Tipsheet: Amazon Returns @ Kohl’s | WM Eyes Chinese Grocer? | NY Times Talks to Joly

/in

 

Wal-Mart to allow shoppers on food stamps to order groceries online at some locations at CNBC. “Currently, Wal-Mart offers the EBT option for online grocery pickup at one store in the Houston area and four stores near Boise, Idaho. The company said it plans to bring the service to more markets “through the holiday season and beyond.” Read more

 

AutoZone Q4 comp sales +1.0% “AutoZone today reported net sales of $3.5 billion for its fourth quarter ended August 26, 2017, an increase of 3.3% from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.” Press release

 

Kohl’s Announces Amazon Returns at Select Kohl’s Stores “82 stores across Los Angeles and Chicago will be offering free, convenient returns for Amazon customers starting in October. Kohl’s will pack and ship eligible Amazon return items for free, providing an additional service and convenience to Amazon customers within select Kohl’s stores.” Press release

 

NY Times talks to Best Buy CEO by Kevin Roose at NY Times. Read article

 

Target Has Never Played Background Music, Until Now by Martin Moylan at MPR News. “All Target stores with sound systems play the same tune simultaneously. The team charged with redesigning Target stores came up with a playlist of more than 1,500 songs. Welker described the selections as “playful and energetic and of the moment.” Artists include Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake.” Read more

 

Wal-Mart Emerges as Potential Bidder for Lotte Group’s Chinese Supermarkets at Yi Cai Global. “There are around five firms currently in the race for South Korean conglomerate Lotte Group’s supermarkets in China, including CP Lotus Supercenter’s parent Charoen Pokphand Group, an American warehouse supermarket chain enterprise, thought to be Wal-Mart, and a US private equity fund, an insider familiar with the Korean distribution sector told Yicai Global.” Read more

 

Publix Listed As Best Place to Work for Women “Publix ranked No. 39 in the survey conducted by The Great Place to Work Institute. The ranking asked more than 400,000 women to assess their organizations’ culture, leadership, fairness and other elements essential for a great workplace.” Press release

 

**A message from Lock-it Block-it – Leave windows open AND secure. The Lock-it Block-it is a high-impact security bar that allows windows to stay open AND secure at the same time. Stop burglars – keep the summer breeze. 13 adjustment holes allow for inch-by-inch opening adjustments. Great for sliding doors/windows too! Video | Sell sheet | Retailers request samples: info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

 

Toys ‘R’ Us Has Filed for Bankruptcy Protection at Fortune. “Toys ‘R’ Us said it received a commitment for over $3 billion in debtor-in-possession financing from lenders including a JPMorgan-led bank syndicate and certain of the company’s existing lenders.” Read more

 

The 100 Best Places to Live in America at Money. List

 

It sounds as though the NBA may eventually set up shop on Amazon by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “This is my best guess — and it’s a guess — about what’s going on: The NBA and Fanatics have probably talked to each other about the right way to engage with Amazon to have some type of presence there. And maybe they’ve agreed on a partnership that makes sense. But those talks haven’t involved Amazon. Yet.” Read more

 

Jimmy Choo shareholders approve Michael Kors takeover at CNBC. Read more

 

Amazon reportedly tried to poach Satya Nadella by Nat Levy at GeekWire. “Doug Burgum, who ran Microsoft’s business solutions group and is now governor of North Dakota, mentored Nadella and was charged with keeping him in Redmond. Burgum argued at the time that Microsoft could offer more opportunities to Nadella than an online bookselling company liked Amazon.” Read more

 

IGA names John Ross to CEO post – currently President of Inmar Promotion Network Press release

 

Amazon makes Whole Foods’ prices more competitive with rivals in LA: JPMorgan at CNBC. “For products on JPMorgan’s natural and organics-focused shopping list, Ralphs is now 4 percent cheaper than Whole Foods, and Sprouts is less than 1 percent cheaper, Goldman and Palmer wrote. Ralphs and Sprouts were 11 percent cheaper on average than Whole Foods before Amazon acquired it.” Read more

 

JD.com announces $500M e-commerce and fintech joint ventures in Thailand by Jon Russell at TechCrunch. “Southeast Asia, a region of 600 million consumers, is forecast to see its internet economy grow to $200 billion by 2025 thanks to rising internet access.” Read more

 

Amazon has 76% smart home speaker U.S. market share by Taylor Soper at GeekWire. “…compared to 24 percent for Google and its Google Home device…CIRP also estimates 15 million Amazon Echo units sold across the U.S., which is up from 10.7 million in March and 5.1 million this past November.” Read more

 

What Trader Joe’s Figured Out About Work Culture That My Other Past Employers Haven’t at Fast Company. “At my last store, my coworker was having a rough time in his personal life and the frustration was beginning to show at work. We watched a manager take him out back, presumably for a stern talking to. In fact, the manager handed him a box of broken eggs from the spoils cart, taped a plastic pallet wrap up to the wall of our loading dock, and told him to throw eggs at the wall until he felt better. It worked.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Mall shoe store was used as a front to deal heroin

Little boys ride bus to Walmart to steal bikes

Cosmetics Giant Turns Its Focus to Makeup for Muslim Women

Raise gets $60 million for gift card marketplace

Plus-Size Lingerie Turns Into Rare Growth Market in U.S. Apparel

Post Holdings to Acquire Bob Evans for $77/Share

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

***

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: D.Tree New CEO | WM New HQ | Wgreen New R.Aid Deal | Morris Unveils WOW

/in

 

