“Will grocery stores be forced to install $30,000 talking carts that help shoppers make better food choices?” at Daily Mail.”The USDA first recommends that SNAP shoppers be rewarded for their healthy food choices with movie tickets or discounts. SNAP shoppers will be helped meeting their healthy food quote with high-tech shopping carts. These so-called ‘MyCarts’ Will be color-coded and physically divided by differently healthy food groups and notify when the shopper has enough to qualify for a reward. ‘You achieved a MyCart healthy shopping basket!’ it will say.” Read more

“Harris Poll Names Top Regional Grocers” at Digital Journal.  “Hy-Vee, Publix, Wegmans and Costco receive highest brand equity scores” Read the release

NY Times:  “YouTube Stars Sell Target to College Set” by Stuart Elliot.  “Ann Le, Tiffany Garcia and Michael Balalis, a.k.a. Mikey Bolts, are unlikely to be household names in households of consumers in their 30s, 40s or 50s. But Target is hoping those monikers mean money as it seeks to reach members of the millennial generation who are shopping for apparel, electronics and home furnishings as they head to college.” Read more

Washington Post:  “Home Depot, Lowe’s bring the Internet of Things to DIYers” by Mohana Ravindranath. ” Before he started using Iris, Queens resident Hsi-Pei Liao said he rarely shopped at Home Depot or Lowe’s. But after his home was robbed in April 2013… Liao began installing motion sensors and cameras throughout his three-bedroom house….Lowe’s has a partnership with State Farm, giving its customers an insurance discount if they agree to share their Iris usage data.” Read more

“Best Buy CEO Joly is resolute on the issue of online sales taxes” by Kavita Kumar at Star-Tribune.  “While we match Internet prices, I cannot match the sales tax,” Joly said, noting that Best Buy’s operating margins are around 3 to 4 percent. “I cannot fight with an 8 percent price disadvantage.” Target executives have also met repeatedly with members of Congress to advocate for the bill and will continue to do so, said company spokeswoman Dustee Jenkins.” Read more

“Arkansas Business’ Executive Compensation List” by Gwen Moritz. “(Doug) McMillon…total compensation in fiscal 2013 of $25.6 million. The bulk of that — $23 million — came in the form of stock awards…The four highest-paid executives of Arkansas public companies work for Wal-Mart.” Read more

****A message from Simple Golf Products.  Give your customers affordable and easy-to-use golf products that don’t require a manual to operate.  Simple and straightforward beats complicated and overpriced everyday…and the PGA & USGA aim to return golf to “simpler, less fancified times”.  Check out the innovative Target Discs™ and Bunker Buddy™ training aids today and start selling more golf products tomorrow. 100% Made in USA.  Contact info@shiftmarketinggroup.net for more information.

“Tesco Replaces CEO as Trading Weakens” by Peter Evans at WSJ.  “Tesco said Chief Executive Philip Clarke would leave the company in October to be replaced by Unilever executive Dave Lewis…Tesco said on Monday that…profit in the first half of its financial year would be below expectations…Mr. Lewis, a 27-year Unilever veteran, will join Tesco on October 1. Mr. Clarke will then step down as chief executive, but remain with Tesco until January 2015, the company said.” Read more

“Millionaires prefer Facebook over Twitter” by Robert Frank at CNBC.  “The wealth research firm said 57 percent of the 1,300 millionaires in the poll responded that they use Facebook, while 41 percent use LinkedIn and 10 percent use Twitter.” Read more

Boston Globe: “At least 8 Market Basket employees fired, protesters say”  “At least eight Market Basket employees were fired Sunday, including organizers of a protest that has targeted the grocery chain in recent days by workers pressing for the return of ousted president Arthur T. Demoulas. Seven of those fired received a letter that arrived by courier, according to the employees or their colleagues. In some cases, a delivery person waited curbside for workers to return home from weekend activities to deliver packages with termination letters inside.” Read more

“Visa, MasterCard lose ruling versus retailers over credit card fees” by Andrew Longstreth at  Reuters via Chicago Tribune. “A federal judge declined on Friday to dismiss antitrust lawsuits filed against Visa Inc and MasterCard Inc by retailers who opted out of an estimated $5.7 billion class action settlement in 2012 over transaction fees.” Read more

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About Eye-on-Retail

Eye-on-Retail is a daily tipsheet that is must-read material for thousands of Retail Merchants/Executives every weekday morning. Eye-on-Retail is unique because it’s timely, smart and fun. It’s created bright and early every morning and delivered around 7 am CST. We love data, earnings reports, executive presentations and stories off the beaten path that get at what’s really happening in the world of retail. Enjoy!

