Tipsheet: Sinegal Says Goodbye | WM Eyes Flipkart | Amazon Poach H.Depot?

 

Costco co-founder Sinegal bids goodbye at shareholder gathering by Benjamin Romano at Seattle Times. “One of my sons and I own a vineyard down in Napa Valley, and I take care of my own personal investments, so I’ve got a lot to keep me busy,” (Sinegal) added.” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

Wal-Mart updates suppliers on new OTIF requirements by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “An estimated 4,000 Wal-Mart suppliers are in Bentonville this week at the retailer’s annual Supplier Growth Forum…Suppliers, in town for Tuesday and Wednesday meetings, were told the new threshold for OTIF deliveries for full truckload shipments is moving from 75% to 85% by April.” Read more

 

Walmart in talks to buy a significant minority stake in Flipkart at Economic Times. “Doug McMillon led a delegation that visited Flipkart’s Bengaluru office early last week as part of this exercise, said the people…The other members of the team included Walmart ecommerce CEO Marc Lore…and Judith McKenna.” Read more

 

Walgreens to pay $2M to settle suit over expired baby food, drugs in California via Chicago Tribune. Read more (tiered subs.)

 

Warby Parker unveils pilot program for kids in New York City by Anthony Noto at New York Business Journal. “New children’s glasses will be available for a limited time only and sold exclusively at Warby Parker’s eight New York stores.” Read more

 

Lobbying’s Top 50 (Amazon #17, NRF #19) at The Hill. List

 

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Metro announces increase in automation to combat minimum-wage hikes via Toronto Star. “Metro says it will run a scan-and-go pilot project at an undisclosed Quebec store, despite some past reliability problems….will also add more self-checkout machines, particularly in Ontario where the minimum wage was increased to $14 an hour and is projected to rise to $15 next January.” Read more

 

Office Depot unveils market makeover of 14 stores in Austin including a flagship location – “BizBox: Powered by Office Depot” Press release

 

Amazon, Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor’s Employee by Lauren Weber & Laura Stevens at Wall Street Journal. “Some executives at companies in the Atlanta area, including UPS and Home Depot, are voicing concerns about the impact on the local job markets, according to people familiar with the matter…A Home Depot spokesman said the company is primarily concerned about whether Amazon will receive higher tax incentives than the norm.” Read more (subs.)

 

Kroger Names Steve McKinney Senior Vice President of Retail Divisions, Monica Garnes President of Fry’s Division Press release

 

Amazon’s Treasure Truck rolling up to Whole Foods stores by Nat Levy at GeekWire. Read more

 

H&M to open fewer stores in 2018 via CNBC. “H&M said it planned a net addition of about 220 stores in 2018, compared with 388 in 2017. Breaking down that figure, H&M plans to open about 390 new stores and close about 170, entering Uruguay and Ukraine for the first time.” Read more

 

Petco acquires pet insurance marketplace PetInsuranceQuotes.com Press release

 

New Starbucks COO Rosalind Brewer will have an annual base salary of $1 million and also receive a $1 million cash signing bonus as well as $7 million in sign-on equity by Ashley Stewart at Puget Sound Business Journal. Read more

 

Amazon is experimenting with its own QR code style ‘SmileCodes’ by Greg Kumparak at TechCrunch. “Amazon has apparently been testing these codes in pop-up shops and Amazon Lockers (pictured above) in Europe for a few weeks now, but the company says these codes will make their U.S. debut in a few different magazines (Cosmopolitan and Seventeen) come February.” Read more

 

NFL players to visit Target HQ as part of Super Bowl Festivities by Liz Mullen at Sports Business Journal. Read more (subs.)

 

Amazon is “likely to become the largest clothing seller in the U.S. by the end of 2018.” That title is now held by Macy’s at WWD. Read more

 

Stein Mart to ‘explore strategic alternatives’ as its sales wane at CNBC. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

150 Best Bars in America for 2018

Philly enlisting McKinsey in quest for Amazon HQ2

Alexa can now send text messages to smartphones via voice command

77 unauthorized immigrants found in UPS truck near border

Harley-Davidson plant closing catches KC officials off guard

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

 

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Tipsheet: WM Tightens Deliv Window/Loosens OSCA | Amazon/Berkshire Team | $36 Guac in MN

 

Amazon, Berkshire, JPM team up for cheaper employee healthcare at Reuters. “The ballooning costs of healthcare act as a hungry tapeworm on the American economy,” said Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO, Warren Buffett. “Our group does not come to this problem with answers. But we also do not accept it as inevitable.” Read more

