Archive for month: June, 2013

 

“Rona closing 11 stores in Canada,  50 more on ‘watch list’ ” by Paul Delean at Montreal Gazette.  “The Canadian hardware and home-improvement chain announced the closing of another 11 money-losing stores in Ontario and British Columbia by the end of this year. The stores — seven of them big-box — represented about $130 million in annual sales.  Fifty other stores among the 800 in the Rona network are on a watch list, as they “need some work” to generate “adequate returns,” chief financial officer Dominique Boies said.  Read more: https://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Rona+closing+stores+Ontario/8586338/story.html#ixzz2XVbqeTXl

 

“Kroger closes in on $100B sales” by Alexander Coolidge at Cincinnati.com.  “In an overview of Kroger’s fiscal year that ended Feb. 2, Dillon noted total sales grew 7.1 percent to $96.8 billion. The company generated a $1.5 billion profit. Sales at stores open at least 15 months grew 3.5 percent for the year, excluding fuel.”  Read more:  https://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130627/BIZ/306270084/Kroger-closes-100B-sales

 

“Kroger Annual Shareholder Meeting Webcast from 6/27/13 (registration required).”  Listen at:  https://ir.kroger.com/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=106409&eventID=4964165

 

“List of rich facts buried inside luxury retailer Neiman Marcus’ IPO filing” by Maria Halkias at Dallas News.  “Here are some choice nuggets:

– Unredeemed gift cards totaled $41.8 million last year.

– More than 70 percent of its customers research online before shopping in its stores. Customers that shop with them online and in stores spend 3.5 times as much as its single-channel customers.

– 21.9 percent of total sales came from online shoppers last year. Just three years ago that was 18.5 percent. (Luxury shoppers know their brands and are confident not touching and trying on.)

Read more:  https://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2013/06/list-of-rich-facts-buried-inside-luxury-retailer-neiman-marcus-ipo-filing.html/

 

“RetailNext Releases 2013 Spring Holiday Shopping Data and Insights For Brick-and-Mortar Retail”  ” “The two drivers for changing shopping patterns around holidays this spring were gift giving and special events that changed when consumers hit the stores. The increased activity leading up to both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day represents a genuine boost to retailers, although as with previous studies, we’ve seen those seeking gifts for women tend to shop later than those seeking gifts for men,” said Chitra Balasubramanian.  Read more:  https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/retailnext-releases-2013-spring-holiday-shopping-data-and-insights-for-brick-and-mortar-retail-213301511.html

 

“Looking At The Intersection of Amazon.com And Whole Foods Market” by Christopher Versace at Forbes.  “There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of Abe’s Market. I could be wrong, but if your not a person that is looking for organic food and natural products, gluten-free solutions or some other healthy alternatives you may not have heard of Abesmarket.com.  I recently spoke with Richard Demb, the co-founder and CEO of Abe’s Market – a company that is exploding given the explosive demand for natural foods and products as well as the surge in demand for gluten-free products.”  Read the interview: https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisversace/2013/06/26/looking-at-the-intersection-of-amazon-com-and-whole-foods-market/

 

“Hobby Lobby Just Scored a Major Victory Against Obamacare” by Becket Adams at The Blaze.  “In a health care decision giving hope to opponents of the federal birth-control coverage mandate, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Hobby Lobby stores won’t have to start paying millions of dollars in fines next week for not complying with the requirement.”  Read more:  https://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/06/27/hobby-lobby-just-scored-a-major-victory-against-obamacare/

 

“Generation Y is learning to dig gardening” by Karel Holloway at Dallas  News.  “Generation Y shoppers look for herbs and vegetables. “They are growing them in apartments and even in dorm rooms,” he says.  Most are interested in organic gardening and avoiding pesticides. Consequently, the store (Home Depot) has doubled the number of organic soils it carries and has added other organic products, Pappas says.  Read more:  https://www.dallasnews.com/lifestyles/home-and-gardening/headlines/20130626-generation-y-is-learning-to-dig-gardening.ece

 

“Microsoft’s big 3D printing push: From retail to Windows 8.1” by Ricardo Binton at Venture Beat.  “Microsoft may not make its own 3D printers, but it sure is throwing its weight behind the technology.  At the company’s Build conference today in San Francisco, Microsoft announced its plans to sell devices like the MakerBot Replicator and 3D Systems Cube in its retail stores and online.”  Read more: https://venturebeat.com/2013/06/26/microsofts-big-3d-printing-push-from-retail-to-windows-8-1/#vuvMboTOcOa9qmeG.99

 

“Marissa Mayer Bets on Brit + Co. — And the Future of Retail” by Ryan Tate at Wired.  “There was a lot of head scratching in Silicon Valley Wednesday over a $6.3 million investment in Brit + Co., a shopping and crafts site whose traffic has been estimated at around 50,000 unique visitors a month, with the company saying it does somewhere north of 500,000 monthly uniques — both very modest numbers.”  Read more:  https://www.wired.com/business/2013/06/behind-brit-morins-big-investment/

 

Thanks for reading…have a great weekend!

