Tipsheet: WM/Microsoft Talk Checkout-Free | Mackey Leaked Recording | Boxed CEO is Frugal

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Microsoft takes aim at Amazon with push for checkout-free retail by Jeffrey Dastin & Stephen Nellis at Reuters. “Microsoft has shown sample technology to retailers from around the world and has had talks with Walmart about a potential collaboration, three of the people said. Microsoft’s technology aims to help retailers keep pace with Amazon Go…” Read more

 

Kroger exits Raleigh-Durham market – sort of by Alexander Coolidge at Cincinnati Enquirer. “(Kroger) said it would shut 14 area stores in mid-August. But eight of those stores will be sold to Harris-Teeter, which Kroger owns. Agreements to sell two other locations are also under contract.” Read more

 

Whole Foods CEO describes ‘clashes with Amazon’ in leaked audio recording by Hayley Peterson at Business Insider. “I ultimately am not afraid to get fired, so — not that I think they are going to fire me, but I’m not afraid of it — so that gives me a position of strength to speak truth to power when it’s necessary to do so, and I’ve done it many, many times,” (John Mackey) said.” Read more

 

Michaels Q1 Comp Sales +0.4% “Net sales were $1,155.5 million compared to $1,158.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to the closure of all 94 full-size Aaron Brothers stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.” Press release

 

OPEN CALL – Walmart pushes private brand deals by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart VP of manufacturing and sourcing: ‘This was the first time we have done this around Open Call but we have learned over the years the importance of helping to educate these entrepreneurs and manufacturers on the possibilities that exist with private brands’” Read more

 

New Amazon Chief Steps Up Talent War With Netflix, Courts A-List Creators by Lesley Goldberg at Hollywood Reporter. Read more

 

Boxed CEO Chieh Huang and the genius of frugal leadership by Paul C. Brunson at USA Today. “Having just finished a multileg overseas trip, Huang quipped that if his co-founders were with him, they would have all shared the same room. “It’s just what we do. We’re not a high-maintenance group.” Read more

 

Jos. A. Bank Q1 Comp Sales +1.2% by Ryan Sharrow at Baltimore Business Journal. Read more

 

Gap appoints Neil Fiske president and CEO of Gap brand at CNBC. “Fiske will join Gap from Australian clothing brand Billabong, where he has served as CEO of Billabong International…He has also served in executive roles at Eddie Bauer and Bath and Body Works.” Read more

 

Petco Announces the Appointment of Ron Coughlin as CEO “Mr. Coughlin joins the Company from HP Inc., where he served for 11 years, most recently as President of Personal Systems.  He will begin in this role as of Monday, June 18.” Press release

 

Rue21 Appoints Laurie Van Brunt President and CEO “…she was President of Soma Intimates from 2010 to 2017…was Corporate Vice President, Director of Private Brand Management at J. C. Penney Company, Inc. from 2005 – 2010.” Press release

 

44% would consider booking travel with Amazon by Lewis Lazare at Chicago Business Journal. “The next most viable alternative, based on travelers surveyed, was Facebook (at 14 percent).” Read more

 

**A message from Real Coconut Water – Our Brazilian Coconut Water is Sweeter than the Rest! Organic & Natural, PL & Branded. Sell sheet | Website | Request samples: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Ex-Home Depot & Target Exec Joins Macy’s As Chief Technology Officer “Prior to joining The Home Depot in 2010 as senior director of information technology, (Naveen) Krishna was a director at Target with overall accountability for Target.com technology and operations.” Press release

 

Walmart Urged To Reach Deal With Exec Hired by Amazon In Noncompete Suit by Vince Sullivan at Law 360. Subscription

 

Amazon cancels huge summer picnic and post-holiday party – plans new post-Prime Day concert by Taylor Soper at GeekWire. “Now that we have more than 45,000 Amazonians in Seattle, we are evolving our employee events to ensure we can offer a great experience for the large number of employees who attend these celebrations…Amazon said in a statement.” Read more

 

There Aren’t Enough Drivers to Keep Up With Your Delivery Lifestyle by Michael Sasso at Bloomberg. “You’re not going to have enough drivers who are capable,” Karabus said. “Just getting a warm body to drive is not enough.” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

Claire’s Q1 Comp Sales -0.4% Press release

 

Inside a converted Walmart Supercenter about 6 miles from the U.S. border with Mexico, nearly 1,500 young immigrant boys have found their first home in the U.S. by Alicia A. Caldwell at Wall Street Journal. Read more (Subs.)

