduce…More than 100 courses will be available through one of the few corporate training programs to offer college credit for certain classes, including pharmacy technician training and management and retail fundamentals.  Read more:  https://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsLang=en&newsId=20130221006234&div=-1245645151

 

“ASDA  (UK’s Walmart) CEO Andy Clarke reveals 19% increase in online sales over fourth quarter of 2012” by Stephen Lepitak at The Drum.  “ASDA CEO Andy Clarke has revealed that the supermarket giant’s growing e-commerce platform saw an increase in sales by 18.8 per cent over the fourth quarter, as its parent company Walmart announced an international net sales growth of 7.4 percent to $135.2 billion.”  Read more:  https://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/02/21/asda-ceo-doug-mcmillon-reveals-19-increase-online-sales-over-fourth-quarter-2012

 

“Whole Foods meant ‘no disrespect’ by using Obama to sell chicken” by David Edwards at The Raw Story.  “A spokesperson for Whole Foods says that a store on Manhattan’s Upper West Side has taken down an advertisement that featured Barack Obama’s likeness, but insisted the company meant “no disrespect” by using the nation’s first African-American president to sell chicken.”  Read more:  https://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/02/21/whole-foods-meant-no-disrespect-by-using-obama-to-sell-chicken/

 

“Small-Format Stores’ Profitability Boosts Cabela’s Q4 Sales 15.2%” by Adam Blair at RIS.  “Sales and profit per square foot at Cabela’s smaller-format stores that were 40% higher than at its legacy stores helped give the retailer a record 12% increase in comp store sales and a 15.2% increase in revenues for the fourth quarter of 2012. The retailer’s direct business also grew 1.7%, the first such increase in 11 quarters.  Cabela’s, best known for stores large enough to house attractions such as indoor waterfalls, has shifted some of its brick-and-mortar focus to smaller next-generation stores and its 40,000-square-foot Outpost stores.”  Read more:  https://risnews.edgl.com/retail-best-practices/Small-Format-Stores–Profitability-Boosts-Cabela-s-Q4-Sales-15-2-84778

 

“Apple granted 36 patents, including for proximity detection” by Shara Tibken at CNET.  “Apple was granted 36 patents today, including one for a proximity sensor for the iPhone and iPad and another for haptic feedback to create a sort of virtual keyboard.  The patents, approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, cover a wide range of technologies, as earlier reported by Patently Apple. The proximity sensor patent, first filed in 2005, covers technology related to detecting one or more touches and differentiating whether the touches are light or hard, among other capabilities.”  Read more:  https://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57570064-37/apple-granted-36-patents-including-for-proximity-detection/

 

“UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Addresses Gap Between Demand and Consumption of Green Products”  “Two recent studies in North America and Europe have shown that:  36% of US consumers claim to regularly buy green products. 43% EU consumers strongly agree that companies should be mindful of the environmental impact of their products and processes. There is a significant gap between the projected demand and current sales of green products. The conference discussed approaches to bridge the gap and instil trust in consumers on the environmental benefits of a product.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6346315&access=EH

 

“Nordstrom 4Q Sales, Outlook Disappoint; Shares Slump” by Jennifer Booton at Fox Business.  “Nordstrom (JWN) revealed a stronger-than-expected 20% increase in fourth-quarter earnings Thursday. However, its shares slid 3% after hours on disappointing sales and a lackluster outlook…Meanwhile, Nordstrom Rack, the retailer’s discount chain that opened 12 new stores in calendar 2012, saw its sales grow 23%.”  Read more:  https://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2013/02/21/nordstrom-4q-sales-outlook-disappoint-shares-slump/#ixzz2Ld7uuq84

 

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Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet 2/21/13: Walmart’s earnings top estimates; Home Depot’s Ann-Marie Campbell

 

