Tipsheet: JCP Adds Toys | Target Traffic Up | Ace Eyes T.Value |

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Target boosts second-quarter forecast, says same-store sales will be higher by Terri Cullen at CNBC. “The retailer said it expects to see a “modest increase” in comparable-store sales, having forecast negative results earlier in the year. “Following better-than-expected results in the first quarter, we’ve seen additional, broad-based improvement in traffic and category sales trends in the second quarter, despite continued challenges in the competitive environment,” Brian Cornell, chairman and CEO of Target, said in a statement.” Read more | Press release

 

J.C.Penney rolling out toy shops by Korri Kezar at Dallas Business News. “…introducing roughly 500-square-foot areas in all of its locations that will carry products like Barbie dolls, My Little Pony figurines, NERF blasters and Hotwheels race tracks. Featured brands will also include Hasbro, Mattel, Playmobil and Fisher Price.” Read more

 

Ace eyes True Value hardware buyout deal by Robert Reed at Chicago Tribune. “It is our understanding that True Value is evaluating or conducting a formal auction process for the sale of its business,” wrote John Venhuizen, Ace president and CEO, in an email the company sent to me. “At this point, we have received no contact to participate in that auction process. If contacted, we would have interest in exploring it.” Read more

 

Kroger Appoints Aldi Vet Liz Ferneding President of Ruler Press release

 

7X – Amazon’s 2017 Prime Day could mark an Echo and Alexa tipping point by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “(Amazon’s) family of gadgets was already forecast to control 70 percent of the voice-controlled-speaker market for the year….Amazon announcing on Wednesday that it sold 7x the number of Echos this Prime Day as last… Read more

 

…a reliable source told us yesterday that Echo devices were selling at a rate of “thousands per minute” by Ingrid Lunden at TechCrunch. Read more

 

Sears Canada eyes July 21st to begin liquidation sales by Francine Kopun at Toronto Star. Read more

 

Home Depot and Macy’s offer the easiest login, while Staples shines on security features by Stefany Zaroban at Internet Retailer. “A new benchmark study conducted by Forrester Researcch Inc. finds that many online retailers are better at giving consumers a convenient shopping experience than they are at providing strong security measures.” Read more

 

**A message from Hot Shot – There’s no place like home. And when you rule the roost, you do it all… keep the peace, dry the tears, mop up the messes – even squash the spiders. When bugs cross your threshold, count on Hot Shot® brand for practical, easy-to-use, effective home insect solutions that take care of the creepy-crawlies for you – without breaking the bank. Save the Day. Facebook page

 

Amazon may face mounting regulatory pressure and lawsuits over its pricing practices, according to former Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon at Fox Business. Video/Read more

 

Apple unveils smart home experiences in 46 of its retail stores worldwide by Megan Rose Dickey at TechCrunch. “Now, when you go into Apple’s new retail stores, you’ll be able to use the Home app from either an Apple Watch, iPhone or iPad to control devices like the Philips Hue light bulb, the Hunter ceiling fan and many others.” Read more

 

Gymboree Closing 350 Stores With Eye On Exiting Bankruptcy by Phil Wahba at Fortune. Read more

 

Amazon webpage hints at expansion into real estate referrals by Monica Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “The Hire a Realtor page is nestled under Amazon’s Home and Business Service marketplace, which connects customers with professionals for home improvement, electronics installation, and other services for a referral fee.” Read more

 

Tiffany & Co. Names Alessandro Bogliolo Chief Executive Officer “Mr. Bogliolo, 52, is a veteran luxury industry executive who previously served for 16 years at Bulgari SpA…Most recently, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of global apparel and accessories company Diesel SpA.” Press release

 

Alimentation Couche-Tard Q4 sales: Same‑store merchandise revenues increased by 1.6% in the U.S., by 2.7% in Europe and decreased by 0.9% in Canada. Press release

 

Bonfire of the Retail Stocks Brings Traders Running by Ben Eisen & Amrith Ramkumar at Wall Street Journal. “People day trade on volatility,” said Vlad Karpel, a day trader in Chicago who also runs Tradespoon, a firm that uses models to offer buy and sell signals on stocks. “Traditionally, it’s been biotech stocks, penny stocks or leveraged ETFs. Recently, it’s been retail stocks.” Read more (subs.)