 

…UnitedHealth, CVS plunge at CNBC. “Analyst at Leerink Partners: “It is unclear if this means Amazon will accelerate its entry into the pharmacy supply chain, though the quest for transparency…would point to a more transformative effort by the new entity.” Read more

 

Walmart to share inventory data with suppliers at Fox Business. “Walmart, said its On Shelf Customer Availability (OSCA) data, which was only accessible internally, will be shared at the Supplier Growth Forum, a two-day event at Walmart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, on Tuesday and Wednesday.” Read more

 

Wal-Mart Tightens Delivery Windows for Suppliers by Sarah Nassauer & Jennifer Smith at Wall Street Journal. “…large suppliers need to deliver full orders within a specified one- or two-day window 85% of the time or face a fine of 3% of the cost of delayed goods, said Steve Bratspies chief merchandising officer for Wal-Mart U.S., in an interview Monday. Previously, suppliers had to hit a 75% threshold to avoid fines. For smaller suppliers the on-time threshold will move to 50%, up from 33%. The change will take effect in April.” Read more (subs.) | Fox article

 

Amazon has a new invite-only program that could solve its growing warehouse congestion problem at CNBC. “Amazon described the new service, called FBA Onsite, as a “groundbreaking” program that combines the best parts of its existing fulfillment programs and brings down shipping rates, according to an invitation that was sent to sellers and viewed by CNBC.” Read more

 

Target Gets In The Middle Of It All During Grammys by Steve Olenski at Forbes. “As to why this particular song made such a good fit Gomez says it was in part due to the fact that the song brings together incredibly talented artists, blending their genres to create a sound that fans of all types of music will love. He also says there was a subliminal reason too saying the the middle is exactly where you land when you hit the center of the Target bullseye.” Read more

 

**A message from 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo – Be first to market with the newest candy and snack products!  Nominees chosen for Innovative Awards go on to enjoy sweet success – see the 2017 Innovation Winners. Put yourself in the center of the single largest gathering of confectionery & snack companies under one roof – schedule your trip now! Chicago, May 22-24, 2018. Website | Exhibitors

 

FBA ONSITE – Amazon Expands Delivery Trial That Could Hurt FedEx, UPS by Spencer Soper at Bloomberg. “The trial pushes Amazon’s logistical reach beyond its own facilities and into those of its merchants…Amazon is enticing the sellers who use the company’s online marketplace with lower delivery costs, logistics software, warehouse inspections and recommendations.” Read more

 

Winco opens third Waremart store “While smaller than a typical WinCo, the 40,000 sq. ft. store is designed specifically for markets like Keizer.” Press release

 

‘The plants look happy’: Jeff Bezos, with help from Amazon’s Alexa, opens ‘remarkable’ Spheres by Kurt Schlosser at GeekWire. “Get a chance to walk around and enjoy yourselves,” Bezos said. “This is a remarkable environment.” And the Amazon founder did just that, as he was joined by his wife and other family members for a guided tour of the facility that was five years in the making.” Pics/Read more

 

Revlon CEO Steps Down as Losses Mount at Cosmetics Company at Bloomberg. “Some investors and researchers have raised the notion of Revlon doing a J. Crew-style debt makeover…Revlon Chief Financial Officer Chris Peterson sought to tamp down those concerns on Monday. “A material asset transfer is not being considered,” he said in the statement.” Read more

 

Struggling Bon-Ton Stores details turnaround plans by Paul Gores at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Bon-Ton already has said it expects to close at least 40 stores in 2018. The turnaround plan puts the number at 42, and potentially three more, including a clearance center. The stores marked to close typically have had weak financial performances and are located in dying malls, the plan says. The plan does not identify the stores likely to close.” Read more

 

To Get Anything Done, Georgia Politicians Say, ‘Do It for Amazon’ by Cameron McWhirter & Laura Stevens at Wall Street Journal. “From a religious-freedom bill to a proposed English-only constitutional amendment, Georgia politicians and advocates are invoking Amazon’s name. The prospect of luring the retailer here is being used as political ammunition…” Read more (subs.)

 

Mom sues Walmart over ‘segregated’ beauty products by Joshua Rhett Miller at NY Post. “In contrast, beauty products for other races were readily available and not kept behind glass partitions, according to Grundy and her attorney, Gloria Allred.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Joanna Gaines won’t get $150K an hour for deposition

Minneapolis restaurant pulls Super Bowl menu after firestorm over $36 guacamole (tiered subs.)