 

Target Is Sorry It Sold ‘Baby Daddy’ Father’s Day Cards Featuring a Black Couple at Fortune. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

New York City’s styrofoam ban goes into effect Jan. 1

Montreal retail industry facing ‘perfect storm,’ new report warns

Publix plans to offer valet parking at some stores

Retail Sales Surge +0.8% In May – Biggest Jump In 8 Months

DSW’s concept store is the Holy Grail for sneakerheads

Kohl’s shares fall after Citigroup downgrades the stock

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Tipsheet: Lore’s $43M Apartment | WM Open Call Today | Target’s ‘Baby Daddy’ Cards

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Tesla ditches Home Depot as sales partner for home solar products by Lora Kolodny at CNBC. “Tesla will now sell its Powerwall, Powerpack and residential solar energy products via its own stores and website.” Read more

 

WALMART OPEN CALL DAY – Hundreds of entrepreneurs, innovators land in Bentonville for Walmart’s ‘Open Call’ by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “Walmart held a product expo and information event at the Four Points Sheraton for the guests a day before the big show…there are roughly 750 meetings between buyers and entrepreneurs…Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is one of the featured speakers at the general session which will be webcast beginning at 8 a.m. (CST).” Read more

 

Amazon’s Clever Machines Are Moving From the Warehouse to Headquarters by Spencer Soper at Bloomberg. “Amazon began automating retail team jobs several years ago. Under an initiative called “hands off the wheel,” the company shifted tasks like forecasting demand, ordering inventory and negotiating prices to algorithms…At first, humans could easily override the machine’s decisions….But such tinkering was increasingly discouraged as the machines proved their precision…” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

Walmart’s Marc Lore shells out $43.79 million for penthouse apartment in celebrity-friendly Manhattan building at Daily Mail. “Other tenants at 443 Greenwich Street include Jennifer Lawrence, Jake Gyllenhaal and celebrity couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. The building has been a magnate for actors and musicians thanks to its paparazzi-proof basement garage…” Read more | WSJ article (Subs.)

 

Macy’s acquires a minority stake in b8ta – will use the startup to enhance The Market, an experiential-based retail concept by Megan Rose Dickey at TechCrunch. Read more | Press release

 

Gander Outdoors opens first store to sell RVs in Kenosha, WI by Clara Janzen at Milwaukee Business Journal. Read more

 

SuperValu announces proposal to reorganize the Company’s corporate structure Press release

 

**A message from ReadyStrainer – Sink full of dirty dishes and need to drain noodles? The ReadyStrainer sits at the side of the sink and directs water into the sink! Overview | Website | Sample: info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

 

Ex-PetSmart/Belk IT exec Ivy Chin to lead digital efforts at American Tire Distributors by Ken Elkins at Charlotte Business Journal. Read more

 

HBC shareholders challenge executive renumeration and company’s real estate plans via Montreal Gazette. “…one shareholder echoed Litt’s sentiments saying, “What are you people waiting for? Are you waiting for us to go into a recession before you sell some of your real estate?”… CEO Helena Foulkes indicated that the company might be ready to heed some of their investor’s advice.” Read more

 

Hudson Group Announces the World’s Largest Hudson Store at Atlanta Airport Press release

 

Country Time lawyers give ‘Legal-Ade’ to squeezed lemonade stands by Rachel Siegel at Washington Post via Chicago Tribune. “Country Time’s solution is to reimburse children who have been fined for running a lemonade stand without a permit, or cover the cost of a permit already secured, until Aug. 31, or until $60,000 has been awarded.” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

Chef’d will bring its meal kits to 30 Walgreens and Duane Reade stores in the New York area at CNBC. Read more

 

Lowe’s suspends receipt checking practice amid racial profiling claims at West Philly store at Fox 29. “The company took action after Will Mega…shared a series of videos…Mega, who has appeared on ‘Big Brother’ and also run for public office, says he was required to produce his receipts upon exiting their store in West Philadelphia on multiple occasions over Memorial Day Weekend.” Read more

 