Walgreens Said to Tweak Rite Aid Deal to Gain U.S. Approval by David McLaughlin & Robert Langreth at Bloomberg. “The companies and the FTC are close to an agreement that would allow the deal to proceed, said the people, who declined to discuss details of the revised transaction. The number of stores involved in the latest iteration won’t change dramatically, one of the people said.” Read more

 

Dollar Tree names Gary Philbin as new CEO at Reuters. “Philbin, 60, joined Dollar Tree as senior vice president of stores in 2001 and was named chief operating officer six years later. He was appointed enterprise president earlier this year with responsibilities for both the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar chains of stores.” Read more

 

Amazon Is Testing One-Hour Delivery at London Fashion Week by Hallie Detrick at Bloomberg. “Amazon has partnered with the designer Nicola Formichetti to get London Fashion Week’s styles to Londoners’ doorsteps within an hour. The partnership is the latest iteration of the “see now, buy now” strategy, which designers have been experimenting with over the last several seasons.” Read more

 

Lowe’s Chief HR Officer named to key Charlotte Chamber role by Rick Rothacker at Charlotte Observer. “The Charlotte Chamber said Friday that Jennifer Weber, chief human resources officer at home improvement retailer Lowe’s Cos., will serve as chamber chair in 2020.” Read more

 

Wal-Mart Stores announces plans for new headquarters in Bentonville by Paul Gatling at Talk Business. “The project will be built in phases, and Hargrove said the company anticipates construction will take between 5 to 7 years. He said there are no immediate plans for a groundbreaking…The new corporate campus will be built on the east side of Southeast J Street, bordered by Arkansas Highway 102 to the south and Arkansas Highway 72 (Central Avenue) to the north.” Read more

 

Toys ‘R’ Us preparing for possible bankruptcy filing, sources say via CNBC. “A loan of several hundred million dollars as part of any possible bankruptcy filing would reassure the chain’s vendors it could pay them for the loads of stuffed animals, action figures and dolls it needs to stock its shelves for the holiday season, the people said.” Read more

 

Amazon finds an ally at the Federal Trade Commission by Josh Kosman at NY Post. “Interim FTC Chair Maureen Ohlhausen, speaking last week at a Georgetown Law School conference, said the agency should not be “interventionist” when monitoring the digital economy…“She’s saying it is not our role to say a company is becoming too big, but only to examine them if they are misusing their monopolistic power,” a DC lawyer who knows Ohlhausen said.” Read more

 

**A message from Pirola – Made in Italy – Designer ironing boards add style to any home. Exclusively made in Italy for 45 years, these professional boards bring design and excitement to the category. Custom colors & designs available. Website. Retailers: request samples at info@shiftmarketinggroup.net. Italy to U.S. product connection

 

Bass Pro founder puts finishing touches on the 350,000-square-foot WOW aquarium by Wes Johnson at Springfield News-Leader. “The “bait-ball” tank is just one of more than 80 freshwater and saltwater aquariums, along with wildlife galleries filled with mounted animals from around the world, that bring the great outdoors indoors for people to see…More than nine years in the making, the new WOW opens to the public Friday.” 60 pics/Read more

 

Canada Goose Bypasses Saks With Sales Pitch for the Amazon World by Kristine Owram at Bloomberg. “For every 5 percent mix shift to direct-to-consumer, Canada Goose gains 120 basis points of margin, estimated BMO analyst John Morris. A direct-to-consumer jacket sale provides two to four times more operating income than a sale of the same product through a wholesaler, according to Canada Goose’s annual report.” Read more

 

Amazon is skewing the whole country’s retail sales data and is likely behind last month’s drop by Patti Domm at CNBC. “One possible, at least logical, explanation is that the 1.8 percent rise in July non-store retail sales was boosted by the July 11 Amazon Prime Day, so the apparent ensuing weakness is a return to a more normal sales activity post the Prime Day sales,” wrote Ward McCarthy, chief financial economist at Jefferies.” Read more

 

Target teams up with Kaiser to open 31 more in-store clinics in SoCal by Katharine Grayson at Minneapolis/St.Paul Business Journal. “Target and the Oakland, California-based health care provider started a pilot test in 2014 that called for Kaiser employees to staff four retail clinics in Southern California.” Read more

 

HAPPY CHICKENS? – Good Luck Finding a Truly Organic Egg by Deena Shanker at Bloomberg. “Things that mean one thing to one consumer might mean something else to another,” said Jordan Rost, vice president of consumer insights at Nielsen. “Organic” may conjure images of sun-dappled fields with chickens ambling amid the daisies, when in fact it means an excrement-stained cement apron next to an air vent.” Read more

 

ROTTING BEEF?  Steak Aging Goes Beyond Weeks to Months for Some Chefs by Charles Passy at Wall Street Journal. “Many chefs say the strong taste is a turnoff for most diners, especially when the beef has been aged for an extra-long time. “It’s like blue cheese on a bone,” says Michael Lomonaco, chef and owner of Porter House Bar and Grill, a steakhouse in Midtown Manhattan’s Time Warner Center.” Read more (subs.)