19 US travelers to Cuba report symptoms similar to those suffered by diplomats

Gap Is Trying Really Hard Not To Screw Up Its Logo Again

Community leaders push Walmart to donate closed Sam’s Club building

Panera launching ‘clean’ consulting business

Americans are saving energy because fewer people go outside

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Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 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

 

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Tipsheet: Casey’s Eyes Kroger C-stores | Bezos in S.Bowl Ad | Grocery Online Quicker

 

Casey’s explores buying Kroger convenience stores valued at $2 billion amid pressure from activists at CNBC. “JCP Investment Management in January called for the Ankeny, Iowa-based convenience store operator to explore strategic alternatives, including a potential sale. Buying Kroger’s convenience-store business could stave off pressure to sell, sources say.” Read more

 

Why a new trucking regulation is driving up the cost of produce by Greg Trotter at Chicago Tribune. “For Pete’s Fresh Market, a 12-store grocery chain in the Chicago area, truckloads of produce from Mexico have roughly doubled in cost since the new devices were mandated — from about $2,400 for 40,000 pounds of produce to more than $5,000, said produce buyer Kenneth Moore.” Read more

 

First Look Inside the Amazon Spheres – Set to Open this Week by Kurt Schlosser at GeekWire. Video/Pics/Read more

 

By Shrinking, Can Sam’s Club Keep Up With Costco? by Sarah Nassauer at Wall Street Journal. “Sam’s Club closed all its stores in Costco’s home state of Washington…Sam’s Club is reviewing its store assortment with the new shopper focus in mind, Mr. Furner said. The review likely will lead to fewer products such as bulk candy that are resold by convenience stores and more household goods, he said.” Read more (subs.)

 

Ikea founder dies aged 91 – despite his wealth he wore second hand clothes and drove 15-year-old car at Daily Mail. Read more

 

**A message from Real Coconut Water: Experts in coconut water for over 15 years! Branded & PL supplier to leading grocers. Organic & Natural options available. Consumers love the sweeter taste – you’ll love our price! Sell sheet | Website | Request samples: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Outdoor gear sales slip as millennials drive shift in habits by Dan Elliot at AP via ABC News. “Millennials are less likely than the previous generation to demand outdoor gear that stands up to extreme conditions, said Matt Powell, NPD’s senior adviser for the sports industry…“The hardest, the most extreme condition some of these boots are going to have is walking from the Prius to the craft brewery,” he said.” Read more

 

Be wary of rivals’ offers on Sears Canada warranties, say experts by Tara Deschamps at The Canadian Press via Toronto Star. “DirectBuy purchased Sears Canada’s warranty customer lists and millions of dollars of parts to repair their products, but will only cover repairs if consumers buy a DirectBuy membership.” Read more

 

Apple Is Reportedly Cutting Its iPhone X Production Target By 50% via Fortune. Read more

 

Kara Swisher/MSNBC interview Google CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki at Recode. “AI is one of the most important things humanity is working on. It’s more profound than, I don’t know, electricity or fire,” Pichai told Swisher and Melber.” Video/Read more

 

Wawa Wins Ex-Worker’s ‘Speak English’ Discrimination Suit by Michael Phillis at Law 360 Read more (subs.)

 

Watch Jeff Bezos Make a Cameo in Amazon’s Super Bowl Teaser by Dan Frommer at Recode. “In a teaser posted to YouTube, Amazon asks: “Sounds like Alexa might have lost her voice, but who could possibly replace her?” Video/Read more

 

Dollar General encourages new suppliers to apply to attend its inaugural Innovation and Supplier Diversity Summit in April 2018 Press release

 

Grocery shoppers could move online twice as fast as originally anticipated at CNBC. “According to projections, 70 percent of shoppers will be buying some portion of their groceries online within five to seven years.” Read more

 

Keurig to buy Dr Pepper Snapple to form beverage giant at Reuters. Read more

 

Staples taps former Coca-Cola exec as CEO at CNBC. “Staples’ Chief Executive Officer Shira Goodman is departing the company, to be replaced by J. Alexander Douglas.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Casinos Bet on Smoothie Slots, Desperate to Lure Millennials

Social media has ‘peaked’ in politics, NBC’s Chuck Todd says

Grammys president: Women need to ‘step up’ after men sweep this year’s awards

Ex-Packer QB Brett Favre sued for $16M for failed athletic social media startup

U.S. soldiers are revealing sensitive and dangerous information by jogging (tiered subs.)