 

Amazon sent nearly 700 million promotion emails on Prime Day – 256 million in India alone by Zak Stambor at Internet Retailer. “(Amazon) spent just $4,000 on Tuesday and $6,000 on Prime Day-specific keywords. And from July 6 to July 11, it spent roughly $18,000 on those keywords.” Read more

 

LEADERSHIP – How this woman compelled over 80 strangers to unite and save the lives of 10 people who were drowning in a riptide by Zameena Mejia at CNBC. “I think other people should be inspired to actually help more, come up with a solution and work with other people you might not know,” Simmons says.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

This under-the-radar e-commerce giant is the NBA’s new best friend

Amazon Appoints New Comedy, Drama Heads in Executive Shuffle

Woman takes motorized Walmart cart – won’t pull over for police

Jet blast kills tourist on beach known for its views of low-flying airliners on approach

Pepsi Says It’s Facing the Same Trends That Are Battering Retail

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

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Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 20,000+ retail execs every weekday morning. Tipsheet stories are carefully curated bright and early every morning to ensure fresh and unique content.

 

Subscribe to Eye on Retail Tipsheet here

 

Contact us: Send story tips, press releases and advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: www.eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Wmart to Punish Suppliers | Target Tries Curbside (Again) | Dick’s New CMO | Albertsons’ IPO Stalled

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Wal-Mart Will Punish Its Suppliers for Delivering Late — or Early by Matthew Boyle at Bloomberg. “Two days late? That’ll earn you a fine. One day early? That’s a fine, too. Right on-time but goods aren’t packed properly? You guessed it — fined. The program, labeled “On-Time, In-Full,’’ aims to add $1 billion to revenue by improving product availability at stores, according to slides from a presentation obtained by Bloomberg.” Read more

 

Target is testing new curbside pickup service in Twin Cities by Kavita Kumar at Star Tribune. “In 2014, it partnered with…Curbside…Target ended that program in 2016…”But we saw and believe there’s a good opportunity in building our own end-to-end experience that is wholly dedicated to Target” (Target spokesman) said.” Read more

 

Dick’s Sporting Goods hires Dunkin’ Brands Exec as its CMO by Paul J. Gough at Pittsburgh Business Times. “Dick’s Sporting Goods hired Dunkin’ Brands executive Scott Hudler as its chief marketing officer. Hudler worked for 11 years for Dunkin’ Brands and was senior vice president and chief digital officer.” Read more

 

Albertsons’ IPO plans reportedly stalled following Amazon-Whole Foods deal by Alex Barinka & Craig Giammona at Bloomberg. “Slipping financials as well as the poor stock performance of its closest peer, Kroger Co., has left stakeholders convinced that the company won’t get close to the valuation of as much as $12.4 billion that it targeted in 2015.” Read more

 

Cabela’s shareholders OK $5 billion Bass Pro deal by Steph Kukuljan at St.Louis Business Journal. Read more

 

Deloitte: 60% of U.S. shoppers visiting stores prior to August for back-to-school items will spend an average of $532, which is 16% higher than the rest of parents who don’t start their shopping until August or later at CNBC. Read more

 

Lidl US has hired former Wal-Mart real estate executive Kevin Sweet as its new senior director of real estate by Jon Springer at Supermarket News. Read more

 

**A message from the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show – get ready for the nation’s largest souvenir show! We bring together 1,300+ booths filled with the latest introductions from every major souvenir and resort supplier, plus countless new resources. New for 2017, the show welcomes a Native American Pavilion, even more made in America products, new Boardwalk section and a special spotlight on Gourmet gifts. Look for new events and educational offerings, too . September 13-16, 2017. Register Now | Exhibitor List

 

Former employee sues Nordstrom’s Trunk Club, alleges he was forced to work without pay by Coral Garnick at Puget Sound Business Journal. “The complaint claims employees who were being paid commission regularly worked in excess of eight hours a day and were required to attend events and trainings in addition to their scheduled shifts for which they were never paid.” Read more

 

PRICE COMPARISON – Amazon Prime Day deals on 50 items were, on average, 40% lower than Best Buy and Target, and 15% cheaper than Walmart by Matt Linder at Internet Retailer. Read more

 