 

Obama Goes From White House to Wall Street in Less Than One Year by Max Abelson at Bloomberg. “Barack Obama spoke in New York to clients of Northern Trust Corp. for about $400,000, a person familiar with his appearance said. Last week, he reminisced about the White House for Carlyle Group LP, one of the world’s biggest private equity firms, according to two people who were there. Next week, he’ll give a keynote speech at investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald LP’s health-care conference.” Read more

 

Weird Food for Sale in Venezuela But Nothing That Anyone Wants by Fabiola Zerpa at Bloomberg. “Why no canillas? Because its price, unlike for all those other loaves, is controlled by the government. And it is set at such a low level — 1,500 bolivars versus the 4,500 to 7,500 a gallego commands — that bakers complain it doesn’t come close to covering their costs. So they use new-found supplies of wheat in the country to bake every other kind of bread imaginable.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Pecan Pies, Exports at Risk After Irma Knocked Down Trees

Bill de Blasio, fierce Walmart critic, has been curiously quiet about Amazon’s NYC warehouse

More than 400 customers line up as Whole Foods opens in Amherst

Hillary Clinton Book-Signing Draws More Than 1,000 To Costco Store

A first look inside Under Armour’s new Portland office

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

***

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: 9/14/17

/in

 

EBay partners with fashion marketplace Spring in growing rivalry with Amazon, Wal-Mart at CNBC. “Shoppers will now be able to browse the looks of David Yurman, Rag & Bone, Mango and Chloe on eBay’s website, the same site that lets customers bid on toys, power tools and motorcycles.” Read more

 

Target has jumped from Apple to Android for sales-floor devices by Marc Reilly at Minneapolis/St.Paul Business Journal. “Apple’s iOS has drawn criticism from store employees for various technical issues — you can see some of the gripes on the unofficial Target Reddit page— and for the lack of changeable batteries. Apparently some Target workers kept holding onto the old PDAs rather than using the Apple handhelds.” Read more

 

Lowe’s hires former Neiman Marcus & Target executive by Katherine Peralta at Charlotte Observer. “Lowe’s has named former Neiman Marcus executive Michael West its new executive vice president of supply chain field operations, a position responsible for overseeing the system that helps online orders reach customers quickly and efficiently.” Read more

 

Why Bonobos thought selling to Walmart was better than going public by Dan Frommer at Recode. “Look at Lululemon’s IPO, look at Michael Kors’s IPO, look at the history of any brick-and-mortar companies, it’s same-store sales and new stores,” Dunn said. “We feel very excited in this new world that we don’t have the pressure to grow that super, super quickly to please a public market story to get the company public.” Read more

 

Amazon plans mega-warehouse for Mexico growth spurt via CNBC. “The new warehouse is slated to be built in the Tepotzotlan municipality about 25 miles (40 km) north of the Mexican capital, according to four Mexico City real estate professionals familiar with the plans. Expected to be completed next year, the facility would triple Amazon’s distribution space in Mexico, home to around 120 million potential customers.” Read more

 

Office Depot Names Jerri Devard Chief Marketing Officer “Previously, DeVard was the senior vice president and chief marketing officer for The ADT Corporation.” Press release

 

Target executives emphasize innovation on week of employee meeting by Jackie Crosby at Star Tribune. “Mike McNamara, Target’s executive vice president, chief information and digital officer, said the fair was a way to show off the spirit of entrepreneurship among the rank-and-file. Monday’s fair was a pared-down version of a quarterly event involving 90 or so products. “Most of the ideas will see the light of day,” McNamara said. “Just one or two are pigs flying — a little far out.” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

**A message from Alma Italy – Enjoy the innovative, yet simple elegance of Alma Cookware. Made in Italy, professional grade non-stick aluminum cookware products. Featuring La Sughiera – the thick-tempered glass lid with upper hole allows for spice-adding and stirring without removing the lid. Website | Italy-America new product pipeline | Retailers request samples at info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

 

Williams-Sonoma CEO Laura Alber: ‘I do not believe Amazon is killing retailers’ by Johana Bhuiyan at Recode. “I believe retailers’ bad service is killing retailers. And I think because of that you might not go to the malls as much as you used to.” Read more

 

Blue Apron CEO Matt Salzberg: We’re not Amazon-Whole Foods, and we’re not trying to be by Tony Romm at Recode.”It’s crazy to think people are all going to get their food in the same way or consume one brand of food for everything they eat all day long.” Read more/Video

 

Chocolate industry drives rainforest disaster in Ivory Coast by Ruth Maclean at The Guardian. “The Guardian travelled across Ivory Coast and documented rainforests cleared for cocoa plantation; villages and farmers occupying supposedly protected national parks; enforcement officials taking kickbacks for turning a blind eye to infractions and trading middlemen who supply the big brands indifferent to the provenance of beans.” Read more

 

Minnesota Governor’s call for ‘restrained’ bid for Amazon HQ draws protests by Evan Ramstad & Nicole Norfleet at Star Tribune. “Target Corp. and Best Buy Co. have emerged as complicating factors in Minnesota’s effort to attract Amazon Inc.’s second headquarters, but some Twin Cities tech leaders say the state’s economic future shouldn’t be handcuffed by the two homegrown firms.” Read more

 

The federal government is worried some refrigerators and coffee pots could pose a national security risk by Shaun Boyd at CBS 4 Denver. “Colorado’s U.S. Senator Cory Gardner among a bi-partisan group of senators who are sponsoring legislation to secure the so-called Internet of Things – everyday devices that are embedded with computer chips and sensors. Gardner says those devices can be used as weapons of mass disruption.” Read more

 

Here’s What P&G Has Learned Since Demanding Advertising Transparency 9 Months Ago by Lauren Johnson at Adweek. “Pritchard presented a look at his five-point program during the closing keynote of Dmexco, restating that the program is about 60 percent complete…“The reality is that in 2017, the bloom came off the rose for digital media,” Pritchard said. “The reason is the substantial waste in what has become a murky, nontransparent, even fraudulent media-supply chain.” Read more