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

 

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Tipsheet: Bezos/Boxed Chat | Jet Pres Bolts | Bass Pro ‘Polarizing’ | WM Sharp Knife

 

Amazon met with Boxed CEO to discuss acquisition: source by Lisa Fickenscher at NY Post. “Jeff Bezos’ e-commerce giant invited Boxed founder and Chief Executive Chief Huang to Amazon’s Seattle headquarters on Wednesday to discuss an acquisition of the four-year-old company, a source with knowledge of the trip and discussions told The Post.” Read more

 

…In the last two weeks, Kroger made an offer for Boxed — that was in the $300 million to $400 million range, according to sources. That offer was rejected, sources said. Read more

 

Wal-Mart Job Cuts Rise to 1,000 in Company’s Latest Shake-Up by Matthew Boyle at Bloomberg. “A second phase of cutbacks will come in 2019, when some buildings are consolidated to make way for the company’s new corporate headquarters. Under 500 positions will be part of that wave, Wal-Mart said.” Read more

 

…Wal-Mart closing distribution centers in Bentonville, Fort Smith by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “The Fort Smith operation employs less than 100 workers. Jobs at the return center in Bentonville (serving Walmart and Sam’s Club) will also be eliminated when that operation is spread among five other return centers across the U.S. in the next year.” Read more

 

Jet.com’s president is leaving just 18 months after the $3 billion Walmart acquisition by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “Landsman is now leaving for a new role at another company, which she saw as too good to pass up, according to a person familiar with the decision. Her new role could not be learned.” Read more

 

HEB using augmented reality tech to speed up warehouse work by Kristen Mosbrucker at San Antonio Business Journal. “The project with Vuzix Corp. involved HEB employees wearing augmented reality glasses to read instructions or training materials without the need for a separate computer terminal.” Read more

 

Ikea sees ‘massive opportunities’ with artificial intelligence and virtual reality at CNBC. “Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ikea, told CNBC: “(What) we haven’t been able to do before is to find easier ways to connect with people so digital opens up massive opportunities for us.” Read more

 

Walmart and Rakuten partner on grocery delivery in Japan, Kobo e-books and audiobooks in U.S. by Sarah Perez at TechCrunch. Read more

 

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Walgreens, Amazon and Kroger among top brands in “advertising effectiveness” for December 2018 by Tracey Greenstein at WWD. “For the print category, Kroger’s “Happy New Year” colorful ad earned a Reputation score of 152…And Aldi’s “Happy New Year” ad was most effective in the Free Standing Inserts category.” Read more

 

Billboard’s 2018 Power 100 List Revealed (Amazon Music VP #18) List

 

GOOD PEOPLE – Amazon worker’s misplaced keys helps raise awareness for boy’s rare disease by Donny Wong at Fox 7 Austin. “Kenneth says in an email to FOX 7 that “When I found out that I lost my keys I was crying like a baby. I was looking (for) the keys for like ever.” After getting connected, Kenneth learned about Roman…Kenneth swabbed and then others that were following the story also decided to do it as well.” Read more

 

Top 30 Most Polarizing Brands (Bass Pro #21, Cabela’s #26) at Morning Consult. List

 

…Walmart vs. Target: A Political Divide Among Shoppers “Walmart’s favorability leans Republican by 14 points, with a 69 percent net favorability, compared to 55 among Democrats. Target’s favorability, on the other hand, leans Democratic, by 18 points, with 71 percent net favorability compared to 53 percent among Republicans.” Read more

 

Home Depot hourly employees to receive up to $1,000 bonus due to tax reform at CNBC. Read more

 

Kroger’s Simple Truth Brand Reaches $2 Billion in Annual Sales Press release

 

China’s JD Prepares to Take on Amazon on Its Home Turf at Bloomberg. “JD.com Inc. is preparing to make its U.S. debut with a beachhead in Los Angeles…JD is in final-stage discussions to sell 15 percent of its logistics arm to Tencent Holdings Ltd.and other investors in an early fundraising round.” Read more

 

FOOD FIGHT – Nutella sale causes violence in supermarkets across France at CNBC. “One customer told French media that the customers were “like animals” and that a woman had her hair pulled, an elderly lady took a blow to her head, while yet another suffered a bloody hand.” Read more/Video

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

The NFL Isn’t the Only Divisive Sport in America

BP names new Gulf of Mexico president

Ex-Whole Foods co-CEO: Amazon buyout was ‘best way’ to preserve healthful mission