OPENING TODAY – Walmart’s new 250,000-square-foot milk processing plant in Fort Wayne, IN at The Journal Gazette. Read more

 

Target is selling ‘baby daddy’ cards for Father’s Day at Yahoo. “Although it is, presumably, a joke, the greeting card just comes off as incredibly tasteless. Target’s social media team did reach out to one unhappy customer…” Pics/Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Rare type of tick inexplicably turns up in Arkansas

Sacramento’s most bitter political fight may be unfolding at a grocery store

Handgun retailers lobbying Congress after credit shutdown

Jo-Ann looks for ways to get shoppers to stick around, not just shop there

At least one retailer — zulily — is still willing to sign up for Amazon Web Services

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Website: www.eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Lands’ End -18.9% | RH +1%

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Lands’ End Q1 Comp Sales -18.9% “Same store sales in Lands’ End Shops at Sears locations declined 20.4% for the quarter while same store sales in our Company operated stores declined 9.9%.” Press release

 

RH Q1 Comp Brand Revenue +1.0% “Adjusted for last year’s inventory reduction efforts, comparable brand revenues increased 5% versus a 9% increase last year.” Press release

 

Casey’s Q4 Comp Sales: Fuel +2.0%; Grocery/Other Merch -0.4%; Prepared Food/Fountain -1.3% Press release

 

Seattle poised to repeal new tax opposed by Amazon at AP via Yahoo. Read more

 

Home Depot Sets $1.2 Billion Supply-Chain Overhaul by Jennifer Smith at Wall Street Journal. “(Home Depot) will add 170 distribution facilities across the U.S. so that it can reach 90% of the U.S. population in one day or less, said Mark Holifield, the company’s executive vice president of supply chain and product development.” Read more (Subscription)

 

Sears expands Auto Center partnership with Amazon to more stores at CNBC. Read more

 

Landlords Are Practically Giving Malls Away by Sarah Mulholland at Bloomberg. “It’s easy to understand their reluctance to sell now. Prices for malls fell 14 percent in the past 12 months…“If you’re thinking about selling an asset down the road,” (St. Juste)  said, “it would be wise to think about pulling it forward and selling now.” Read more

 

Amazon expects Prime member savings to reach nearly half its Whole Foods stores by the end of this week by Sarah Perez at TechCrunch. Read more

 

**A message from Real Coconut Water – Our Brazilian Coconut Water is Sweeter than the Rest! Organic & Natural, PL & Branded. Sell sheet | Website | Request samples: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Facebook Will Ban Sellers of Shoddy Products by Khadeeja Safdar at Wall Street Journal. “(Facebook) is rolling out a new feature that lets people leave feedback about their shopping experience after viewing a Facebook ad…If feedback doesn’t improve over time, Facebook will reduce the number of ads that businesses can deliver and could eventually ban them from the platform.” Read more (Subscription)

 

Amazon Slammed for Destroying As-New and Returned Goods by David Meyer at Fortune. “Amazon is destroying “massive amounts” of as-new and returned items in Germany, according to a report from business weekly WirtschaftsWoche and news show Frontal 21.” Read more

 

Marsh Supermarkets Gets Del. Ch. 11 Liquidation Approval by Jeff Montgomery at Law 360. Read more (Subscription)

 

Jet.com President Simon Belsham says food is at the core of Jet’s plans because of its importance in building relationships with people by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “Anywhere in the world when people gather food is often at the center of these experiences regardless of the culture. If you are going to have a relationship with customers you really need to be offering food,” Belsham said “No one is really doing online food that well in the U.S.” Read more

 

Rent-A-Center gets increased offer to acquire it after ending its strategic review via CNBC. “In a letter to the company, the party said it “does not constitute an offer capable of being accepted or a binding agreement of any kind,” Rent-A-Center said.” Read more

 

Vons #1 with Vegetarians (Publix #2) at Business Insider. Read more

 

Online Shoppers Say They Rarely Return Purchases. Why? at NPR. “91% of American online shoppers said they “only rarely” or “never” return things they buy online. And even more — 94% — said they “only rarely” or “never” make an order expecting to return at least part of it.” Read more

 