 

Target plans to hire 100,000 workers for the 2017 holidays, up 40% from last year at CNBC. Read more

 

Hundreds of frenzied shoppers flock to Aldi and clear shelves within one hour after it launches its homewares range by San Duncan at Daily Mail. “John was hoping to buy two but ended up with only one despite showing up half an hour before doors opened. ‘It was pretty crazy … too many people … people were grabbing things and putting them aside for their friends,’ he said.” Read more

 

Ex-Googlers’ ‘Bro-dega’ startup slammed for going after mom-and-pop corner stores by Ethan Baron at Mercury News. “Several people noted that the startup takes as its logo the cat, a feature of many authentic bodegas that will be absent from the ex-Googlers’ high-tech version. “Trying to destroy bodegas with a startup called ‘Bodega’ that has a bodega cat logo is… just awful,” tech entrepreneur Anil Dash tweeted.” Read more

 

LaCroix Fizzy Water Is Everyone’s Favorite. Nobody Knows What’s In It by Rob Copeland at Wall Street Journal. “Ask LaCroix executives for a definition of essence and you may receive something short of a clear response. “Essence is our picture word,” LaCroix spokesman Rod Liddle said in a written response to questions.” Read more (subs.)

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Amazon $2 Billion Tax Fraud Controversy

Crazed woman ‘bathes’ in fresh produce at Kroger store

Brooklyn’s pizza-lacking pizza festival to refund tickets to all customers

Canadian lifestyle retailer Roots files for IPO

Billboard truck buzzes Amazon’s towers in protest of working conditions for Prime Air pilots

Kroger drops private brand lawsuit against Lidl

Alice Walton forms Art Bridges foundation, seeks to increase access to American art

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

***

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 Consolidates | Target Teams w/Joanna | Nstrom Nears Deal | Pirch Closes More

/in

 

Wal-Mart Is Simplifying Its Sprawling U.S. Store Operations by Matthew Boyle at Bloomberg. “According to a person familiar with the overhaul, the retailer will consolidate its U.S. business to four divisions, down from six…The number of U.S. regions will be reduced from 44 to 36, according to the person…Wal-Mart was already operating with only five divisional chiefs.” Read more

 

Nordstrom family nears deal with Leonard Green in bid to take department store private at CNBC. “Nordstrom family members are close to choosing private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners to help fund a buyout of the eponymous department store, people familiar with the matter said Tuesday. Leonard Green would provide the Nordstrom family members with roughly $1 billion in equity to help fund the deal, the sources said.” Read more

 

…Nordstrom take-private move has 50% chance of success: source by Josh Kosman & Lisa Fickenscher at NY Post. “It’s impressive that the Nordstrom principals would want to double down on their business model when that model is being questioned,” Triangle Capital partner Richard Kestenbaum said.” Read more

 

Pirch, the Chain Cited as a Retail Savior, Will Shut Most Stores by Lindsey Rupp at Bloomberg. “Pirch, a high-end appliance and kitchen chain that’s been lauded for its innovative retail experiences, is planning to shutter most of its locations as it overhauls operations. The business, known for its in-store chefs and try-before-you-buy ethos, is refocusing on its profitable stores in California, a representative said in an emailed statement.” Read more

 

Bloomberg: Amazon Weighs Boston in Search for Second Headquarters by Taylor Soper at GeekWire. “While other cities may ultimately win out, Boston is being considered for its proximity to Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an airport with nonstop flights to Seattle and Washington, D.C., and a lower cost of living than many other big cities, said the person, who requested anonymity to discuss an internal matter.” Read more

 

…AMAZON: “BLOOMBERG IS INCORRECT” – “Bloomberg is incorrect – there are no front-runners at this point. We’re just getting started & every city is on equal playing field.” Tweet 

 

Neiman Marcus Is Closing More Than 25% of Its Outlet Stores by Phil Wahba at Fortune. “…closing 10 of its 38 Last Call outlet discount stores, the better to focus on its highest-end locations.” Read more

 

Target teams up with HGTV’s ‘Fixer Upper’ hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines by Kavita Kumar at Star Tribune. “The partnership was announced Tuesday afternoon to more than 12,000 Target employees attending the Minneapolis-based retailer’s fall national meeting. The couple behind the show “Fixer Upper” appeared on stage at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul to relay the news. The new brand, Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, will be exclusive to Target. It will launch Nov. 5 and will be a multiple-year partnership.” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

**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

 

Groupon hires ex-Peapod leader by Lewis Lazare at Chicago Business Journal. “In her new role at Groupon, (Jennifer) Carr-Smith will lead Groupon’s local business, including key categories such as health, beauty & wellness, things to do and food & drink.” Read more

 

Startup Happy Returns is building a nationwide network of return points inside malls and mom-and-pop stores by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “To help fund the expansion of their returns network, Happy Returns recently raised a $4 million Series A led by Upfront Ventures. The venture firm’s partner Greg Bettinelli has joined the startup’s board, as has Bonobos co-founder and former Trunk Club CEO Brian Spaly.” Read more

 

What’s the secret to Apple’s brand? Boiled down to one word, it’s sex. by Eric Johnson at Recode. “You’re either appealing to the brain, the heart or the genitals, and as you move down the torso, the margins get better, because the decision-making becomes more irrational,” Galloway said. “Ideally, you want to be in the business of appealing to people’s sex organs.” Read more