The 20 Most Attractive Employers For Engineering Students Around The World (Amazon #17) at Forbes. List/Read more

 

HEB boss Charles Butt gives $50 million to train Texas teachers by Will Anderson at Austin Business Journal. “Students at 10 schools — including UT, Rice University, Southern Methodist University and Texas Tech University — will be eligible for the scholarships of $8,000 per year.” Read more

 

Visa Takes War on Cash to Restaurants by AnnaMaria Andriotis at Wall Street Journal. “Visa says it is planning to give $10,000 apiece to up to 50 restaurants and food vendors to pay for their technology and marketing costs, as long as the businesses pledge to start what Visa executive Jack Forestell calls a “journey to cashless.” Read more (subs.)

 

How dead celebrities became a billion-dollar business by Lauren Coleman-Lochner at Bloomberg. “Dead celebrities have their advantages: There’s no risk of them showing up late to events or lighting up social media with an out-of-character faux pas. They don’t cycle in and out of fashion like current idols. And those who passed away in their prime will never age.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Target sets opening date for first urban small-format store in Ohio

Anheuser-Busch scion detained for trying to fly chopper drunk

Quentin Tarantino Prepping New Movie Tackling Manson Murders

Home Depot employee returns to work after controversial firing

GoPro selects ten brands to be first to use the Fusion spherical camera

United Wants to Sell Your Seat to Someone Else for More Money

Germans Are Losing Their Taste for Pork

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Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 20,000+ retail execs every weekday morning. Tipsheet stories are carefully curated bright and early every morning to ensure fresh and unique content.

 

Subscribe to Eye on Retail Tipsheet here

 

Contact us: Send story tips, press releases and advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: www.eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: JCP CFO Out | T.Value Sale? | Amazon Gets India

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True Value Weighs Sale, Could Fetch About $800 Million by Kiel Porter at Bloomberg. “The company is working with an investment bank to examine strategic options, including a sale, said the people, who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. The process is expected to attract private equity firms, the people said. No final decision has been made and the company may elect not to pursue a sale.” Read more

 

Amazon wins India’s approval to invest in domestic food retail at Reuters. “Amazon.com Inc has secured approval to stock and sell food and groceries in India, potentially expanding its business in the fast-growing economy where it is in a pitched battle with home-grown rival Flipkart.” Read more

 

J.C. Penney’s CFO Ed Record is leaving the company next month by Korri Kezar at Dallas Business Journal. Read more

 

Best Buy lost $1 billion in value on the news of Amazon’s Geek Squad competitor by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “Amazon’s rival services are already live in seven West Coast cities and Amazon job listings are signaling a wider rollout across the country to cities like Las Vegas, Dallas and Miami.” Read more

 

…Best Buy introduces ‘smart home’ service aimed at caretakers’ needs by Jackie Crosby at Star Tribune. “Best Buy launched a pilot of the Assured Living service in January after hearing from 30- to 50-year-old customers who were juggling caregiving duties with busy jobs and families. The retailer worked out the kinks with about two dozen employees and their families.” Read more

 

Couche-Tard buying U.S. convenience store Holiday; deal includes over 500 locations via Montreal Gazette. “Couche-Tard CEO Brian Hannasch says the deal will give the convenience-store operator a particularly strong position in the Greater Twin Cities.” Read more

 

JCPenney To Revamp Loyalty Program, Make It Easier To Earn Rewards by Ashlee Kieler at Consumerist. “Under the new loyalty system, shoppers can now earn more than $10 in rewards each month, and those rewards will be valid for 60 days, the company says. Previously, shoppers were only able to earn $10 rewards once a month.” Read more

 

BOSTON: Amazon confirms new Boston office, plans to hire 900 by Catherine Carlock & Kelly J’ O’Brien at Boston Business Journal. “The new office is expected to open in the spring of 2018, but Amazon plans to continue its hiring spree in the area until then. There are currently 327 open positions posted on its website for the Cambridge-Boston area.” Read more

 

…CHICAGO: Amazon will double its corporate office presence in Chicago to accommodate 400 employees at 227 W. Monroe in the city’s Loop business district by Lewis Lazare at Chicago Business Journal. Read more

 