These publications have the most to lose from Facebook’s new algorithm changes

KFC Taps Reba McEntire to Play First Female Colonel Sanders

Amazon seeks patent for autonomous ground vehicle that picks up your packages

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Tipsheet: Sam’s Merchant Shuffle | Target Same-Day Blitz | Kroger/Alibaba Talk

 

Sam’s Club restructures merchant team by Matthew Boyle at Bloomberg. “A spokeswoman said the warehouse club retailer will consolidate what had been six buying roles into three: merchant, senior merchant and divisional merchandise manager. The reshuffle, effective Feb. 3, will not result in a loss of jobs. The idea is to give experienced employees a chance to select the most successful products, said spokeswoman Carrie McKnight.” Read more

 

Target Launches Same-Day Delivery in Florida “Beginning on February 1, 2018, Shipt will deliver from Target stores in Tampa and South Florida. On February 8, delivery from Target will be available in Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Gulf Shores, Jacksonville, Naples Sarasota, Orlando, Space Coast, St.Augustine, Tallahassee and Treasure Coast.” Press release

 

…Guests in Alabama and Florida will be Among the First to Shop Target with Same-Day Delivery at A Bullseye View. “John Mulligan, COO, Target. “And we’re not stopping there—we’ll keep expanding, with plans to offer Shipt’s services at nearly half our stores by the end of first quarter, and the majority of stores by the 2018 holiday season, making Target the first retailer to be able to offer same-day delivery in all major markets across the country.” Read more

 

More Wal-Mart job cuts announced with store, logistics changes; corporate layoffs in the works by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “Wal-Mart said reports of 3,500 positions being eliminated are not correct. The company is considering reducing co-manager positions per store based on sales revenue…Wal-Mart also is shuttering two of its Regional Operation Centers…Two centers in South Carolina and Utah will close this summer with operations consolidating to the remaining ROC locations in Grove, City, Ohio, and Bentonville.” Read more

 

Kroger & Alibaba had early business development talks including a meeting in which U.S. executives traveled to China at Reuters. Read more

 

Ulta Beauty accused of repackaging and reselling used makeup at Fox Business. “The beauty store released a statement to TODAY regarding the allegations, saying that used products are supposed to be thrown out. “We do not allow the resale of used or damaged products,” an Ulta Beauty spokesperson told TODAY.” Pics/Tweets/Read more

 

Albertsons is going to help companies test just how effective their digital ads are at CNBC. “…launching a new initiative with Quotient Technology to provide feedback on the impact of brands’ digital ads on sales in Albertsons stores. The platform, Albertsons Performance Media, will use shopping data to help brands better target their ads.” Read more

 

**A message from i-on – the handsink that reduces 99% of E-coli & Staph germs! Infused with Silver Ions to inhibit growth of millions of germs. Used in restaurants, hospitality, schools, hospitals, home & utility to create a Handwashing Only Zone. Sell sheet | Request sample @ info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

 

Nine West Plans a Bankruptcy Filing With Asset Sales by Emma Orr & Lauren Coleman-Lochner at Bloomberg. “The goal is to file before a March 15 interest payment, they said. First-lien lenders would likely be repaid in full, with second-lien lenders getting the majority of the equity in the reorganized company, according to one of the people.” Read more

 

In call with Newark, Amazon reportedly says it wants to keep next phase of HQ2 contest out of public eye by Monica Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “Amazon told Newark that the company “wanted the public discourse to stop,” a person familiar with the meeting told ROI-NJ.” Read more

 

Retailers Are So Wary of Fraud They’re Rejecting Real Customers by Lindsey Rupp at Bloomberg. “Sixty-seven percent of retailers have online security measures that are quick to cancel any transaction that raises suspicion, according to a survey by Experian.” Read more

 

Grainger Q4 Sales +7.0%; 2017 Sales +3.0% Press release

 

Rite Aid To Pay $4M Over Improper Meth Ingredient Sales by Dani Kass at Law 360. “The pharmacy has already admitted to the improper sales and has instituted a series of steps to curtail future abuse, including only selling tamper-resistant single-ingredient PSE in West Virginia and training employees to recognize those buying PSE to make meth.” Read more (subs.)

 

The Retail Industry Has Come To Its Senses On Technology by Andria Cheng at Forbes. “What I’m not seeing this year is a lot of gimmicks” like virtual fitting rooms, said Stacey Shulman, an industry veteran named last year to Intel retail solutions unit’s newly created chief innovation officer position.” Read more

 

Golfsmith Ch. 11 Dismissal Gets Judge OK After Asset Sales by Ryan Boysen at Law 360. “U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein agreed to dismiss the case at the behest of Golfsmith and its creditors, approving a settlement that wrapped up the last few outstanding issues in the case.” Read more (subs.)