 

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“Tesco could soon offer 3D printing so customers can print their own products” at Daily Mail.  “Paul Wilkinson, who is heading on a fact-finding mission to San Francisco with a team from Tesco, added in The Grocer magazine: ‘We already print photos and posters in many of our larger stores, so why not other gifts and personalised items?  ‘How about letting kids design their own toys and then actually being able to get them made? What if we had a digital catalogue of spare parts for items that you’d bought?”  Read more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2348278/Tesco-soon-offer-3D-printing-customers-print-toys-spare-parts-clothes.html#ixzz2XHqR2OEu

 

“Home Depot to Sell ‘Magical’ Spray Paint that Repels Liquid” by Liz Klimas at The Blaze.  ““Any object coated with our NeverWet coating literally cannot be touched by liquid,” the Pennsylvania-based company stated. “Any liquid placed on this coating is repelled and simply rolls off without touching the underlying surface. Not only is this amazing to see, but it solves a myriad of problems.”  Must-see video:  https://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/06/25/magical-ultra-waterproofing-spray-now-coming-to-a-hardware-store-near-you/

 

“Walgreen misses third-quarter target on lower traffic, weak economy” at Reuters.  “Sales at stores open at least a year, or same-store sales, grew by 0.4 percent, while customer traffic in the stores decreased 3.9 percent. Total sales increased 1.4 percent.  Walgreen President and Chief Executive Greg Wasson said front-end sales were “still not up to expectations,” adding that the economy remained “challenging.”  Read more:  https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/25/us-walgreen-results-idUSBRE95O0L920130625

 

“Walgreen’s prospects bright despite disappointing quarter: analysts” by Brigid Sweeney at Crain’s Chicago Business.  “”The pharmacy seems like it’s doing pretty well, the Alliance Boots (relationship) seems like it’s performing pretty well,” said David Magee, an analyst with Suntrust Robinson Humphrey in Atlanta. “They’re just having a difficult time trying to maintain front-end momentum, and the weather hasn’t helped them. But I think they’ll figure it out.”  Read more: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130625/NEWS07/130629869/walgreens-prospects-bright-despite-disappointing-quarter-analysts#ixzz2XHrA50mh

 

“Bankrupt Orchard Supply asks judge for up to $3.1M in bonuses to keep execs at helm” by Nathan Donato-Weinstein at Silicon Valley Bus. Journal.  “Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corp., the bankrupt San Jose-based retailer, has asked a judge to approve up to $3.125 million in bonus payments to keep top executives in their jobs while the company is being sold off to the highest bidder.”  Read more:  https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2013/06/24/bankrupt-orchard-supply-asks-judge-for.html

 

“Walmart India Head Leaves Company” at Reuters. “Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Wednesday it named Ramnik Narsey as interim head of its India business, replacing Raj Jain, who it said has left the company.  Walmart did not provide a reason for Jain’s departure.”  Read more:  https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/26/walmart-india-idUSI8N0CV01T20130626

 

“Discount grocer Aldi USA poised for move into Inland Empire (So.Cal)” by Tiffany Hsu at LA Times.  “Discount supermarket chain Aldi USA is headed for Southern California, but unlike most of its competitors, it’s skipping Los Angeles and aiming for the Inland Empire.The company, which runs more than 1,200 stores in 32 states from the Midwest to the East Coast, is planning a $55-million Moreno Valley complex that will serve as its regional headquarters and distribution center.”  Read more: https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-aldi-grocer-expansion-20130625,0,4588736.story

 

“Walmart ‘Applauds’ Obama”  “We applaud the President and his administration for their commitment to renewable energy and conservation. Investing in renewable energy and energy conservation are good for business, good for communities and good for the environment.”  Read more:  https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/walmart-statement-by-president-and-ceo-mike-duke-regarding-president-obamas-renewable-energy-address-212986261.html

 

“Can RadioShack save itself with a DIY makeover?” by Laura Heller at Yahoo News.  “Already, RadioShack is reaping the rewards of these new hires. There’s a catchy new marketing program with Beats that actually evokes a younger more relevant RadioShack. Its architect, Warren, has already been named one to watch by Ad Age, andplans to open up RadioShack-branded departments within 4,000 college bookstores and renewed focus on its core DIY customer.”  Read more:  https://news.yahoo.com/radioshack-save-itself-diy-makeover-092500344.html

 