Send story tips, news releases, comments & questions to: info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

Credit Suisse:  Target should cut its losses and exit Canada — soon by Jonathan Ratner at National Post.  “We think it may be more prudent for Target to cut its losses and devote 100% of its resources on the U.S. — which comprises over 97% of the company’s current sales…Mr. Exstein estimates the liquidation value of the 189 Zeller’s locations Target acquired will be significantly lower than the US$1.86-billion it paid in 2011.” Read more

NRF:  Back to school spending expected to be up 3% by Krystina Gustafson at CNBC.  “According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, total spending on back-to-school items is expected to reach $74.9 billion—up about 3 percent from $72.5 billion in 2013.” Read more

“Supervalu CEO: ‘I have no desire to be a big retailer. None.’ “ by Jim Hammerand & Mark Reilly at Minn./St.Paul Bus. Journal. “Supervalu Inc. CEO Sam Duncan told investors Wednesday that the company’s involvement in a deal for 18 Twin Cities Rainbow Foods stores was “strictly as a wholesale play” — a sign that Supervalu doesn’t plan on building itself into a major retailing force again.” Read more

Carl Icahn on Family Dollar CEO Levine: “The CEO shouldn’t be the CEO.” by Ely Portillo at Charlotte Observer.  “Sometimes these things take a long time,” said Icahn, speaking during an interview on CNBC. “I do believe there’s great synergy between Dollar General and Family Dollar. Family Dollar’s management is lacking.” Read more

“At Whole Foods, a ‘Survivor’-like ritual” by Abha Bhattarai at Washington Post.  “If there’s someone who’s not working hard, who’s not putting in everything they can, the team can say, ‘You know what? We don’t want you to drag us down,’ ” said Libba Letton, who handles corporate communications for the chain of specialty grocery stores. New hires are voted in — or out — by their teams after their first 90 days at the company. A two-thirds majority is required to keep an employee on board.” Read more

Target’s Jeff Jones Tweets Pic of Himself Sitting in Front Row at MLB All-Star Game  See the Tweet/Pic

***A message from Lock-it Block-it – Keep the Bad Guys Out and the Good Guys In. Adjustable window security bar blocks criminals from entering a home through open windows & helps prevent children from falling out. Windows can be open AND homes remain secured. Easy installation!  Watch the video. www.lockitblockit.com Contact info@shiftmarketinggroup.net  for more information.

“Nordstrom lauded for catalog showing models with disabilities” by Ben Miller at Puget Sound Bus. Journal.  “A Nordstrom spokesperson told the AP that “we serve diverse customers and it’s an opportunity for them to see themselves when they’re looking through the book or online. … We don’t promote it or go out and talk about it. We just think they look great.” Read more

Canada: “Loblaw shuffles management; Shoppers president to exit” by Marina Strauss at Globe & Mail.  “Domenic Pilla, president of Shoppers whose acquisition closed in late March, is leaving the retailer at the end of the year. He would “like to continue his career by pursuing opportunities to lead a widely-held public company,” the company said. He will be replaced by Mike Motz, currently executive vice-president and chief merchandising officer.” Read more

San Francisco: Another day, another innovation center (Visa) by Andrew Ross at SF Gate.  “The credit card company also used the occasion to herald its entry into the mobile payments world with Visa Checkout…Neiman Marcus, United Airlines, Pizza Hut, Staplesand TicketMaster. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, Citi and U.S. Bank are among the 180 credit card issuers and financial institutions that have signed up.” Read more

“New P&G at-home device takes on dry cleaner” by Alexander Coolidge at Cincinnati.com.  “The machine is on pre-order exclusively at Bloomingdale’s for a suggested retail price of $499. Swash machines also will be available at select Delta Sky Club lounges and will appear in retail stores like Best Buy and Bed Bath & Beyond in September. ” Read more

“Google opens D.C. lobbying office (with meatballs!) on Congress’s doorstep” by Stephanie Green at Mercury News.  “The office’s 54,000 square feet, for 110 employees, is a mere satellite compared with the company’s headquarters in Mountain View. Still, it’s home to several dining areas, a video-game room, a treadmill with a computer (the “walking desk”) and space-age capsules for afternoon naps. People are encouraged to bring their dogs to work. Cats can stay at home.” Read more

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About Eye-on-Retail

Eye-on-Retail is a daily tipsheet that is must-read material for thousands of Retail Merchants/Executives every weekday morning. Eye-on-Retail is unique because it’s timely, smart and fun. It’s created bright and early every morning and delivered around 7 am CST. We love data, earnings reports, executive presentations and stories off the beaten path that get at what’s really happening in the world of retail. Enjoy!