“Wal-Mart Tops Estimates, but Guidance Is Weak” at CNBC. “Wal-Mart Stores reported quarterly earnings Thursday that topped analysts’ expectations, but its guidance for the first quarter was short of consensus estimates. After the earnings announcement, the company’s shares rose slightly in pre-market trading. The company posted fourth-quarter earnings excluding items of 1.67 per share, up from $1.44 a share in the year-earlier period.” Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/id/100475797

 

“February Shows Advertisers Still Love Broadcast Channels” by Steve Hasker and Eddie Yoon at HBR.  “The Showtime program “Homeland” has generated great buzz over the last year, but people without Showtime can’t participate in the “Homeland” debate as to whether Brody is good or bad. By contrast, anyone can talk about Sunday NFL football or sports radio the next day. And because it is generally watched at the time of broadcast, free media represent a communal experience.  In fact, a media demand study commissioned by CBS, Nielsen and The Cambridge Group identified five media need states — Relax and Escape (preferring shows like Modern Family, Hawaii 5-0, Deliliah’s Adult Contemporary music), Keep Me Informed (News, NPR’s All Things Considered, Conservative Talk Radio), Authentic & Inspirational ( Extreme Home Makeover, This American Life), Action & Sports (ESPN, ESPN Radio) and Family Companion (American Idol).”  Read more:  https://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/02/february_shows_advertisers.html?utm_campaign=Socialflow&utm_source=Socialflow&utm_medium=Tweet

 

“Home Depot’s Ann-Marie Campbell, Southern Division President – This Week’s Top Woman” by L. Nicole Williams at Little Pink Book (Interview & Background). “Ann-Marie Campbell, Southern Division President at The Home Depot, is living the American Dream.  The Jamaican-born executive has overcome tragedy and inequity to become the first woman in the U.S. to lead a division for the Fortune 500 powerhouse. She is responsible for the sales and operations of more than 640 stores, and leads a team of more than 100,000 associates in 15 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas.  At the tender age of two, Campbell lost her father, an electrical engineer, to a fatal car accident. He was only 26 years old.  “You kind of don’t miss what you don’t have but, then, there are those days when I wonder what it would’ve been like,” says Campbell.”  Read more:  https://www.littlepinkbook.com/resources/pink-profiles/ann-marie-campbell

 

“There’s An Explanation For The Wal-Mart News That Isn’t Bad For The Economy At All” by Matthew Boesler at Business Insider.  “Perhaps Wal-Mart didn’t sell as many flat-screen televisions in February as they did a year ago on account of delayed filings and subsequent delays to refund checks.  Today, UBS economists led by Maury Harris put some numbers to that theory. They note that through the first two weeks of February, 2013 tax refunds total $55 billion – down 28 percent from last year…The IRS officially began the filing season on January 30 this year versus January 17 last year due to the changes in tax code as part of the fiscal cliff deal. There has only been roughly 10 days of refunds issued this year versus about 17 days in 2012. However, recently the pace of refunds has picked up. For the first 10 days of this year’s filing season (thru Feb 14) versus the 10 first days of last year’s season (thru Feb 6), refunds are running a cumulative $55 bil versus $37 bil last year.”  Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/delayed-tax-refunds-hurt-wal-mart-sales-2013-2

 

“Home Depot-Owned Redbeacon Now Lets You Pay Contractors Online” by Jordan Crook at Tech Crunch.  “While pros have the added benefit of getting paid on the spot, they also enjoy a few other benefits from being on the Redbeacon platform. For one, Redbeacon’s acquisition by Home Depot has allowed the home services marketplace to be integrated with 150 Home Depot stores across five markets. This lets Home Depot refer confused customers to Redbeacon pros. Plus, it lets pros sign up for Redbeacon rewards, meaning they get points for all purchases made at Home Depot, which can later be used to buy more supplies.”  Read more:  https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/20/home-depot-owned-redbeacon-now-lets-you-pay-contractors-online/

 

“Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Seems Like An Amazing Husband” by Ashley Lutz at Business Insider.  “Vogue’s March issue features a profile of Mackenzie Bezos, wife of Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos.  The story focuses on Mackenzie’s budding career as a novelist, but also dives into her relationship with her husband.  Despite running one of the biggest companies in the world, Jeff Bezos makes his wife and kids his top priority.  Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-ceo-jeff-bezos-and-wife-mackenzie-2013-2#ixzz2LXBoKHPG

 

“Walmart, Sam’s Club To Deploy 2,500 Self-Service Health Kiosks” at iHealth Beat.  “Self-service kiosks that aim to boost consumer health are being deployed in thousands of stores across the U.S., Kasier Health News reports.  Kiosk Details:  Next month, Walmart and Sam’s Club are scheduled to debut 2,500 of the kiosks developed by Duluth, Ga.-based SoloHealth.  The kiosks will offer consumers access to various health tests, such as: blood pressure, eye sight and obesity.  The devices also can advise patients on: diet; locating a doctor; pain management and vitamins.  SoloHealth said it plans to update the kiosks so that they include smoking cessation tips, diabetes testing and programs for helping consumers enroll in health plans.”  Read more: https://www.ihealthbeat.org/articles/2013/2/20/walmart-sams-club-to-deploy-2500-self-service-health-kiosks.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Ihealthbeat+%28iHB%29#ixzz2LX5mMy3C

 

“OfficeMax And Office Depot Announce Merger Of Equals To Create $18 Billion Global Office Solutions Company”  “OfficeMax Incorporated and Office Depot, Inc. today announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement under which the companies would combine in an all-stock merger of equals transaction intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both companies.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6338495&access=EH

 

“The Walmart of weed opens in Seattle, retail sales coming next” by Linda Thomas at My Northwest.  “The largest medical marijuana dispensary in Seattle is open in one of the state’s old liquor stores, and preparing for retail sales.  A successful online medical marijuana distributor has opened a brick and mortar store in the city.  “5,200 square feet. It is very, very , very large and it’s great.”…Jones gave me a tour, pointing out cupcakes, cookies and gummy candy laced with marijuana. “We have an energy drink, we have peanut butter and jelly, these cookies here are great for sleep they’re great for pain as well,” he says. “This blackberry crumble is for heavier dosage patients it’s good for about eight hours of pain relief.  There’s a rack of a dozen small marijuana plants in pots next to a mature plant that’s about four-feet tall.”  Read more:  https://mynorthwest.com/646/2207464/The-Walmart-of-weed-opens-in-Seattle-retail-sales-coming-next

 

“Target Corp. faces complaints about hiring practices” by Dee Depass at Star-Tribune.  “Schmid said employers cannot have blanket policies that bar applicants with criminal records from consideration. Such practices have been found to disproportionately affect African-Americans, she said.  Instead, employers must review each job applicant’s situation individually, consider how long ago the arrest or conviction occurred, the nature of the incident and if it is relevant to the job, she said.  During Wednesday’s news conference, counselor and Minnetonka resident Kissy Mason said she applied for and was offered a cashier job at Target in April. But the offer was rescinded two days later when Mason was told she was being denied a job because she had a criminal record.”  Read more:  https://www.startribune.com/business/192087561.html

 

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Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet 2/20/13: Amazon should buy RadioShack; Target ready for Canada

 

“Amazon should just buy RadioShack” by Gina Chon at Quartz.  “The scenario of Amazon acquiring an ailing brick-and-mortar retailer like RadioShack, Sears or Best Buy (the latter two of which have market caps in the $5 billion range), has been talked about in the tech and dealmaker community. Such a move could give Amazon regional warehouses, a place for customers to pick up deliveries, and a storefront for popular items.  These locations could help Amazon as it expands into areas such as groceries that could benefit from same-day delivery or pickup. They might even become virtual showrooms where shoppers can place orders.”  Read more:  https://qz.com/54512/amazon-should-just-buy-radioshack/

 