“33 things we love or hate about Costco” at Seattle PI.  “A recent survey of 7,600 people found Costco to be the most popular gas station in North America, according to customer research group Market Force. In light of that, here’s all the ways we love and hate about shopping at our favorite cavernous warehouse.”  Read more:  https://www.seattlepi.com/news/slideshow/33-things-we-love-or-hate-about-Costco-65247/photo-4836644.php

 

“Advertising Consumes 23% of Mobile Phone Battery Power”  “Advertising received on mobile phones causes an increase in the consumption of energy, with ads on average consuming 65% of an app’s communication energy and 23% of an app’s total energy demands, according an April, 2013 report.”  Read more:  https://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsLang=en&newsId=20130625006352&div=-1245645151

 

Thanks for reading…

 

Follow on Twitter @ retaileyeretail

 

 

 

“Role reversal: Online retailers seek physical stores” by Thomas Lee at Star-Tribune via Charlotte Observer.  ““I feel that everything we’ve done with this company was backward,” joked Simone Xavier, who launched Sigma with her husband, Rene Xavier Filho. “But we wanted to put a face on the brand, and we wanted people to touch and feel the product.”  Read more here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/06/22/4121627/role-reversal-online-retailers.html#storylink=cpy

 

“Microsoft Explored Plans to Build Amazon Rival” by Bensinger and Ovide at WSJ.  “The software giant held discussions with retailers and technology companies about a marketplace, proposing to equip it with an array of merchants, as well as a unified shopping cart and broad shipping options, according to these people. To lure shoppers, Microsoft was considering subsidizing the price of goods on its e-commerce service using a portion of advertising dollars merchants spend on Microsoft’s Bing Web-search engine or elsewhere, said the people.”  Read more:  https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323300004578555731878370640.html

 

“Home Depot apologizes for pricey water goof during Calgary flood” by Katie Schneider at Calgary Sun.  “Sparked by angry social media users accusing Home Depot of price gouging during Calgary’s flooding disaster, the hardware giant has apologized for what it called a mistake.  A photograph circulating on social media of a receipt from the 1818 16 Ave. N.W. Home Depot and dated June 21 shows the store charged $42 for 24 bottles of Dasani water.”  Read more:  https://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2013/06/22/20921221.html

 

“Coupons on Consumers’ Mobile Devices Increase Likelihood of In-Store Purchases”  “In the survey, conducted April 2013, nearly 8 in 10 consumers (78%) polled had used their mobile devices to do some sort of research online in the past month.  More than half (54%) of consumers polled bought something using their mobile device in the previous month.  More than half (51%) said they would be more likely to buy something in-store if they received a coupon on their mobile device for that store while nearby.”  Read more:  https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/retailmenot-shoppers-trend-report-coupons-on-consumers-mobile-devices-increase-likelihood-of-in-store-purchases-212458211.html

 

“Russia’s O’Key Would Be ‘Potentially Attractive’ to Wal-Mart: CEO” at Bloomberg.  “O’Key Group chief executive officer said the 85-store Russian hypermarket chain would make a good fit for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. should the world’s largest retailer revive its interest in the country. “We are a potentially attractive acquisition target for Wal-Mart,” CEO Patrick Longuet said in an interview in a Moscow hotel, while adding that O’Key’s controlling shareholders don’t plan to sell because the business has high growth potential.”  Read more:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-20/o-key-would-be-potentially-attractive-to-wal-mart-ceo-says.html

 

“Dear Amazon Associate: You’re Fired” by Mark Reilly at MN/St. Paul Bus. Journal.  “A new Minnesota law requiring online retail sites like Amazon.com to collect state sales taxes is having unintended casualties. Thousands of bloggers and affiliate sites who get money for delivering customers to the e-tailer are being fired as Amazon and others try to avoid the law.”  Read more:  https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/morning_roundup/2013/06/dear-amazon-associate-youre-fired.html

 

“India Invites Leading US Retailers (Home Depot, Walmart, Costco, Kroger’s, Walgreens) to Open House this Thursday” at Business Standard.  “For a meeting called by Sharma to clarify issues related to the multi-brand retail policy, announced in September 2012, heads of 11 foreign chains and 10 Indian companies have been sent the invites.”  Read more:  https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/sharma-to-meet-heads-of-global-retail-chains-113062400091_1.html

 

“Walmart Canada Summer Research:  46% Are Planning Home Improvement Projects”  “According to Walmart Canada’s research, over 80% of Canadians intend to go shopping for their summer needs. On average, Canadians say they intend to spend almost $1,500 on the things they need to enjoy the summer season.  Canadians are ready to be outside, with three-quarters saying they plan to buy skincare products (75%) to get ready for summer.”  Read more:  https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canadians-have-big-plans-for-summer-212453331.html

 