 

rue21 gets court approval to exit bankruptcy by Suzette Parmley at Philly Inquirer. “The company currently operates 758 stores in 45 states in shopping malls, outlets, and strip centers, as well as online at rue21.com. It originally had 1,179 stores in 48 states.” Read more

 

Home Depot Holds Firm At #1 in Radio at Radio Ink Read more

 

Sears Canada pensioners still fighting for payout by Francine Kopun at Toronto Star. “There shall be no distributions to other creditors . . . prior to the final determination of the Wind Up Motion,” Hainey wrote in the order. There are approximately 18,000 retirees and beneficiaries who rely on receiving monthly pension benefits from the Sears Canada Plan, which is underfunded by about $270 million.” Read more

 

Former Home Depot Executive named new Fresh Market CEO by John Brasier at Triad Business Journal. Read more

 

Gap is undervalued with a ‘powerhouse’ in Old Navy, analyst says at CNBC. “Jefferies has named Gap one of its top “Franchise Picks,” pegging the stock with a buy rating and a higher price target of $39 per share, up from $35. Gap’s stock closed Tuesday at $27.61, up nearly 6.5 percent.” Read more

 

Legendary General Manager Retiring from Neiman Marcus Dallas Store by Natalie Gempel at Paper City. “After a 23-year tenure with Neiman Marcus, Malcolm Reuben, vice president, general manager, Neiman Marcus NorthPark is retiring. He will remain in his role through the holiday season, finishing out his career with the luxury store on December 24, 2017.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Researchers find hint of a link between flu vaccine and miscarriage

Apple suffers embarrassing demo Face ID fail at iPhone X launch

Christmas-themed pop-up bar Miracle coming to Denver

J.J. Abrams to Replace Colin Trevorrow as ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ Writer and Director

Schwan’s Co. invests $5M in baby meal delivery startup

Why did three sites pass on a story about an Amazon exec?

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

***

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: ‘1-Click’ Expires | Pet-Store Outbreak | Irma Misfire | China -3.5 Years

/in

 

Amazon’s ‘1-Click’ patent expires today by Monica Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “Amazon won the patent back in 1997 when the nascent company was still just an online book retailer.” Read more

 

Home-Improvement Retailers Scramble to Restock in Florida by Sarah Nassauer at Wall Street Journal.”Lowe’s is deemed part of “restoration and recovery” in most U.S. states, a classification that lets its trucks drive into storm-struck areas before citizens, said Rick Neudorff, emergency command center operations manager for the Mooresville, N.C., retailer. “A good portion of my responsibility outside of storm response, when it’s slow, is to build a relationship with those people,” Mr. Neudorff said.” Read more (subs.)

 

Foot traffic at Whole Foods stores spiked by more than 25% over two days last week by Lisa Fickenscher at NY Post. “Online sales also soared last week when shoppers were able to purchase more than 2,000 Whole Foods items on Amazon.com, according to One Click Retail, which found that Amazon sold $500,000 worth of products via its Prime Pantry and Amazon Fresh venues.” Read more

 

Amazon’s Fake Review Problem Is Now Worse Than Ever by Emma Woollacott at Forbes. “The data is confirming everyone’s suspicions: reviews in the last few months are definitely looking more unnatural,” he says. “As you can see, in June, July and August 2017, the average review weight drops off considerably, meaning that we’re seeing a lot more suspicious reviews posted recently.” Review chart/Read more

 

Pet-store puppies linked to bacterial outbreak among people in 7 states by Karin Bulliard & Lena H. Sun at Washington Post. “Federal health officials said Monday that they are investigating a multistate outbreak of Campylobacter infections traced to puppies sold at Petland, a nationwide chain of about 80 pet stores. The bacteria, a common cause of diarrheal illness that can spread through contact with dog feces, has sickened at least 39 people.” Read more

 

There Will Be More Retail Stores Opening Than Closing In 2017 by Richard Kestenbaum at Forbes. Stores opening/closing charts

 

**A message from Fabe – 100% Made in Italy pillow prevents 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. Fabe Website | Retailers request samples at info@shiftmarketinggroup.net. Italy-America product connection

 

$150 Billion Misfire: How Forecasters Got Irma Damage So Wrong by Brian K. Sullivan at Bloomberg. “…something called the Bermuda High intervened and tripped it up. “We got very lucky,” said Jeff Masters, co-founder of Weather Underground in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If Irma had passed 20 miles west of Marco Island instead of striking it on Sunday.” Read more

 

Retailers turn in higher conversion rates during back-to-school shopping season by April Berthene at Internet Retailer. “Target increased its conversion the most month over month, by 16%, compared with 12% for Walmart.com.” Charts/Read more

 

Darkstore wants to be the ‘invisible retailer’ by Megan Rose Dickey at TechCrunch. “Darkstore, the on-demand fulfillment startup, recently partnered with T-Force Final Mile to expand to 33 additional markets across the nation…T-Force Final Mile is a last-mile delivery company that delivers items for IKEA, Office Depot and Amazon.” Read more

 

Facebook aims to transform retailers’ print catalogs into mobile ads by Zak Stambor at Internet Retailer. “Facebook says a “dozen or so” retailers have been testing the ad format, including J.Crew, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma. The social network plans to expand the format to businesses globally next month.” Read more

 

Foursquare Traveler Chain Loyalty “Walgreens customers choose Walgreens 63% of the time when traveling, and AM/PM customers choose AM/PM over other c-stores 40% of the time.” Download report

 

Living in China Takes 3½ Years Off Your Life by Te-Ping Chen at Wall Street Journal. “That is according to a new analysis by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, which also finds that in northeastern cities like Harbin, which are located in the country’s industrial heartland, that figure is as high as 6.9 years.” Read more (subs.)