GeekWire’s summer intern takes an Amazon HQ tour by Kaitlyn Wang at GeekWire. “Despite efforts to integrate the company with the outside Seattle community (as with the dog park, or the community banana stand), everything about the area still felt implanted and a little foreign. If arriving felt like crossing from Seattle into Amazon, I have to admit I felt more comfortable when I left Amazon city limits.” Read more

 

Retailers will probably keep selling kids insecure smart toys until they’re forced to stop by Ashley Carman at The Verge. Read more

 

A&F Co. CEO: Do Good And Find Balance by Regan Walsh at Forbes. “At age 40, with a thriving career at Bloomingdale’s in New York City, Fran Horowitz paused, asked herself what she wanted—and made a change. Horowitz picked up her family—including a husband and two kids—and moved to Columbus, Ohio.” Q&A

 

Grocery Chains Are Being Squeezed From All Sides by Stephen Wilmot & Aaron Back at Wall Street Journal. “Kroger Chief Financial Officer Michael Schlotman: “We started competing against Walmart in 1992,” he said. “There’s always been people out there competing mainly on price, offsetting selection and experience.” Read more (Subscription)

 

Hurricane forecasters watching another wave of storms stirring in the Caribbean at Miami Herald. Read more

 

Domino’s Pizza to help “smooth the ride home” for deliveries by making pothole repairs in towns at Yahoo. Read more

 

Americans Are Unprepared for a Nuclear Attack by Gordon F. Sander at Politico. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Jeff Bezos attempted mansion burglary ends with wild car chase

$170,000 stolen after woman forgets suitcase of cash in Walmart cart

Credit service shuts down payments on all gun purchases

Elvis impersonator serenades elderly woman at Arkansas Walmart

A’s Fan Catches Two Consecutive Foul Balls Barehanded

Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee get worst ratings in crash test

How Macy’s is using its store employees and stylists as Instagram influencers

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Website: www.eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: WM Sues Amazon Wannabe | Soda’s SNAP Schedule | Exxon Meets Pope | PriceSmart +3.1%

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Walmart sues its former top tax executive to block her from joining Amazon by Nat Levy at GeekWire. “Walmart seeks to block (Lisa) Wadlin from going to Amazon until at least 2020. Wadlin had informed Walmart that she was thinking about leaving in January, but the revelation that she planned to move to Seattle to become a vice president of tax policy at Amazon didn’t come until later.” Read more

 

Stitch Fix soars after online styling service says active clients grew 30% at CNBC. “

Here’s how the company did compared to what Wall Street expected:

Earnings: 9 cents vs. 3 cents forecast by Thomson Reuters
Revenue: $316.7 million vs. $306 million forecast by Thomson Reuters
Active clients: 2.7 million vs. 2.66 million forecast by StreetAccount

Read more

 

At Home Q1 Comp Sales +0.9% Press release

 

Soda ad blitzes conspicuously match food stamp schedules, study says by Caitlin Dewey at Washington Post via Chicago Tribune. “They found that stores were 1.88 times as likely to have soda displays on the first through ninth of the month, when food stamps are distributed in New York. That figure falls to zero in neighborhoods with few SNAP recipients, and rises to 4.35 in neighborhoods with large numbers of SNAP shoppers.” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

PriceSmart May Comp Sales +3.1% Press release

 

‘Major expansion’ for UPS ocean freight service by Eric Mandel at Atlanta Business Journal. “United Parcel Service announced Thursday that its adding 130 lanes to its LCL service, with the origin and destination countries covering most of the globe. That includes ports in Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe, U.S. the Carribean and the Middle East.” Read more

 

Dollarama Q1 Comp Sales +2.6% at Toronto Star. “Analyst Irene Nattel of RBC Capital Markets said the results are best viewed as a blip on Dollarama’s consistent trajectory of 15 to 20 per cent earnings per share increases.” Read more

 

Winners in Traditional Retailing Are Also Winning Online by Elizabeth Winkler at WSJ. “Macy’s has seen the strongest online growth in 2018, climbing 28% in monthly order volume since January. Meanwhile, Sears’s online order volume fell 25% from January to May.” Chart/Read more (Subs.)