SAN DIEGO: 2,000 shoppers converge on Grocery Outlet at new Imperial Beach center by Allison Sampite-Montecalvo at San Diego Union-Tribune. “We were hoping for a Sprouts or Trader Joe’s but it seems like a happy medium,” she said. “They have a great organic produce section.” Read more

 

**A message from PaintPincher – Never Waste Paint Again! The PaintPincher is an ingenious 8-in-1 paint can spatula that recovers paint, stain, adhesives and more from gallon and quart cans, leaving them 99.9% clean. The PaintPincher is great for Pro and DIY painters and can save up to a cup of paint per gallon! Video | Website | Request sample: info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

 

Abercrombie calls off sale, shares dive 20 percent at NY Post. Read more

 

More than 800 breweries will soon begin printing seals on their beers that identify them as “Certified Independent Craft.” by Caitlin Dewey at Washington Post via Denver Post. “To qualify to use the seal, breweries cannot be more than 25 percent owned or controlled by any alcohol company that’s not itself a craft brewer. Its annual production also can’t exceed six million barrels.” Read more

 

The $3 Toothpaste Club? Startup to Test the Power of Brands by Sharon Terlep at Wall Street Journal. “It’s an inefficient process,” Brandless co-founder Ido Leffler said of the traditional system of packaged-goods companies selling their products through brick-and-mortar retailers. “We are re-appropriating those dollars back to the consumers.” Read more (subs.)

 

Vintage Capital offers to buy Rent-A-Center for $15 a share at Reuters via CNBC. Read more

 

CMU is making progress with exoskeleton technology by David Templeton at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Carnegie Mellon University’s latest study shows that a computer-controlled system it developed — essentially an ankle brace with a motor that helps flex the ankle to push off the ground more easily during walking — brings notable energy savings for those with normal walking ability…Energy savings of 14 percent were realized when compared with the energy expenditure of walking naturally.” Read more

 

Ex-Advance Auto Parts SVP named Barnes & Noble VP of Stores Press release

 

E-Commerce as a Jobs Engine? One Economist’s Unorthodox View by Andrew Ross Sorkin at NY Times via CNBC. “Amazon publicly says it has 12,000 employees in Kentucky, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports only 2,640 workers in Kentucky in the e-commerce category. “By contrast, the general warehouse industry,” Mr. Mandel writes, “had more than 23,000 workers in Kentucky.” Read more

 

eBay’s VP of global communications exits by Diana Bradley at PR Week. Read more

 

These teens made $350,000 in 6 months helping fidget spinners go viral by Ali Montag at CNBC. “If we got the injection molding during that time all of those [sales] would have been ours,” Weiss says.” Read more

 

Coach Successfully Completes Tender Offer to Acquire Kate Spade & Company Press release

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

The oldest pharmacy in New York (1838 debut!) keeps on changing

Nearly a Third of Millennials Say They’ve Used This App to Pay Their Drug Dealer

Shipping container falls on truck at port, killing worker

Seattle Approves New Income Tax for Wealthy Residents

Bethany Hamilton, tiger shark attack survivor, draws crowd at Costco

Lululemon is suing Under Armour over a sports bra design

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

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Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 20,000+ retail execs every weekday morning. Tipsheet stories are carefully curated bright and early every morning to ensure fresh and unique content.

 

Subscribe to Eye on Retail Tipsheet here

 

Contact us: Send story tips, press releases and advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: www.eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Kiosk Hack | H.Depot Wall Take-Down | Cosmetics Slash | Albertsons = “Co. X” | The Amazon For The 1%

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Amazon threatened to kill its Whole Foods deal if the grocer started a bidding war by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “Amazon’s bankers “also made it clear again … that Amazon.com would disengage from its efforts to acquire the Company and pursue other alternatives and initiatives if the $42.00 per share price were not accepted,” the filing said” Read more

 

…Reuters has reported that Albertsons was “Company X” in Whole Foods bidding at Fortune. Read more

 

Retailers offer deals for Amazon Prime Day — but not Walmart, Target by Diane Kruzman at USA Today. “Walmart, Target and Lowe’s are among the big names who are so far skipping the event. But JCPenney, Kohl’s and Macy’s are all offering exclusive discounts before and during Prime Day.” Read more

 