 

U.S. News Ranks Best Colleges Full list

 

When people are stuck inside, this stock wins at CNBC. “Netflix always does well when people are shut in. It’s as much of a storm play as Amazon, which gets new Prime members when local stores are closed for inclement weather,” Cramer said.” Read more

 

Sports Drink Makers are Waging an $8 Billion Thirst War by Larissa Zimberoff at Bloomberg. Read more

 

The happiest state in the union is Minnesota via NY Post. “The runners-up were Utah, Hawaii, California, Nebraska and New Jersey. The unhappiest was West Virginia, followed by Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

San Diego legalizes marijuana cultivation, manufacturing

Last minute camping trip? This startup finds you a spot to pitch your tent

Swarm of gnats invades Philly

This Starbucks’ Frappuccino Is Exclusive to Target

Urban Outfitters is heading to Israel

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

***

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: WSJ Kirkland Signature Close-Up | Academy CEO Speaks | Nordstrom Local 10/3 | Dollar Shave Downer

/in

 

Wal-Mart pledges up to $30 million in hurricane relief efforts by Lauren Thomas at CNBC. “During the run of this campaign, customers can donate to the American Red Cross within Wal-Mart and Sam’s Clubs stores, or online. For every $1 given, Wal-Mart will contribute $2, or product of equal value, the company said. Donations will be accepted through Sept. 16.” Read more

 

Nordstrom Tries On a New Look: Stores Without Merchandise by Suzanne Kapner at Wall Street Journal. “Nordstrom Local, scheduled to open Oct. 3 in West Hollywood, Calif., will span 3,000 square feet, far less than the 140,000 square feet of one of Nordstrom’s standard department stores. It will contain eight dressing rooms, where shoppers can try on clothes and accessories, though the store won’t stock them. Instead, personal stylists will retrieve goods from nine Nordstrom locations in Los Angeles, or through its website.” Read more (subs.)

 

How Kirkland Signature Became One of Costco’s Biggest Success Stories by Sarah Nassauer at Wall Street Journal. “When considering a new store-brand offering, Costco looks for products that are top sellers and can be sold for at least 20% less than branded versions without eroding profit or quality…Before developing a Kirkland product, Costco usually gives a brand-name supplier the chance to make the Kirkland version, too, say company executives.” Read more (subs.)

 

Academy Sports CEO: Retail is hard but rewarding, good fit for the intellectually curious by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “Speaking at his alma mater…, J.K. Symancyk told University of Arkansas students he never set out for a career in retail. James Kevin Symancyk grew up in Little Rock, majored in theater at the UA and planned to go to law school after graduating in 1994.” Read more

 

Dollar Shave Club succeeded with razors, but the rest of the bathroom is a challenge by Paresh Dave at LA Times via Star Tribune. “Newer products haven’t taken off. Mostly priced at $5 to $10, the products include moist wipes, cream, hair gel, body wash and shave butter….Dollar Shave Club is on track to launch oral care products this year, Dubin said. But he noted the company is behind on plans for antiperspirant and deodorant, saying, “You have to get things right from efficacy to safety.” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

Best Buy Drops This Popular Antivirus Software Because of Russia Hacking Fears at Fortune. “…pulling Kaspersky Lab’s cyber security products from its shelves and website, amid concerns that the Moscow-based firm may be vulnerable to Russian government influence.” Read more

 

**A message from the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show – Wednesday is Showtime! Browse 1,300+ booths filled with the latest introductions from every major souvenir and resort supplier. New for 2017, the show welcomes even more made in America products, a new Boardwalk section and a special spotlight on Gourmet gifts. September 13-16, 2017. Register Now | Exhibitor List

 

New York Times story says Denver best choice for Amazon’s second headquarters via Denver Post. “After finally considering Boston and Washington D.C., the Times people arrived at Denver as the obvious choice.” Read more

 

Fortune: 100 Fastest Growing Companies (Amazon #9) Full list

 

Kraft Heinz new CFO is 29 year old by Paul J. Gough at Pittsburgh Business Times. “Basilio will be replaced as CFO and executive vice president by David Knopf, 29, who is vice president in charge of its Planters business.” Read more

 

Jeff Bezos invests in Russell Wilson’s new startup by Taylor Soper at GeekWire. “TraceMe is an app that aims to connect “superfans” with celebrities, offering daily exclusive behind-the-scenes content from your favorite athlete, artist, actor, or other influential person.” Read more

 

Blue Apron’s second-largest investor sells its stake in the meal-kit delivery service at Internet Retailer. “(Capital World Investors) reported a 12.9% stake as of June 30, which had made it Blue Apron’s second largest investor, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.” Read more

 

Target to slash prices on thousands of items, sending shares tumbling at CNBC. “Target said it hasn’t ditched promotions entirely, but instead will focus on only the most “compelling” sales. The big-box retailer has now eliminated more than two-thirds of its price and offer “call-outs” in stores, so big savings will be easier for shoppers to spot.” Read more

 

Retail mashups bring experiences such as getting a tattoo and shopping together by Charisse Jones at USA Today. “A lot of times, we look at it with the opposite intention,” Joy Lewis, Patagonia’s director of retail, said of the chain’s events, which include panel discussions. The stores think about “how can we take our familiar customers and expose them to new things, like environmental actions in their backyard?” Read more