 

**A message from BK Resources – Industrial kitchens are popular with DIY & Pro consumers. BK Resources is a leading supplier of stainless steel: commercial faucets, sinks, work tables, bar equipment, ice bins and more. Catalog | Website | Contact Us

 

Suppliers’ presence in Northwest Arkansas created real estate boom by Nancy Peevy at Talk Business. “Another segment that’s filling in office space in NWA is what Smith calls “vendors to the vendors.”…(the) merchandising, marketing, packaging and data analytic companies…“There are over 400 of those companies in town right now, and it’s probably the biggest growth part of Bentonville,” Smith said.” Read more

 

See inside Tencent’s new gigantic headquarters in China at CNBC. Video/Read more

 

Recounting ‘Horror Stories’ Over Guitar Center’s Warranties by Danny Hakim at NY Times. “Guitar Center said in a statement for this article that it had been “made aware of an issue with some third-party protection plans that were sold in Puerto Rico over the past 30 months.” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

Target makes a big leap in the delivery wars at CNBC. “The company is now more than halfway through its rollout of same-day delivery with Shipt and the launch of a curbside pickup service known as “Drive Up.”…Chicago will be the first city in the U.S. to have all four of its new delivery and pickup options…starting this week.” Read more

 

Walmart executive shift leaves open position at Talk Business. “Judith McKenna, recently named CEO of Walmart International, has tapped JP Suarez as the executive vice president and chief administration officer for Walmart International. This week Suarez left his position as head of the retailer’s realty division to join McKenna’s team.” Read more

 

Blue bins overflow with Amazon and Walmart boxes. But we’re actually recycling less by Elizabeth Weise at USA Today. “Last year, 300,000 fewer tons of corrugated containers were recycled in the USA than in the  year before, even as domestic consumption increased 3.5%, according to the AF&PA.” Read more

 

Exxon to Show Its Green Side in Meeting with Pope Francis by Bradley Olson at WSJ. “Chief Executive Darren Woods has called for Exxon to become “part of the solution” on climate change, a point he is expected to make Saturday as he and other oil and gas executives meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss the issue.” Read more (Subs.)

 

Post near deal to sell private-label division by Josh Kosman at NY Post. “The name of the suitor could not be learned — but it has been rumored that Cerberus Capital Management has been involved, at least on the periphery, in talks surrounding a sale.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

How this young Indiana couple stole $1.2 million from Amazon

Scooters littering US city streets shout: ‘Unlock me or I’ll call the police’

Atari co-founder Dabney dies at 81

Chris Farley’s family settles suit with Trek over “Farley” fat-tire bikes

South Korean food giant reportedly pursuing deal to buy Schwan’s

Canada clears major hurdle in legalizing recreational marijuana

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Website: www.eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Costco +8% | Target +Made by Design | GameStop +Comics | Joanna -$40K

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Costco May Comp Sales (ex. gas & f/x) +8.0% “…net sales of $11.02 billion for the retail month of May, the four weeks ended June 3, 2018, an increase of 14.1 percent from $9.66 billion last year.” Press release

 

Neiman Marcus Q3 Comp Revenues +6.0% Press release

 

…New Neiman Marcus CEO says strategy is working by Maria Halkias at Dallas Morning News. “…strongest gains were in handbags, accessories and jewelry…Three more Last Call stores are closing July 13…Online sales increased 17.1 percent to $416 million and represent more than 35 percent of overall sales.” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

GameStop turns to comic books in 40 store test by Brian Womack at Dallas Business Journal. “The collectibles piece of its business, though relatively small, grew 24 percent during the first quarter while overall sales declined by 5.5 percent.” Read more

 

Target launching design-focused home brand to bring better functionality to everyday items by Kavita Kumar at Star Tribune. “The 750-item (Made by Design) line that hits stores on June 23 includes everything from cookware with pour spouts and lids with built-in strainers to rustproof bath accessories and bath towels with hanging loops on them so they don’t fall as easily on the bathroom floor. Most items are under $30.” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

Walmart tests FAST unloader in 30 of its busiest supercenters by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “The highest turnover among jobs in Walmart supercenters are with employees who unload trucks. The retailer hopes the use of an automated unloading conveyor system from Casi not only reduces employee turnover but also improves on-shelf product availability.” Read more

 

GLOBAL 2000: The World’s Largest Public Companies (Walmart #24, Amazon #53) at Forbes. Full list

 

More than 450 Businesses Head to Walmart’s Home Office in Bentonville for a Shot at the American Dream Press release