Self-Service Food Kiosk Vendor Avanti Hacked at Krebs on Security. “Avanti Markets, a company whose self-service payment kiosks sit beside shelves of snacks and drinks in thousands of corporate breakrooms across America, has suffered of breach of its internal networks in which hackers were able to push malicious software out to those payment devices, the company has acknowledged.” Read more

 

A $4 billion clothing company created an exclusive brand for Amazon Prime by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “In the spring, Amazon quietly introduced Simple Joys by Carter’s, a line of baby and kid clothing sold in multi-piece bundles….Carter’s executives emphasized that their company already has similar arrangements with Walmart and Target.” Read more

 

The Cosmetics Counter Was Long Immune to Discounting. Not Anymore by Suzanne Kapner & Sharon Terlep at Wall Street Journal. “Last month, Lord & Taylor offered 15% off almost all cosmetics and fragrances. Bloomingdale’s gave members of its loyalty program a $25 reward card for every $100 beauty purchase. The moves followed a decision by Macy’s to offer 15% off cosmetics, which it touted in nationally televised advertisements this spring.” Read more (subs.)

 

This luxury goods site is a ‘retail playground’ for the 1 percent by Lisa Fickenscher at NY Post. “While the site, World’s Best, is working off a small revenue base, it is still experiencing rapid growth…“If something is being sold in Nordstrom, you won’t find it on our site,” said co-founder Robert Steele, a former division president at PepsiCo.” Read more

 

**A message from Fabe – Made in Italy, hand-crafted pillows prevent and relieve neck and back pain. Fabe’s Ergo Praxis pillow supports and aligns the head and neck to prevent cervical pain. Created in cooperation with Ludes University in Switzerland – it gets the body in the right position for a good night’s sleep. Ergo Praxis Specs | How the pillow is made video | Retailers request samples at info@shiftmarketinggroup.net. 

 

Tiffany Hunts for Path to Regain ‘Cool’ by Suzanne Kapner at Wall Street Journal. “At the root of the jeweler’s tepid results is a stubborn perception: Tiffany has lost its cool and is struggling to get it back. “Audrey Hepburn versus Lady Gaga is a fine line to walk,” said Citi analyst Paul Lejuez.” Read more (subs.)

 

Wal-Mart Inks $1.65M Deal In Medi-Cal FCA Suit by Kat Greene at Law 360. “U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert hailed the settlement as enforcement of an “essential” regulation that keeps pharmacies from submitting claims to the state medical program for drugs that aren’t prescribed for a specific purpose.” Read more (subs.)

 

Chinese internet giant Tencent launches WeChat Pay in Europe to challenge Alibaba’s Alipay by Arjun Kharpal at CNBC. “The move is specifically aimed at Chinese tourists coming to Europe and is not necessarily a challenger to the likes of Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.” Read more

 

Men and Republicans Are the Best Tippers by Polly Mozendz at Bloomberg. “Democrats and southerners leave a median 15 percent at a restaurant, according to a new survey…That’s compared with the median 20 percent that men, Republicans, and northeasterners leave.” Read more

 

Investors still unsure of outlook for Australia’s hardware chain Bunnings at The Sydney Morning Herald. “Bunnings has one of the world’s highest profit margins among home improvement chains. It is expected to increase its profit margins this year, taking advantage of last year’s demise of rival Masters.” Read more

 

Amazon, IRS Agree On Tax Refund Due In $1.5B Dispute by Vidya Kauri at Law 360. “After suffering a blistering loss in a $1.5 billion transfer pricing dispute against Amazon, the IRS agreed that it owes the online retail giant $9.5 million for the 2005 tax year, but that there is an income tax deficiency of $2.5 million from the following year.” Read more (subs.)

 

Wildfire evacuees celebrate 50th wedding anniversary in Walmart parking lot by Jon Azpiri at Global News. “We popped [the bottle] and we sat there and we toasted,” she said. Margaret said she’s not sure when they’ll be able to return home. “It’s a little nerve-racking but we’ll get through it,” she said.” Read more

 

Anti-Trump protesters try knocking down Home Depot-sponsored wall at Ruido Fest at ABC 7 – Chicago. “Home Depot’s booth had a wall that people could decorate, but protesters found is distasteful and began chanting and knocking it down…Some suffered minor injuries from falling debris…In a statement, Home Depot said they were at the festival to show their support for the community, and that “this was a very disappointing misunderstanding.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Amazon Prime is on pace to become more popular than cable TV

Schumer calls for crackdown on ‘snortable chocolate’

Fender finds an Edge with U2 guitarist, new apps

More than 70 firefighters in London battle tremendous blaze at famous market

Traditional grocers should be ‘very worried’ about Amazon Prime Day deals

Second razor blade found hidden on Missouri Walmart shopping cart

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Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 20,000+ retail execs every weekday morning. Tipsheet stories are carefully curated bright and early every morning to ensure fresh and unique content.