 

Bud Light’s NFL Beer Glasses Light Up After Touchdowns by E.J. Schultz’s at Ad Age. “The gimmick is reminiscent of the “Budweiser Red Lights” program the brewer has run in Canada in which consumers can buy WiFi-connected red lights for their home that illuminate every time a fan’s favorite hockey team scores.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

California bans weed delivery by drone

Union parks ‘Trump & Walmart Make America Worse’ bus at Penn State

Ex-employees allege Macy’s profiles Asian customers: suit

Penn State students get visit from Amazon’s Brian Olsavsky

Dollarama testing self-checkout as it adjusts to minimum wage increases

NFL apologizes for Mexico earthquake tweet

Apple’s Top New Phone to Be Called ‘iPhone X,’ Code Leaks Show

How Diamonds Fund Zimbabwe’s Secret Police

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

***

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: Kroger +0.7% | How Roz Got the Job | Kroger’s 1st Restaurant | H.Dep Hires Zac Brown | B.Pro/Cabela’s OK’d

/in

 

Kroger Q2 comp sales (no fuel) +0.7% “Total sales increased 3.9% to $27.6 billion in the second quarter compared to $26.6 billion for the same period last year. Total sales, excluding fuel, increased 3.8% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year.” Press release

 

How Rosalind Brewer, Starbucks’ First Woman COO, Got the Job by Beth Kowitt at Fortune. “It was the end of 2016 and she was running Sam’s Club, Walmart’s warehouse club division. Starbucks’ chief executive Howard Schultz was visiting the retailing giant’s Bentonville headquarters for a panel discussion with Walmart CEO Doug McMillon. But at the last minute, McMillon had to cancel so Brewer stepped in. She and Schultz “were probably on stage for about 90 minutes,” she tells Fortune. “We just hit it off.” Read more

 

50 World-Changing Companies (Walmart #7, Ikea #32) at Fortune. Full list

 

J. Crew’s Chief Designer Departs While New CEO Tries to Revive Chain by Lindsey Rupp & Kim Bhasin at Bloomberg. “Chief Design Officer Somsack Sikhounmuong is leaving the company after 16 years with the Madewell and J. Crew labels, said Margot Fooshee, a spokeswoman for the company.” Read more

 

Home Depot enlists Zac Brown for veterans concert by Phil W. Hudson at Atlanta Business Chronicle. “More than 125 veterans attended a private Zac Brown concert Sept. 7 at his Camp Southern Ground in Fayetteville, Ga., to launch The Home Depot Foundation’s seventh-annual Celebration of Service campaign.” Pics/Read more

 

Here’s your first look at Kroger’s new restaurant concept, Kitchen 1883 by Dan Monk a WCPO 9 Cincinnati. “Kitchen 1883 is “a fresh new take on American comfort food,” according to descriptions for online job postings. It will “feature a made from scratch menu, hand crafted cocktails and a family friendly atmosphere.” Kroger officials declined to comment on the venture, but a sign on the front door of said it will begin serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch in October.” Pic/Read more

 

Federal Reserve clears the way for Bass Pro, Cabela’s merger by Josh Kosman at NY Post. “The unexpected move sent shares of Cabela’s up 14 percent in early trading, to $60.78 — just under the $61.50-per-share price Bass Pro is set to pay in the takeover deal. At issue was Cabela’s sale of its credit card business to Synovus Bank. With the Fed’s approval of the credit card sale, the Bass Pro-Cabela’s deal is expected to close on or soon after Sept. 21.” Read more

 

**A message from Pirola – Made in Italy – Designer ironing boards add style to any home. Exclusively made in Italy for 45 years, these high-quality boards bring design and excitement to the category. Custom colors and designs available. Website | Retailers: request samples at info@shiftmarketinggroup.net. Italy to U.S. product connection

 

‘It’s never too late to say we’re sorry’: Seattle leaders respond to Amazon plans to establish second HQ outside its hometown by Monika Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “Amazon’s decision to spread its headquarters across two cities may have something to do with growing tension between the company and some of Seattle’s lawmakers and longtime residents.” Read more

 

99 Cents Only Stores Q2 comp sales +9.0% Press release

 

Why Amazon’s plan to build a second headquarters could be a ‘marketing ploy’ by Eugene Kim at CNBC. “But the academics noted most of Amazon’s executive team will remain in Seattle. “I think the name ‘headquarters’ is a little bit of a marketing ploy. I mean they just want to have a big office in another city,” Felipe Caro, a professor at UCLA’s school of management, told CNBC.” Read more

 

Dollarama Q2 comp sales +6.1% Press release

 

Zappos and Walmart outpace the competition when it comes to back-to-school search marketing by Zak Stambor at Internet Retailer. “(Zappos) generated 8.3% of total text ad clicks on back-to-school keywords from July 29 through Aug. 27. Walmart garnered 8.6% of Product Listing Ad clicks.” Read more

 

CVS Pharmacy Introduces of Health and Wellness Vending Machines “…stocked with convenient, on-the-go necessities including over-the-counter health products, “better-for-you” snacks and popular personal care products.” Press release

 

Amazon was tricked by a fake law firm into removing a hot product, costing this seller $200,000 by Eugene Kim at CNBC. “An Amazon merchant said his hottest product was kicked off Amazon because of a complaint made by a fake law firm. The seller put in an appeal last month but couldn’t get it resolved until Tuesday, after losing about $200,000 in sales.” Read more

 