Send story tips, news releases, comments & questions to: info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

“Family Dollar, Best Buy and Rite Aid Among America’s Least Respected Brands” by Phil Wahba at Fortune.  “There were plenty consumer-facing brands at the bottom of the list, including Denny’s, Best Buy, J.C. Penney  and Family Dollar Stores. For example, Penney, still trying to repair the damage from a failed experiment to go upscale two years ago, has a near perfect familiarity rating, but only 60% favorability.”  See the Top 10 Most Respected & Least Respected Brands

Washington Post Hits Target:  “5 unanswered questions about Target’s alleged firing of an employee for reporting a suspected shoplifter” by Tom Jackman.  “The claims by Dallas Northington that he was fired by Target for reporting a shoplifter, after working in security for the company for eight years, has attracted significant outrage…Some believe his firing may have been related to the suspected shoplifter, who Northington said was a Fairfax County Sheriff’s deputy.” Read more

“Amazon delivers nearly a third of orders for marketplace sellers” by Abby Callard at Internet Retailer.  “For June 2014, 31.8% of Amazon gross merchandise volume was shipped through the Fulfillment by Amazon program, up from 28.7% in June 2013. “ Read more

“J.C. Penney Fails to Tap HSN’s Grossman as CEO  (Holding out for Target?)” at The Street via Dallas News.  “Unfortunately for J.C. Penney, there are a number of high-profile retail CEO positions that are or could become available. One is Target , which counter to J.C. Penney, has opportunities to open new stores in the U.S. and Canada, and opportunities in the fashion apparel, accessories, and home goods components that fit with Grossman’s resume.” Read more

***A message from Dig It® Handwear.  Revolutionary garden glove protection for manicured female hands!  Patented line of high-quality gardening gloves provides unique “pillow-top” protection for female gardeners.  Nationally distributed in Canada…Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary is an investor…now being offered to US Retailers for the first time.  View the line at www.digithandwear.com.  Peggable gloves merchandise easily see the off-shelf display. Contact info@shiftmarketinggroup.net  for more information.

“Amazon Employees Are 14.2% More Attractive Than You” by Adam Auriemma at WSJ.  “Amazon may lag Google Inc. in the smartphone market, but it is winning in at least one other category: employee attractiveness. The number crunchers at Hinge, a social-networking app that matches young professionals, have found that workers at the online retailer are more sought-after than their peers at Google.” Read more

“Lowe’s Employees Fix Vets Wheelchair, Because VA Wouldn’t” at Staten Island Advance.  “In 1971, I stepped on a land mine in Vietnam and lost both legs above the knee. For the past two years, I have been waiting to receive a new wheelchair from the Veterans Administration. In addition, I have been told that I am not entitled to a spare wheelchair…Three employees, David, Marcus and Souleyman jumped to my assistance immediately. They placed me in another chair while they went to work…” Read more

“J. Crew blasted for introducing size 000” by Adriana Barton at Globe & Mail.  “For days, retail giant J. Crew has been blasted for introducing clothing designed to fit the Incredible Shrinking Woman. Lynn Grefe, president of the U.S. National Eating Disorders Association, warned that the company’s new triple-zero sizing “will only triple the practice of unhealthy dieting in a society obsessed with skinny.” Read more

” ‘Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families’ Organization Hits Walgreens” “Several major national retailers including Walmart, Target, and Bed, Bath and Beyond have announced significant new initiatives to limit the use of toxic chemicals…Walgreens is considered a laggard.” Read the release

“CVS Caremark takes aim at Hispanic, specialty pharmacy market with Navarro deal” by Phil Wahba at Fortune.  “In its largest U.S. retail deal since 2008, when it bought 541 stores from Longs Drug to build up its Northern California footprint, CVS will buy Navarro Discount Pharmacy, the largest Hispanic-owned drugstore chain in the U.S. with 33 retail drugstores, as well as Navarro Health Services, a specialty pharmacy serving patients with complex or chronic diseases.” Read more

“Facebook partners with Nielsen to track users’ TV habits” by Robert Faturechi & Meg James at LA Times.  “Beginning this fall, when Facebook users watch a TV show on a cellphone or tablet, Facebook will probably know about it. The social network will scan its databases and send the age and gender of the viewer to Nielsen, the TV ratings measurement company, to help advertisers learn more about the audience watching shows online.” Read more

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About Eye-on-Retail

Eye-on-Retail is a daily tipsheet that is must-read material for thousands of Retail Merchants/Executives every weekday morning. Eye-on-Retail is unique because it’s timely, smart and fun. It’s created bright and early every morning and delivered around 7 am CST. We love data, earnings reports, executive presentations and stories off the beaten path that get at what’s really happening in the world of retail. Enjoy!