 

Subscribe to Eye on Retail Tipsheet here

 

Contact us: Send story tips, press releases and advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: www.eyeonretail.net

 

 

Tipsheet: Grocer Jabs Amazon Go | Sears Can. Suspends Benefits | H.Dep Buys Rental Co.

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Home Depot buying equipment rental company for $265M by David Allison at Atlanta Business Chronicle. “Fort Mill, S.C.-based Compact Power Equipment has been a business partner of Home Depot’s since 2008. The companies’ partnership began with three pilot equipment centers at Charlotte, N.C., stores, and by 2015 had grown to 1,000 Home Depot stores across the U.S. and Canada.” Read more

 

Wal-Mart de Mexico Sales Pick Up in June via Fox Business. “Same-store sales in Mexico rose 7.2% in June, thanks to 0.2% more customers who spent on average 7% more per visit. Newly opened stores contributed another 1.4 percentage points to sales growth. In Central America, same-store sales rose 6.1% and total sales were 10.4% higher in local currency terms.” Read more

 

Prime Day details from Amazon Press release

 

Sears Canada files motion to suspend retiree benefits by Erica Alini at Global News. “Sears said it will seek court approval to suspend $3.7 million worth of monthly payments toward the defined benefit component of the Sears Registered Retirement Plan. The company is also hoping to temporarily stop pouring money into its post-retirement health and dental benefit plan, which costs approximately $800,000 a month on average before tax, and its post-retirement life insurance premiums, for which payments amount to $245,000 monthly plus tax.” Read more

 

Actually, Amazon now says it’s not developing its own wines by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “11 hours after publication, Amazon now says that the winery’s press release was incorrect (it has now been updated) and that Amazon had no hand in the development of the wine; Amazon.com is simply a retail sales channel for the new wine brand at launch.” Read more

 

Meijer Bringing Store-to-Door Delivery to Chicago and Rockford “Shipt memberships are available for an annual fee of $99 and members have access to free delivery on all orders over $35. For orders under $35, there is a $7 delivery fee.” Press release

 

Nike’s plan to sell shoes via Instagram could spark a 20% rally in the stock, analyst says by Tae Kim at CNBC. “The analyst cited how Nike “has by far the largest number of followers” on Instagram versus its competitors. He added the firm’s social media interactions with customers are more than four times higher than Adidas.” Read more

 

Emerald Expositions selects Denver for the site of all Outdoor Retailer tradeshows Press release

 

Amazon Prime memberships jump nearly 35% year over year in the US by Matt Linder at Internet Retailer. “CIRP’s data shows that Prime members, on average, tend to spend nearly twice as much per year ($1,300) on Amazon as non-Prime members ($700).” Read more

 

**A message from Black Flag® – We take no prisoners. In the battle against indoor and outdoor pests, it’s every man for himself. Arm yourself with Black Flag insect and rodent controls. Our tough, no-nonsense formulas are packed with a powerful punch to make short work of home insect invaders. Whether you’re battling crawling, flying or stinging insects or fending off mice, when the flag flies, pests die. Let it Fly. Facebook page

 

French grocer’s YouTube video takes un petit jab at Amazon Go by Angel Gonzalez at Seattle Times. “The parody was a good opportunity for Monoprix — a subsidiary of the retail giant Casino that specializes in relatively small-format stores located in city centers across France — to draw attention to a feature it launched many years ago. The parodywas “very well received,” reaching some 27.1 million people, the spokeswoman said.” Video/Read more

 

Amazon is opening another pickup location in Chicago near DePaul University by Karis Hustad at Chicago Inno. Read more

 

So Long, Hamburger Helper: America’s Venerable Food Brands Are Struggling by Annie Gasparro & Saabira Chaudhuri at Wall Street Journal. “A lot of what’s crept into big companies is internal focus, bureaucracy, PowerPoint presentations—the antithesis of agility,” said Sean Connolly, chief executive of Conagra Brands Inc., maker of Hunt’s ketchup, Peter Pan peanut butter and Chef Boyardee.” Read more (subs.)