 

Target Fires Employee Who Falsely Accused Black Woman of Theft by Kate Taylor at Business Insider. “The woman, Ashonae Davis, and her attorney say she was handcuffed, forced to do a “walk of shame” through the Target store, and then made to pull up her shirt and pull down her pants in front of two male loss-prevention officers.” Read more

 

**A message from ReadyStrainer – Sink full of dirty dishes and need to drain noodles? The ReadyStrainer sits at the side of the sink and directs water into the sink! Overview | Website | Sample: info@shiftmarketinggroup.net

 

250K UPS union members teed up for massive potential strike by Brittany De Lea at Fox Business. “The current contract, which was for a five-year duration, expires at the end of July. Only after its expiration can members strike.” Read more

 

El Rancho Supermercado opens first Houston-area store by Jen Para at Houston Business Journal. Read more

 

Halo Top opens scoop shops by Zan Romanoff at Eater. “The brand has opened two scoop shops so far, the one in Culver City as well as an outlet in Topanga (LA)…And soon, a pop-up is coming to New York’s Supermoon Bakehouse, in a test of the NYC market.” Read more

 

Walmart goes upscale again with Winemakers Selection wines at bargain prices by Ben Tobin at USA Today. “…offering 10 “distinctive labels” of wine sourced from California, France and Italy. They sell for about $11 per bottle, yet will be high quality, according to Nichole Simpson, Walmart’s senior wine buyer. They “drink like a $30 to $40 bottle of wine,” Simpson said.” Read more

 

NRF/University of Florida Survey Says Retail ‘Shrink’ Decreased to $46.8 Billion in 2017 Press release

 

Former Toys ‘R’ Us boss has plan to salvage chain by Lisa Fickenscher at NY Post. “Storch, who was chairman and CEO of the company from 2006 to 2013, is in discussions with several venture groups that are considering buying the remaining parts of the storied retailer and bringing him on to the management team, a source with knowledge of the talks told The Post.” Read more

 

CHICAGOLAND – Amazon Go cashierless stores coming to Willis Tower, Ogilvie by Ryan Ori at Chicago Tribune. “Amazon has leased spaces for the high-tech new stores in Chicago’s tallest building, Willis Tower, and in an office building connected to Ogilvie Transportation Center, according to sources.” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

Canada Is About to Legalize Recreational Marijuana Use by David Meyer at Fortune. “The Canadian senate will on Thursday vote on a bill that would make the country the first G20 state to legalize recreational marijuana. The senate is expected to ratify Bill C-45.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Chip and Joanna Gaines fined $40K for their handling of lead-based paint

Girl at Padres game catches foul ball in full beer cup, chugs it, becomes San Diego legend

Five Target Leaders Recall the Career Moments They’ll Never Forget

Retail is having its best quarter in nearly four years, and one analyst sees more ‘room to run’

Amazon Scores Package of U.K. Premier League Soccer Rights

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

 

Website: www.eyeonretail.net

 

Tipsheet: Saks Fifth +6% | Amazon 100K Robots | Costco Pulls Flag | HD Supply +9.9%

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HBC Q1 Comp Sales -0.7%:

  • Saks Fifth Avenue comparable sales increase of 6.0%
  • DSG (Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor and Home Outfitters) comparable sales decrease of 0.6%
  • Saks OFF 5TH comparable sales decrease of 3.5%
  • HBC Europe (Galeria Kaufhof and Galeria INNO) comparable sales decrease of 6.6% Press release

 

HD Supply Q1 Net Sales +14.2% / Organic Sales +9.9% Press release

 

Amazon now has 100,000+ automated robots by Erin Winick at MIT Technology Review. “When there are tens of thousands of orders going on simultaneously, you are getting beyond what a human can do,” (chief technologist of Amazon Robotics, Tye Brady) told the audience at MIT Technology Review’s first EmTech Next conference.” Video/Read more

 

Laid-off Toys R Us employees rally for severance pay at New Jersey store by Alison Burdo at Philadelphia Business Journal. “Thirty-three years of losing holidays with my family, no Thanksgiving dinners with my family,” [Cheryl Claude] said. “And all the hard work that everyone has done for these people. Give us something. At least something.” Read more

 