Send story tips, news releases, comments & questions to: info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

“Walmart Will Buy Media for Suppliers” by Jack Neff at Ad Age.  “We’re going to bring a lot more tools that our vendors can use with Walmart that will make their digital marketing a lot more effective,” Mr. Quinn said in an interview. “If you think of a P&G and Samsung, it lets them see that their marketing is actually having an impact at Walmart, and we’re able to speed up reporting in real time. It’s pretty much a holy grail for us as marketers.” Read more

“Amazon Tosses Jumble Of Household Staples In Massive Box, Hopes For The Best” by Laura Northrup at The Consumerist.  “We get that Amazon has a lot of boxes to ship on a daily basis, but she did sort of expect her giant order of household staples like kibble and granola bars to arrive not arrive loose in a large box, crushing some items. If Amazon wants us to go along with this whole Prime Pantry thing, they need to sent out fewer boxes like these.” See the pic / Read more

“Walmart Uses Smart Coding to Make its Mobile Web Site Load Faster” by Abby Callard at Internet Retailer.  “Wal-Mart’s mobile home page loads in 10.03 seconds, down from 10.57 seconds the previous week. Sears, which has held the No. 1 spot for several weeks, only uses six page elements on its mobile home page, which loads in just 2.24 seconds. The average load time for the 30 retailers on the index is 11.74 seconds.” Read more

“Obama: Pay Suppliers Faster (Walgreens is 1 of 26 companies on board)” at Star-Tribune.  “Under the program, 26 companies have committed to pay small businesses they contract with for parts and services faster, or to help them access capital at lower costs, the White House said.” Read more

“J.D. Power Ranks Appliance Retailer Customer Satisfaction (Lowe’s bests Home Depot)” “On average, customers make two to three visits to the same retailer before purchasing an appliance, and 38 percent indicate they only shop one retailer and don’t consider others.” Read the release

***A message from Orchard Road Canning Co. – Energize Home Canning Sales with Millennials and Young Canners.  Where’s the next growth spurt in the home canning category?  Young female canners are the future of the category and there is untapped potential within this segment.  Orchard Road targets young females with a simple and elegant glass jar design and unique package graphics that feature authentic food-filled jars.  See the package design. See the sell sheet  Contact info@shiftmarketinggroup.net for more information.  

“Amazon Drones Could Become a Reality Around Seattle” at CNBC.  “Amazon is seeking permission to test drones in outdoor areas near Seattle, where one of its research and development labs is working on the technology, according to a letter posted on the Federal Aviation Administration’s website on Thursday.” Read more

“Family Dollar Execs Avoid Talking About Icahn on Earnings Call” by Jennifer Thomas at Charlotte Bus. Journal.  ““We will not comment on ongoing rumors or speculation that may exist in the marketplace,” said Kiley Rawlins, vice president for investor relations and communications, when she opened the conference call.” Read more

“Family Dollar’s new tactic for fighting off Icahn: Booze” by Phil Wahba at Fortune.  “Family Dollar has been testing the sale of beer and wine at 200 of its 8,100 stores for the last two years…Levine said that beer sales over July 4th weekend were the biggest yet since the test began…On average, a beer and wine purchase by a Family Dollar customers yields 2.3 times more in sales than the average checkout.” Read more

“How (Not) to Copy Apple’s Iconic Store Design” by Venessa Wong at Businessweek.  “Apple can now apply to trademark its retail store design in Germany. The European Union’s top court said on Thursday that the iPhone maker can register an image of its store layout as a trademark with the German Patent and Trademark Office.” Read more

“Ron Johnson: I resigned three times” at CNBC.  See the video

“Massachusetts:  Market Basket Store Openings Delayed by Feuding Family Members” by Erin Ailworth at Boston Globe.  “Two sides of the Demoulas family have fought for control of Market Basket’s parent company, Demoulas Super Markets Inc., for more than 20 years. The imbroglio led to the ouster last month of Market Basket head Arthur T. Demoulas and other top executives by Demoulas’s rival and cousin, Arthur S. Demoulas.” Read more

“Fred’s:  June Comp Sales Decreased .6%” Read the release

“Generations line up outside Nordstrom for anniversary sale” by Patti Payne at Puget Sound Bus. Journal.  “You’d think this was a line for marijuana sales,” joked one patron who did not want to be identified. “Our drug of choice is this sale.” Read more

“Cabela’s: Opened First Ontario Store (Yesterday)” at Outdoor Canada. “We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the opening of Cabela’s first Ontario location,” says Rick Hunter, the store’s general manager.” Read more

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About Eye-on-Retail

Eye-on-Retail is a daily tipsheet that is must-read material for thousands of Retail Merchants/Executives every weekday morning. Eye-on-Retail is unique because it’s timely, smart and fun. It’s created bright and early every morning and delivered around 7 am CST. We love data, earnings reports, executive presentations and stories off the beaten path that get at what’s really happening in the world of retail. Enjoy!

Send story tips, news releases, comments & questions to: info@shiftmarketinggroup.net