 

Amazon is the most popular destination for shoppers searching for products online by Monica Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “29% of respondents said they begin looking for products on Amazon, compared to 15% who said search engines.” Read more

 

The 10 most valuable brands in the world at MarketWatch. List

 

Amazon ‘Bring Your Kids to Work Day’ attracts 8,000 children to Seattle campus by Kurt Schlosser at GeekWire. Video/Read more

 

Cato Reports June Same-Store Sales Down 16% Press release

 

Forget an IPO, Coin Offerings Are New Road to Startup Riches by Paul Vigna at Wall Street Journal. “Two obscure companies with no sales raised nearly $400 million combined in recent days from outside investors. How did they do it? Via a new, unregulated fundraising method that has no connection to Wall Street and is based in the world of cryptocurrencies.” Read more (subs.)

 

L Brands shares fall after reporting bigger-than-expected sales miss in June at CNBC. “The operator of stores such as Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works said same store sales fell 9 percent last month, worse than the 7 percent decline expected by analysts in a Thomson Reuters survey.” Read more

 

Ocean Beach residents not sold on new Target Express store by Abbie Alford at CBS 8. “I am going to die inside if that really happens,” said Chapter One Tattoo Owner, Cash Scott. Another Ocean Beach resident, Landon DeBano said, “it’s too corporate for OB.” Video/Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Teens’ backyard target practice led to death of Fred’s employee

HuffPo smacks down Smithfield and Big Bacon (side shot at Costco)

Milwaukee Summerfest sues Red Lobster over chain’s promotions

Drunk driver plows into garden center at Walmart store

Nirvana’s 1988 Radio Shack Performance Has Surfaced Online: Watch

N.J. anglers get staggering $2.8M for giant tuna following court decision

He shot him in the chest — then took him to Walmart, not the hospital

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

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Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 20,000+ retail execs every weekday morning. Tipsheet stories are carefully curated bright and early every morning to ensure fresh and unique content.

 

Subscribe to Eye on Retail Tipsheet here

 

Contact us: Send story tips, press releases and advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: www.eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: QVC Buys HSN | Ex-Target to Caribou | Costco +6% | Kroger Sues Lidl

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QVC buying Home Shopping Network in deal valued at $2.1 billion at CNBC. “Liberty Interactive will purchase the 62 percent of HSNi that it didn’t already own in an all-stock deal valued at $2.1 billion.” Read more

 

Costco June Comp Sales +6.0% “Costco reported net sales of $12.17 billion for the month of June, the five weeks ended July 2, 2017, an increase of  seven percent from $11.33 billion during the similar period last year.” Press release

 

KROGER VS. LIDL – Kroger sues Lidl for trademark infringement by Steve Watkins at Cincinnati Business Courier. “Kroger argues in the lawsuit it filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond, Va, that Lidl’s Preferred Selection store brand and logo are too close to Kroger’s trademarked Private Selection store brand.” Read more

 

Former Target executive hired as president of Caribou Coffee by Marianne Wilson at CSA. “John Butcher, who most recently served as senior VP merchandising: beauty and DermStore, has been tapped as president of Caribou Coffee…Butcher left Target in June amid a major restructuring of the chain’s merchandising division.” Read more

 

Auto parts suppliers hurting from latest rival — Amazon by Josh Kosman at NY Post. “O’Reilly Automotive, blamed poor weather in the period for its lackluster revenue, an executive at a rival chain said…“There is no doubt the internet is having an impact on sales and margins,” the executive told The Post, noting that the weather was not a significant factor for his chain.” Read more

 

…Weak sales at O’Reilly Automotive send shares tumbling 20% at CNBC. “(O’Reilly) announced comparable-store sales growth of 1.7 percent for the second quarter, below its previous guidance of 3 to 5 percent growth.” Read more

 