Tiffany’s Flower Flash brings pops of color to New York streets by Danny Parisi at Luxury Daily. “Tiffany and Lewis Miller teamed up to create large floral installations in unexpected places around New York. The campaign was created in part to herald the arrival of spring and to drive up engagement for the brand outside of the digital world.” Read more

 

Lumber Liquidators opens store number 400 Press release

 

Doug McMillon shares his favorite Sam Walton story by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “When I was a new person in the home office and had just moved into buying…I presented an item that Saturday and Sam Walton was running the meeting”…McMillon presented a “Bait Mate” product. “It was sprayed on a fishing lure to make the plastic lure smell like live bait…(Walton) said ‘That’s all well and good son, but what makes you think fish can smell.’ I learned about humor and how to be supportive and still have fun.” Read more

 

How a Sales Call Turned Into a Merger Between Kroger and Meal Kit Firm Home Chef by Michelle Lodge at The Street. Read more

 

**A message from Kidibul – The festive, bubbly beverage made for kids’ parties! 100% natural. Great for birthdays, New Year, Christmas, etc. Kids love the bubbles! Website | PowerPoint | info@eyeonretail.net

 

Rep the Squad jersey rental startup shuts down after struggling to land additional funding by Taylor Soper at GeekWire. “Founded last year, Rep the Squad used a Netflix-like model, charging customers $19.95 per month to receive selected jerseys in the mail, one at a time. Customers could wear a jersey, return it, and receive a different jersey.” Read more

 

Neiman’s ‘Idea Factory’ Ready to Roll by David Moin at WWD. Subscription

 

Publix sets opening date for high-profile Charlotte store (within a a stone’s throw from Harris Teeter) by Katherine Peralta at Charlotte Observer. “Publix will open its long-awaited grocery store in Cotswold at 7 a.m. on June 20, the grocery store chain announced Monday.” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

Kroger’s Top Food Trends for Summer 2018 Press release

 

This start-up is selling lab-grown diamond rings at a 30% discount and jewelers couldn’t tell the difference at CNBC. “Without being provided context that the diamond was in fact lab-grown, one jeweler offered $3,800 and another $3,000 after inspecting it under magnification.” Read more

 

P&G ending operations in Iran because of Trump decision by Barrett J. Brunsman at Cincinnati Business Courier. Read more

 

Costco removes Taiwan flag from website by Matthew Strong at Taiwan News. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Why LVMH Won’t Buy Into The Latest, New Tech Craze

How the World’s Largest Chocolate Maker Is Spending $1B to Fight Climate Change

Wall Street Journal: Climate Change Has Run Its Course (Subs.)

Stone Brewing files injunction to block MillerCoors from selling Keystone products

Deep in the Pentagon, a secret AI program to find hidden nuclear missiles

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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: Sam Walton Hologram | Lowe’s CFO Retires | Target’s ‘Sexy’ Play | Ex-WM Buyer Faces Prison

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Advent to take 80% stake in Walmart Brazil at CNBC. “The transaction is subject to approval from Brazillian regulators. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Walmart said it expects to take a noncash net loss of approximately $4.5 billion, largely due to currency fluctuations.” Read more

 

Sam’s Club will now match Walmart’s prices after furious customers complain by Hayley Peterson at Business Insider. “John Davidowsky bought a $689 television at a Sam’s Club store in Scranton, Pennsylvania on May 11, and the next day, he said he saw the exact same TV advertised at Walmart— which owns Sam’s Club — for $579.” Read more

 

Lowe’s CFO Marshall Croom Announces Retirement Press release

 

Target makes play for bigger piece of beauty marketplace by Kavita Kumar at Star Tribune. “People are hungry for new ideas that more reflect them rather than just relying on the mass,” said Mark Tritton, Target’s chief merchandising officer. “With the rise of newcomers and new ideas, it makes this a really kind of sexy place to play.” Read more (Tiered subs.)

 

SAM WALTON APPEARS AS HOLOGRAM AT WALMART MEETING by Nathan Owens & Christie Swanson at Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. “We sure appreciate you,” a lifelike holographic projection of the company’s founder said on stage Friday at Walmart’s closing shareholders week event. “Your whole company appreciates you. And together, it will be mind-boggling what we can achieve.” Read more

 

…Sam Walton Hologram Video

 

CVS Health will stop contributing to a pro-Trump nonprofit by Jessica Bartlett at Boston Business Journal. “MapLight, a nonpartisan nonprofit that tracks money in politics, reported that CVS Health had donated $500,000 to America First Policies.” Read more

 

More Books Are Selling, but Retail’s Future Worries Publishers by Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg at Wall Street Journal. Read more (Subs.)