“Hi Neighbour: Target Readies for its Canadian Invasion” by Dale Buss at brandchannel.  “”If we came to Canada and didn’t offer ketchup-flavored potato chips, then we would have looked like we didn’t know what we are doing,” Target Canada President Tony Fisher told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “We have to understand local preferences of local markets and adapt to local merchandising strategies.”  For instance, Target has hooked up with iconic Canadian apparel brand Roots (a Canadiana chic brand founded by two Americans) for a limited-edition collection specific to the new Target stores…Among competitors, Canada-based chains Loblaw and Canadian Tire will face heavy overlap with Target in certain areas of merchandise, and in turn have been cutting costs and otherwise hunkering down for the battle that will commence soon with Target.”  Read more:  https://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2013/02/19/Target-Canada-021913.aspx

 

“The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies 2013” in Fast Company.  “Our annual guide to the state of innovation in our economy, featuring the businesses whose innovations are having the greatest impacts across their industries and our culture as well.  (Amazon #2, Target #10).  Read more and see full list:  https://www.fastcompany.com/section/most-innovative-companies-2013?utm_source=twitter

 

“Wal-Mart’s Slow U.S. Growth Needs International Muscle To Drive Earnings” at Trefis.  “With less than 30% of overall revenues, Wal-Mart’s international segment accounts for about 40% of its stock value according to our estimates. Emerging markets provide significant scope for expansion for the retailer along with a huge pool of value conscious customers and its proven business model. As Wal-Mart’s U.S. faces an increasingly saturated domestic market, we believe the majority of its growth will come from international markets.  The retailer had planned to open 20-25 smaller format Wal-Mart Express stores in the U.S. in Q4 fiscal 2013. [6] Since these stores are Wal-Mart’s pilot program and have performed well, it will be interesting to see how the retailer goes ahead with its expansion.  Last year Wal-Mart decided to slow down its expansion in Brazil and Mexico to build a strong foundation for comparable store sales growth.”  Read more:  https://www.trefis.com/stock/wmt/articles/169235/wal-marts-international-growth-is-a-key-driver-to-earnings/2013-02-19

 

“Tesco voted UK’s least popular supermarket” at My Retail Media.  “Tesco has been voted the UK’s least popular supermarket in a survey conducted by Which?  Conversely, Waitrose received a satisfaction rating of 82 per cent.  Tesco scored only 45 per cent, placing it firmly at the bottom of the poll which recorded the opinions of 11,492 consumers.  Aldi and Lidl came second and third place respectively with scores of 74 per cent and 69 per cent.”  Read more:  https://www.myretailmedia.com/blog/8345/tesco_voted_uk_039_s_least_popular_supermarket.php

 

“Costco Teamsters Ratify Three-year Contract.”  “The annual pay increases over the three years of the contract will bring the hourly wage rate for clerks to$22.87…With this new agreement, Costco workers’ average pay is more than 42 percent higher than its rival, Sam’s Club, which is owned by Walmart.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6335034&access=EH

 

“Amazon opens celebrity memorabilia store” by Donna Tam at CNET.  “Here’s one way to get into Milla Jovovich’s shorts. Amazon launched its Entertainment Collectibles store today, selling celebrity memorabilia just in time to capitalize on the frenzy created by the Grammys and the Oscars.  One item for sale is the stained pair of shorts worn by Jovovich in “Resident Evil: Extinction.” They can be yours for the low, low price of $2,999.99.  They’re just one of more than 350,000 collectibles featured at the new store.”  Read more:  https://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57570123-93/amazon-opens-celebrity-memorabilia-store/

 

“The Home Depot To Present At Raymond James 34th Annual Institutional Investors Conference (3/4/13)”.  “The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today announced that Kevin Hofmann, president, Online will present at the Raymond James 34th Annual Institutional Investors Conference in Orlando, Florida. The presentation will begin at 8:05 a.m. ET on March 4, 2013.  The presentation will be webcast live over the internet at https://ir.homedepot.com”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6328854&access=EH

 