Postmates expands Unlimited, a Prime-style subscription service, to 250k merchants by Ingrid Lunden at TechCrunch. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Houston councilman tells residents not to donate to Red Cross

Ex-Amazon employee pleads guilty on insider trading charges

Amazon’s New Headquarters Could End Up North or South of the Border

JCPenney plans to double size of Houston staff in wake of Harvey

Solve For Food secures investor for new food innovation center in NW Arkansas

Trump administration sides with baker who refused to make wedding cake for gay couple

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

***

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: Amazon’s 2nd HQ | H.Depot Plywood Fight | NRF Adjusts | RH +7%

/in

 

Amazon to build second HQ in North America, seeks proposals from cities for $5B campus with up to 50K jobs, ‘full equal’ to Seattle operations by Todd Bishop at GeekWire. “The company just announced the plan for what it’s calling “HQ2” inviting states and local governments to pitch the company on bringing the new headquarters to their community.” Read more | Press release

 

Home Depot Taps Up Google Home for Voice Ordering by Phil Wahba at Fortune. “Last month, Walmart made a similar announcement, hoping to catch up to Amazon’s Alexa capability on its Echo devices and offer a service many competitors do. Other retailers also using Google Assistant include Target and Costco Wholesale.” Read more

 

Toys R Us hires law firm as it explores possible bankruptcy filing by Lauren Hirsch at CNBC. “Toys R Us has hired a law firm to help restructure its roughly $400 million in debt due in 2018, a move that could include the marquee toy store filing for bankruptcy protection, sources familiar with the situation said Wednesday.” Read more

 

NRF adjusted its forecast for retail sales for 2017, saying sales are now expected to increase between 3.2 percent and 3.8 percent rather than 3.7– 4.2 percent Press release

 

H-E-B CEO to make $5 million donation to J.J. Watt’s Hurricane Harvey relief fund at Houston Chronicle. Read more

 

Restoration Hardware Q2 comp brand revenue +7.0% (vs. -3.0% LY) Press release

 

Over the next three years, GAP expects to add about about 270 Old Navy, Athleta and value expressions across the portfolio, and close about 200 Gap and Banana Republic locations. Press release

 

…Gap’s Athleta growth bet begins by wooing girls and their moms by Lauren Thomas at CNBC. “”[Athleta Girl] stands a chance and will be aided by the fact that Lululemon has pulled back from its Ivivva girls concept,” GlobalData Retail Managing Director Neil Saunders told CNBC in an interview. “Having an offer integrated into the main Athleta store is more viable than operating stand-alone stores.” Read more

 

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

 

Staples votes to go private by Donna Goodison at Boston Herald. “Staples Inc. stockholders yesterday overwhelmingly approved the proposed $6.9 billion sale of the nation’s No. 1 office supplies chain to New York private equity firm Sycamore Partners, but rejected “golden parachute” compensation for top Staples executives.” Read more

 

More Shoppers Head to Whole Foods After Amazon Merger by Heather Haddon & Laura Stevens at Wall Street Journal. “Several Whole Foods employees said they have noticed an increase in sales at their respective stores since the merger, beyond the expected back-to-school rush. A J.P. Morgan & Chase Co. analysis of four days of car traffic to Whole Foods stores found visits were up.” Read more (subs.)

 

Wal-Mart pledges $250,000 to Girls Who Code by Jeff Della Rosa at Talk Business. “In a Walmart.com blog, Fiona Tan, senior vice president of Customer Technology at Walmart Labs, said the retailer’s contribution to Girls Who Code will help the organization reach its goal of growing from 1,000 clubs to 3,600 clubs in all 50 states.” Read more

 

Ex-Rite Aid CEO Named GNC CEO Press release

 

Rent-A-Center execs accused of using company jet for personal trips by Carleton English at NY Post. “Of the 83 flights tracked by ADSBexchange since June 20, 2016, 41 occurred during weekends — often to Grand Rapids, Mich., and Vail, Colo., near where Speese is said to have vacation homes.” Read more

 

Sears Hometown And Outlet Stores Q2 comp sales -2.1% Press release

 

Target to roll out exclusive K-beauty brand, growing its makeup offerings by Lauren Thomas at CNBC. “K-Beauty is one of the fastest growing categories in premium skincare at Target,” Mark Tritton, Target’s chief merchandising officer, said in a press release.” Read more

 

Starbucks Names Rosalind Brewer Group President and Chief Operating Officer Press release

 

Walmart to Open 1,000th Online Grocery Pickup Location (in Seattle) “In Seattle, the company will be giving away Google Home devices to the first 250 Online Grocery customers in the market.” Press release

 

Alimentation Couche-Tard Q1 comp merch revenue +1.4% in U.S. Press release

 

IRMA PLYWOOD BATTLE – Home Depot customer attacked in plywood dispute during Hurricane Irma preps at ABC 10 News. “A fight broke out Tuesday night at a Home Depot store in North Miami as customers sparred about plywood during Hurricane Irma preparations. There were long lines and limited materials at the store as South Florida residents scrambled to stock up on hurricane supplies.” Video/Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Apple, Amazon Join Race for James Bond Film Rights

Starbucks drive-thru causing backups on busy St.Paul road

Shoplifting ring that stole $20M in clothing from San Diego to Schaumburg busted

Amazon under fire for alleged price gouging days before Hurricane Irma

After 46 Years, Mattel Redesigned Uno For Color-Blind People

Al Roker rips Rush Limbaugh for Hurricane Irma conspiracy theories

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

***

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