“Kroger says reduced wait times helped fuel earnings jump” at Louisville Morning Call.  “According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, customers now wait just 26 seconds to start in a checkout lane, down from four minutes a few years ago.”  Read more:  https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/blog/morning_call/2013/06/kroger-says-reduced-wait-times-helped.html

 

“After Safeway deal (in Canada), Sobeys’ results are in the spotlight” by Marina Strauss at The Globe & Mail.  “To make gains, Sobeys followed a similar path that leading U.S. grocer Kroger Co. took to battle the rise of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. as a food powerhouse, stealing sales from specialty players. In Canada, Sobeys also takes on Wal-Mart, the emerging Target Corp. and other forces in its move toward becoming “a leaner, meaner machine,” Mr. Caicco said.”  Read more:  https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/after-safeway-deal-sobeys-results-are-in-the-spotlight/article12765103/

 

Thanks for reading…

 

Follow on Twitter @retaileyeretail

 

“Home Depot’s Fetish For Amazon Is Coming At The Expense Of Shareholder Return” at Seeking Alpha.  “Home Depot’s management has begun to view the world as full of constraints, not opportunities, by spending too much time looking over its shoulder at Amazon.  Instead, and given Home Depot’s ability to execute, it should be aggressively opening new stores to the benefit of shareholders and customers alike. Put another way, management’s current focus on integrating online sales into the channel mix to fend off Amazon is not an excuse for neglecting the brick-and-mortar portfolio.”  Read more:  https://seekingalpha.com/article/1510442-home-depot-s-fetish-for-amazon-is-coming-at-the-expense-of-shareholder-return?source=google_news

 

“Kroger Releases Q1 2013 Earnings Today at 10am ET”.  Listen to webcast:  https://ir.kroger.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=106409&p=irol-news&nyo=0

 

“Growth for Walmart suppliers linked to e-commerce” by Kim Souza at The City Wire.  “Suppliers on the whole are not moving quickly enough to the e-commerce retail segment, which experts say represents the greatest potential for growth in this decade. Hertel said national brand manufacturers are finding themselves in competition with many of the retailers they supply in the era of more sophisticated private brand initiatives.”  Read more:  https://www.thecitywire.com/node/28302#.UcLkO_nVDpU

 

“Home Depot’s Aaron Flowe – President, Northern Division – Presents at Jefferies Global Conference.”  Hear the webcast & see the Powerpoint:  https://wsw.com/webcast/jeff76/hd/

 

“Target to Heavily Promote Cause Campaign” by Natalie Zmuda at AdAge.  “As part of its back-to-college campaign, Target has partnered with Feed Projects, a nonprofit founded by Lauren Bush Lauren, to create a limited-edition collection.  The collection marks the first time Target has treated a cause-related campaign like one of its designer collaborations, with TV and print ads, as well as a digital campaign and broad-based support in store.”  Read and see more:  https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/target-heavily-promote-campaign/242192/

 

“Sears Canada Trims Two-Dozen Jobs at HQ” by Wally Hucker at Marketnews.  “Normally, when a company has 1,800 people working at its headquarters, as does Sears Canada, a reduction of staff by less than 1.5%, although of great importance to those laid off, would not likely attract much media attention. However, Sears Canada, which posted a $31.2 million loss in its recent Q1, had rounds of laying off hundreds of people at a time in the past year, so any ripple is being watched in case it becomes a tidal wave.”  Read more:  https://www.marketnews.ca/content/index/page?pid=14066

 

“Rebound in UK retail sales signals solid second quarter” at Reuters.  “The Office for National Statistics said on Thursday sales volumes grew 2.1 percent on the month, after posting the sharpest fall in a year in April. May’s rise was the biggest since February. Compared with a year earlier, sales rose 1.9 percent, again the fastest increase since February.”  Read more:  https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/20/us-britain-retail-idUSBRE95J0E020130620

 

“This is what the world will look like in 2045” at CNN Money.  “”It’s not so hard to predict the future, but it’s sometimes hard to connect the dots.” In the opening of his lecture to the Global Futures 2045 Congress, famed geneticist Dr. George Church neatly summed up what being a futurist is all about, though he was reminding the audience rather than the other speakers assembled at Alice Tully Hall in New York City this past weekend.”  See the slide show:  https://money.cnn.com/gallery/technology/2013/06/20/world-in-2045.fortune/index.html

 

“Walgreens to Expand Solar Energy Installations to More Than 200 Stores”  “Walgreens will build more than 200 new solar installations at Walgreens drugstores throughout California, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. This latest expansion will bring the number of completed solar installations at Walgreens stores to more than 350, making the company the leading retailer in number of solar powered stores.”  Read more:  https://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsLang=en&newsId=20130619005964&div=-1245645151

 

Thanks for reading…

 

Follow on Twitter @ retaileyeretail