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

AutoZone worker: Customer unleashed racist tirade — and I got fired

Union heavyweight wants to ban UPS from using drones or driverless vehicles

De Beers Is Digging Up More Diamonds Than Any Time Since 2008

Blogger Propels Fake Restaurant to the Top Rated Spot on ‘TripAdvisor’

WaPo Staffers Told to Sit Down, Shut Up, and Be Grateful for Jeff Bezos

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Tipsheet: Amazon Hands Over Tax Data | Wegmans #8 Diverse | Academy Cuts 57 Drivers

 

Amazon gives in to Massachusetts tax officials and agrees to turn over third-party seller data at CNBC. “The move — which is the first public case of Amazon handing over seller data to state tax officials — will help the state of Massachusetts identify which Amazon sellers may owe them unpaid sales taxes. It could also mean incredible headaches for the majority of third-party sellers who never comply with various state laws on sales tax collection — if more states follow Massachusetts and demand unpaid taxes from those sellers.” Read more

 

THEN THERE WERE 19? – If Amazon doesn’t pick Denver, “there will be a sense of relief” Colorado governor says by John Frank at Denver Post. “…there are a lot of challenges and lot of hard work we will be avoiding,” Hickenlooper told the City Club of Denver on Tuesday…“Nobody tweet that,” he quipped after his remarks.” Read more

 

Toys R Us plans to close up to 20% of stores via USA Today. “The company noted that some closings may be avoided if it is able to negotiate more favorable lease terms…In addition to closing stores, the company intends to convert a number of locations into combined Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores.” Read more

 

America’s Best Employers For Diversity (Wegmans #8, REI #77, Nordstrom #147) by Jeff Kauflin at Forbes. Top 250 list

 

Amazon Go sandwich review: “…quite good and felt like a step up from the typical grocery store experience. The freshness of ingredients really stood out, especially the bread.” by Nat Levy at GeekWire. Sandwich talk

 

Academy Sports & Outdoors to lay off 57 drivers by Paul Takahashi at Houston Chronicle. “Academy Sports & Outdoors will lay off 57 transportation employees after outsourcing their work to a third-party company.” Read more

 

Glassdoor: 50 Best Jobs in America (Data Scientist #1, DevOps Engineer #2) Top 50 list

 

**A message from Innovation Avenue at 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo – Be first to market with the newest candy and snack products!  Nominees chosen for Innovative Awards go on to enjoy sweet success – see the 2017 Innovation Winners. Put yourself in the center of the single largest gathering of confectionery & snack companies under one roof – schedule your trip now! Chicago, May 22-24, 2018. Website | Exhibitors

 

Amazon’s growing lobbying machine spent a record $12.8 million in 2017 by Matt Day at Seattle Times. “Amazon’s spending was up 17 percent from 2016, and trailed only Google, which spent $18 million, among technology giants…Microsoft’s spending fell 2 percent, to $8.5 million.” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

Nordstrom investors should expect at least a 10% premium if the retailer goes private, BAM Investments predicts by Ashley Stewart at Puget Sound Business Journal. Read more

 

Amazon sets meeting with Seattle officials in effort to improve relationship with its hometown by Monica Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “It’s not clear exactly who from Amazon and city government will be attending the Feb. 9 meeting. The discussion will be preceded by an optional Amazon campus tour.” Read more

 

7-Eleven Completes Acquisition of 1,030 Sunoco Stores Press release

 

Bolt launches an Amazon-like checkout experience for the rest of online retail by Sarah Perez at TechCrunch. “Operating in stealth for a year, the payments platform has grown to 100 online merchants who are now in various phases of roll out with its end-to-end solution for managing customer checkout, payment processing, and fraud detection.” Read more

 

10 Safeway stores to be shuttered in British Columbia, impacting 1,000 employees at Vancouver Sun. “Union Local 1518 also said Sobeys indicated that if it gets favourable terms and conditions for its FreshCo discount banner, it may open FreshCo stores at five of the closed Safeway locations.” Read more

 

FOOD STAMPS FOR FIDO? – Washington Post: The surprising argument for extending food stamps to pets “The petition has little chance of succeeding, experts say…But it has attracted the attention of nearly 80,000 signers on the popular petition site Care2.” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

GeekWire receives multiple tips this week that Amazon Restaurants recently laid off approximately 50 people by Nat Levy at GeekWire. Read more

 