Hobby Lobby to pay $3 million fine, forfeit ancient artifacts at CNN. “The dealers working with Hobby Lobby falsely labeled the shipments as “ceramics” and “samples” and illegally shipped them to Hobby Lobby stores and two corporate offices, according to the DOJ.” Read more

 

The Buckle June Comp Sales -5.8% Press release

 

Antitrust regulators sign off on Cabela’s sale to Bass Pro by Paige Yowell at Omaha World-Herald. “Now, investors will most likely turn their attention to the sale of Cabela’s World’s Foremost Bank, a subsidiary that operates the company’s credit card. The bank must be sold before the deal with Bass Pro can close…Meanwhile, the Oct. 3 merger deadline, after which all parties could walk away from the deal, is not that far off.” Read more

 

Fred’s June Comp Sales -1.6% Press release

 

**A message from the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show – get ready for the nation’s largest souvenir show! We bring together 1,300+ booths filled with the latest introductions from every major souvenir and resort supplier. The show welcomes even more made in America products, a new Boardwalk section and a special spotlight on Gourmet gifts. Look for new events and educational offerings, too . September 13-16, 2017. Register Now | Exhibitor List

 

Amazon, Dish and a Shared Vision of a Wireless ‘Internet of Things’ at Wall Street Journal. “Now, the satellite-television mogul is turning his attention to the technology world and a new—and somewhat surprising—potential partner has emerged: Amazon.com Inc. The two men—eccentric billionaires with geek tendencies and shared interest in space and robotics—have gotten to know each other better over the past year and have discussed a partnership to enter the wireless business, according to people familiar with the matter.” Read more (subs.)

 

YouGov: Most improved brands among millennials (Ace Hardware #16) at Adweek. List/Read more

 

…Brands with the highest current customer scores for millennials (Amazon #4, Walmart #5, Target #13, Walgreen #16, CVS #20) at Adweek. List/Read more

 

ALEXA HEAD START – Amazon pushes Alexa ordering with $10 for first-time voice shoppers by Sarah Perez at TechCrunch. “Those who shop from an Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, Amazon Tap, Fire TV or Fire tablet will gain access to Prime Day deals on July 10th, from 4 pm to 6 pm PT, two hours before they’re open to the general public.” Read more

 

Alibaba is joining Amazon and Google in the smart speaker game by Mike Snider at USA Today. “…unveiled its Tmall Genie speaker Wednesday in Beijing…The speakers will be available to the general public on August 8. For now, Alibaba’s Tmall Genie speaks Mandarin and will only be available only in China.” Read more

 

WALMART LEANS INTO WINE – Wal-Mart says its culinary center is a game changer by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “Wal-Mart is focusing on its quality branded wines in an effort to change consumer perception. “I don’t think anyone really thinks of Wal-Mart as a destination for fine wine, but we want to change that perception,” Dominguez said. “One of the things we are doing is really leaning into quality wines this year.” Read more

 

NEXT – Amazon is now developing its own wines by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “The new line includes a Pinot Gris for $20, a Red Blend for $30 and a Pinot Noir for $40 — not extravagant prices, but higher than I would expect for Amazon, which always is thinking about mass appeal.” Read more

 

Ikea to host ‘Head Start’ event at NYU for startup bootcamp candidates by Anthony Noto at New York Business Journal. “The program will kick off July 6 with an event at NYU Data Future Lab in Lower Manhattan, where CEOs will be able to meet with a team of five people consisting of representatives from both IKEA and Rainmaking.” Read more

 

PriceSmart Q3 net warehouse club sales increase 3.8% Press release

 

Amazon puts an additional $260M into its Indian business by Catherine Shu at TechCrunch. “The infusion of capital comes in time to prepare Amazon India for the holiday shopping season, which centers around the Dussehra and Diwali festivals in the fall.” Read more

 

Jeans company True Religion latest retailer to seek bankruptcy protection via Toronto Star. Read more

 

Shopping-Mall Owners Pay Up to Stay Relevant in Amazon Era by Sarah Mulholland at Bloomberg. “The math is pretty obvious, pretty compelling, but there are risks,” St. Juste said in an interview. “This hasn’t been done before on a broad scale.” Read more

 

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Wal-Mart upgrades to Angus beef

‘Serial entrepreneur’ moves on from Lumber Liquidators

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

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