“Sears shifts gears and sets sight on busy urbanites” by Corilyn Shropshire at Chicago Tribune.  “With the new program, Mygofer Express, Sears is expanding its sights beyond its prized, typically suburban “chief household officer” customer to busy, urban professionals who want to avoid the hassle of shopping and grab a bag of pre-ordered items — everything from groceries and kitchen appliances to over-the-counter drugs — on their way to the train or to their downtown lofts.    “If I’m at work and I need to pick up a few things, I may not have the opportunity to shop at a store, I just have enough time to stop at a store,” says Kevin Lyons, Sears Holdings divisional vice president of integrated retail experience. “I might want to pick up some cupcakes … a blender from Sears and a case of popcorn from Kmart. I can get those all in one place at the express location.”  Read more:  https://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-14/business/ct-biz-0214-sears-20130214_1_sears-holdings-sears-spokesman-chris-brathwaite

 

“Kroger Names Robert Clark as Group Vice President of Non-Perishables”  “Mr. Clark began his career with Kroger in 1985 as a courtesy clerk at Fry’s Food Stores in Arizona. Since then, he has held various leadership positions, including store and district management, as well as in grocery merchandising. In 2002, Mr. Clark was promoted to vice president of merchandising at Fry’s. In 2010, he was named vice president of operations for the Columbus Division before moving into his current position in October 2011.  Kroger, one of the world’s largest retailers, employs more than 339,000 associates who serve customers in 2,422 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6328675&access=EH


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Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet 2/19/13: Google retail stores; Walmart’s healthy checkout aisles

 

“Google Works on Launching Retail Stores” at Fox Business.  “Google Inc. has been developing plans to launch retail stores in the U.S., said people familiar with the matter, in another sign the company is studying Apple Inc.’s playbook for building a consumer-electronics brand…Such a move may represent a change of heart in the two years since Google co-founder Larry Page became the company’s chief executive. Following Google’s short-lived attempt in 2010 to bypass brick-and-mortar stores to sell the Nexus One smartphone via its website, Mr. Page didn’t express much interest in opening retail stores whenever the possibility was discussed, said a person with knowledge of the matter.”  Read more: https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/2013/02/18/google-works-on-launching-retail-stores/#ixzz2LLVe0mZe

 

“The Future of The Retail Store” by Doug Stephens at The Retail Prophet.  “Retail is dead!  At least, that’s how Marc Andreessen sees it. The entrepreneur and tech investor was recently quoted saying that all physical retail stores will die, succumbing eventually to the vast sea of online competition…On the other hand I have been a vocal proponent of a somewhat different future; one that includes both virtual and physical stores..while shopping is a means of acquiring the things we want and need, it’s also a meaningful social activity that appeals to our deepest, human tendency to gather in tribes.”  Read more:  https://www.retailprophet.com/blog/the-future-of-retail/

 

“Am I Dreaming? Walmart Considering Healthy Checkout Aisles?” at Weighty Matters (Video & Text).  “While I might quibble some with what’s defined as “healthy”, a Walmart in West Virginia is setting an example for the nation – instead of candy and glossy magazines they’ve put together checkout aisles with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with sporting goods.  And guess what? According to the store manager customers love it and sales are up!”  Read and see more:  https://www.weightymatters.ca/2013/02/am-i-dreaming-walmart-considering.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

 

“Whole Foods CEO:  ‘Business Has Been Hated By The Intellectuals and Elites for All Time'” by Joel Griffith at Breitbart.  “Whole Foods CEO John Mackey delivered the opening keynote address for the International Students for Liberty Conference this weekend…According to Mackey, “capitalism has a serious branding problem…the recent recession was…blamed on greedy financial corporations, deregulation, and capitalism—market failures—rather than on bad government regulations and monetary policies—government failures.” And, Mackey doesn’t believe we can count on the media and educators to address this misperception. As he states, “Business has been hated by the intellectuals and elites for all time.” Mackey’s PowerPoint presentation provided a compelling reason for this hatred: “Intellectuals resent having less money than ‘less intelligent’ businesspeople, and their status is much lower in a capitalistic society.”  Read more:  https://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/02/17/Whole-Foods-CEO-Business-has-been-hated-by-the-intellectuals-and-elites-for-all-time