47% of millennials have $15,000 or more in savings and 16% have $100,000 or more in savings at MarketWatch. Read more

 

Report: 25% of respondents would prefer using a voice assistant to shop today over a website at CNBC. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Amazon pulls clothing with ‘Slavery gets sh-t done’ slogan

America’s oldest hat company has been tricking customers for years

2018 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations

Bell Canada customers affected by data breach

Amazon’s Whole Foods Division Gets Savage Review by This Stock Analyst

The US is in a baby bust, so diaper makers need a new plan

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Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 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

 

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Tipsheet: Cornell Named RILA Chairman | Amazon Go Video

 

Target CEO Brian Cornell is RILA’s New Chairman “Cornell: Without a doubt, the battle over the border adjustment tax was unprecedented, and it showed us that there’s an opportunity for more retailers to engage in public policy on an ongoing basis and advance our common agenda.” Cornell Q&A

 

Amazon Prime’s Monthly Price Hike Will Generate $300 Million a Year by Spencer Soper at Bloomberg. “Cowen estimates that 30 percent of Amazon’s 60 million Prime subscribers in the U.S. pay monthly.” Read more

 

Carrefour details investment plan, job cuts at Fox Business. “Carrefour says it will invest 2.8 billion euros ($3.4 billion) over the next five years in online shopping as part of a plan to boost growth that will also result in 2,400 job cuts. Europe’s biggest retailer said Tuesday that the job cuts will be implemented through voluntary departures. The positions being cut are at its French headquarters near Paris, where 10,500 people work.” Read more

 

Private equity firm Advent is in talks to buy 50 percent of Wal-Mart’s operations in Brazil at Reuters. Read more

 

ID PLEASE – Asda and Aldi stop energy drink sales to under-16 year olds in UK. “The move follows calls by campaigners for a complete ban on energy drinks, and it comes weeks after MP Maria Caulfield asked Prime Minister Theresa May to consider a UK-wide ban.” Read more

 

We accidentally took a yogurt from Amazon’s new grocery store without paying, but Amazon told us to keep it at CNBC. “First and foremost, enjoy the yogurt on us,” Puerini said. “It happens so rarely that we didn’t even bother building in a feature for customers to tell us it happened. So thanks for being honest and telling us.” Read more

 

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…As Amazon Go makes its public debut, job postings point to future expansion at Nat Levy at GeekWire. “Amazon has listed on its jobs page more than 40 positions working on Amazon Go, covering everything from real estate and construction to food service to IT, suggesting expansion of the cashier-free grocery concept.” Read more

 

…Line of people around the block by Todd Bishop at GeekWire. Video/Read more

 

‘We loot or we die of hunger’: food shortages fuel unrest in Venezuela by John Otis at The Guardian. “At a recent news conference, Freddy Bernal, the urban farm minister, declared: “We need people to understand that a rabbit is not a pet. It’s two and a half kilos of meat.” Read more

 

Menard’s denies liability in toy aisle stocking accident by Jonathan Ellis at Argus Leader. “Defendant’s employees negligently operated the forklift, and pushed four boxes off of the shelf and into the aisle where plaintiff was; at least one of said boxes struck plaintiff Ferrigno in the left arm/shoulder,” her complaint says.” Read more

 

Rite Aid Update on Asset Sale to Walgreens “Rite Aid has transferred 625 stores and related assets to WBA…WBA will purchase a total of 1,932 stores.” Press release

 

Tween retailer Claire’s turns to Lazard for debt advice at CNBC. Read more

 

Neiman Marcus encourages employees to interact with customers on social media by Lisa Fickenscher at NY Post. “Each of its associates is given a company-issued iPhone, on which he or she uses an app called Isell to communicate with customers.” Read more

 

Market Force: America’s Favorite Grocery Stores: #1 Publix, #1 Wegmans, #2 Trader Joe’s, #3 H-E-B at Forbes. Top 19 list

 

The Internet Is Filling Up Because Indians Are Sending Millions of ‘Good Morning!’ Texts by Newley Purnell at Wall Street Journal. “Millions of Indians are getting online for the first time—and they are filling up the internet. Many like nothing better than to begin the day by sending greetings from their phones. Starting before sunrise and reaching a crescendo before 8 a.m., internet newbies post millions of good-morning images to friends, family and strangers.” Read more (subs.)

 

Sobeys partners with U.K.’s Ocado to build online grocery delivery business at Toronto Star. Read more

 

Apple’s HomePod will be available to order Friday and will arrive February 9 at CNBC. Read more

 

Hip Airbags Aim To Save Seniors’ Lives by Angela Greenwood at CBS Sacramento. “It’s part of a pilot study working to design, develop and perfect technology to prevent hip fractures during falls and is all contained in a belt. An airbag for your hips. “The bags deployed so fast, and they come out, and they really surround your hip. they’re not just on the side,” said Eskaton resident Karen Robison.” Video/Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Lowe’s Activist Believes Stock Value Could Triple

Firefighters free mom, 3-year-old who staff left trapped in Walmart bathroom

‘Incredibles 2’ Reveals New Cast, Character Details

Small-town budgets hurting from loss of mini Walmarts

Save-A-Lot plans grocery store in St. Louis “food desert”

The bats are back at Walmart store

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

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Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 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: Lowe’s Bows to Activist | Costco Snubs Boxed? | Last Straw | Blake Supports

 

Lowe’s names two directors after talks with activist investor at Reuters. “Lowe’s said on Friday it added two board members, a week after reports that hedge fund D.E. Shaw & Co had built an active stake in the home improvement chain, sending its shares up 2 percent. David Batchelder, co-founder of Relational Investors, and Lisa Wardell, CEO of Adtalem Global Education, were named to the board after “constructive discussions” with D.E. Shaw, the company said.” Read more

 

U.K. Retailers See Black Friday Hangover as Sales Slump at Bloomberg. “Fourth quarter sales gained just 0.4 percent, half the pace seen in the previous three months.” Read more

 

COSTCO SNUBS BOXED? – The one company, according to sources, that Boxed had hoped would make an offer, Costco, is not in the mixGeneral Mills and Bed Bath & Beyond are weighing investments in Boxed.com by Lisa Fickenscher at NY Post. Read more

 

Former Home Depot Chairman & other Atlanta execs chill out at Chick-fil-a to support Westside revitalization by Maria Saporta at Atlanta Business Chronicle. 14 pics/Read more

 

Walmart.com Reveals Top Sellers by State Map

 

Unilever backs out of buying Halo Top ice cream by Josh Kosman at NY Post. “These guys outsource manufacturing,” the source said. “You are buying the brand and the intellectual property.” A Halo Top spokeswoman said that the Unilever story “sounds like Wall Street gossip or a PR strategy for Unilever’s recent launch of a Halo Top knock-off.” Read more

 

Amazon reveals top 20 city candidates for its second HQ at TechCrunch. List

 

**A message from the amazing i-on handsink – 99% reduction of E-coli & Staph! Infused with Silver Ions to inhibit growth of millions of germs. Used in restaurants, hospitality, schools, hospitals, home & utility to create a Handwashing Only Zone. Sell sheet | Request sample @ info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

 

UnitedHealth Group and Walgreens expand collaboration to Las Vegas by Christopher Snowbeck at Star Tribune. “The new MedExpress clinics will be co-located with Walgreens stores in Las Vegas, the company announced Thursday. MedExpress and Walgreens already have co-located businesses in 11 locations.” Read more (subs.)

 

Millennials are snubbing diamonds – Diamond prices may fall as much as 10% in 2018, Tribeca says by Bei Hu at Bloomberg. Read more

 

Panera asks FDA to define an ‘egg’ in a swipe at competitors’ breakfast sandwiches at CNBC. “Burnett said a number of competitors — such as Burger King, Taco Belland Dunkin — sell egg patties that contain more than five ingredients…It took the team at Panera about 18 months to perfect a cooking technique that created a delicious egg and could be replicated by cooks at all of its restaurants.” Read more

 

Coca-Cola wants to collect and recycle 100% of its bottles, cans by 2030 at CNBC. Read more

 

Gun Thefts in the U.S. Are Skyrocketing and Investigators Have No Idea Why at Fortune. “In 2013, 3,355 firearms were taken in burglaries, compared with 7,841 in 2017, with a steady increase each year.” Read more

 

LAST STRAW – Restaurants in California would be prohibited from automatically handing out straws to customers under bill introduced by Billy Kobin at Sacramento Bee. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Someone is attacking Google and Apple’s shuttle buses

7-Eleven settles suit from worker fired after complaining boss said pants were too baggy

Two boys charged with destruction of half million bees at City honey business

Machine Gun Kelly to Play Tommy Lee in Netflix’s Motley Crue Biopic ‘The Dirt’

Frank Darabont Sues AMC Again in ‘Walking Dead’ Pay Dispute

Eagles Settle Lawsuit Over Hotel California Name

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

**

Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 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