 

“Costco CEO: We Shouldn’t Have Used Tiffany to Describe Rings” by Shirley Brady at brandchannel.  “Tiffany is more than irked at Costco for selling diamond engagement rings as “Tiffany” rings. The luxury jeweler last week formally filed suit against the wholesale retail giant.  Costco CEO Craig Jelinek commented in an internal email communication that was sent to all employees this evening [Feb. 18, 8:27 pm EST], “We are disappointed that our efforts to resolve the issue with them did not result in an amicable solution as we had hoped.”  Read Jelinek’s email:  https://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2013/02/18/Costco-CEO-Tiffany-Suit-Email-021813.aspx

 

“OfficeMax, Office Depot in merger talks: WSJ” via Reuters. “Office supply companies OfficeMax and Office Depot are in advanced talks to merge, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The deal is expected to be a stock-for-stock transaction, the Wall Street Journal said on Monday, adding that the precise terms could not be learned. The deal is not yet done, and talks could still fall apart, the Journal reported. An announcement could come as early as this week, the Journal added, citing the sources.” Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/18/us-officedepot-officemax-idUSBRE91H0MZ20130218?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=56943

 

“Stater Bros. Promotes Meyer to EVP, Retail Ops” at Progressive Grocer.  ” Regional independent Stater Bros. Markets has promoted Dan Meyer to the position of EVP, retail operations, with responsibility for operations of all 167 stores as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company’s Corporate Training Center.  In his new position, Meyer will report to Jim Lee, president and COO.”  Read more:  https://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-stories/headlines/industry-intelligence/id37384/stater-bros-promotes-meyer-to-evp-retail-ops/

 

“Don Marsh Ordered to Pay Damages (to Marsh Supermarkets)” at Progressive Grocer.  “A federal jury has ordered Don Marsh to pay $2.2 million after finding in favor of Marsh Supermarkets’ lawsuit charging its former CEO used the company as his “personal checkbook.  The Indianapolis-based grocery chain sued Marsh, 75, accusing him of defrauding the company of millions of dollars to finance lavish vacations and buy expensive gifts for friends and family, according to published reports.”  Read more:  https://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-stories/headlines/industry-intelligence/id37382/don-marsh-ordered-to-pay-damages/

 

“Meet the Company Trying to Be Facebook for Your Neighborhood” by Justin Menza and Amy Pack at CNBC.  “Americans have lost touch with their neighbors, but one company is looking to restore the country’s sense of community through social media.  “Nextdoor is a very unique social media site,” CEO Nirav Tolia told CNBC on Thursday. “It’s not about connecting to your friends, it’s about connecting to your neighbors.  He cited a statistic that almost a third of Americans don’t know a single neighbor by name. “There’s so many ways our neighbors can help us,” he added, “and technology can play a role in bringing back the sense of community to the neighborhood.”  Read more:  https://www.cnbc.com/id/100461249

 

“Trader Joe’s Tulsa pop-up shop called a success, nearly $7,000 in products sold” in Tulsa World.  “Two hundred Trader Joe’s orders were picked up at Tulsa’s Young Professionals’ pop-up shop Saturday in the Brady District.  The pop-up shop was part of the inaugural “Bring It To Tulsa” campaign that focused on efforts to attract a full-service grocery store to downtown.  “The community has responded unimaginably,” said Hillary Parkhurst, 2013 TYPros chair Saturday, “We have a line into the street of people picking up their orders. Hopefully our efforts highlight the lack of grocery options in the downtown area.”  Read more:  https://www.tulsaworld.com/blogs/post.aspx?Trader_Joes_Tulsa_popup_shop_called_a_success_nearly_$7000_in_products_sold/22-19108

 

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