 

HOUSTON – H-E-B’s 64,000-square-foot snack plant to open mid-2019 by Jen Para at Houston Business Journal. Read more

 

**A message from Real Coconut Water – Our Brazilian Coconut Water is Sweeter than the Rest! Organic & Natural, PL & Branded. Sell sheet | Website | Request samples: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Catalina CEO is out as company streamlines operations by Margie Manning at Tampa Bay Business Journal. Read more

 

DOUG MCMILLON CAN BUY MOST OF HIS CLOTHES FROM WALMART NOW – by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “Being totally open, there were times I never bought all my apparel at Walmart,” McMillon said. “But I am buying a lot from Bonobos these days and with the Lord & Taylor addition I don’t know if I need to shop anywhere else. That’s really exciting.” Read more

 

Rent the Runway Co-Founder to Take on Amazon With New Shopping Service by Zoe Henry at Inc. Read more

 

HelloFresh to start selling meal kits at Giant Food and Stop & Shop stores at USA Today. Read more

 

Walmart Board Chairman Greg Penner used his recent ascent of Mt. Everest to offer motivation to 14,000 Walmart employees by Kim Souza at Talk Business. Read more

 

The ‘retailpocalypse’ is over and it’s time to go long Macy’s, Evercore ISI says at CNBC. “In a nutshell, we are convinced that old-world brands and retailers are figuring out how to manage inventory and market to consumers in the digital era, a critical turning point for the sector,” Saad said in a note Sunday.” Read more

 

REI and National Forest Foundation Team Up Again in 2018 Press release

 

Apple Pay tests ‘order ahead’ for drinks at music festivals by Josh Constine at TechCrunch. “BottleRock’s upscale wine and oldies music fest, 100 miles from the tech giant’s headquarters, has become a test bed for Apple Pay. Last year, every concession stand got equipped with the Square’s Apple Pay-ready point of sale system and special fast lanes for customers who used it…” Read more

 

J.Crew under fire for promoting boy in a feminist T-shirt by Rina Raphael at Fast Company. “I’m really unsure who advises companies to be so political with the chance of losing half or more of your sales,” wrote one disgruntled customer.” Pic/Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Walmart buyer faces 10 years of prison for stealing trade secrets

Lush’s latest ad campaign about police corruption is just wild

Home Depot co-founder reveals why they stocked shelves with empty boxes in its early days

Man sues CVS because employee revealed his secret prescription of Viagra to his wife

Louis Vuitton hired a shaman to stop the rain for fashion show

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: Oregon Stores Stripped | WM Fish Record | Costco +7% | Menear Transcript

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Costco Q3 Comp Sales (w/o gas & FX) +7.0% “Net sales for the quarter increased 12.1 percent, to $31.62 billion, from $28.22 billion last year…E-commerce +35.5%” Press release

 

…Costco to Raise Starting Wage to $14 an Hour by Sarah Nassauer at Wall Street Journal. “(Costco will) increase its starting hourly wages by $1 to $14 or $14.50 an hour. Other hourly workers will receive raises of between 25 cents and 50 cents. The new wages take effect on June 11. Executives said the company was using some of its savings from last year’s U.S. tax overhaul…” Subscription required

 

Ulta Beauty Q1 Comp Sales +8.1% “Retail comparable sales increased 4.7%, including salon comparable sales growth of 3.2%; E-commerce sales increased 48.0% to $154.4 million.” Press release

 

Whole Foods halts plan to require mandatory GMO labeling by Jade Scipioni at Fox Business. “…the company is pushing back the (Sep 1, 2018) deadline for its mandatory GMO labeling policy as the U.S. Department of Agriculture “finalizes its Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard” to give the food industry time to assess the impact.” Read more

 

Nonfarm payrolls increase by 223,000 in May, vs 188,000 estimate at CNBC. Read more

 

SHOPPING BY TEXT – Walmart rolls out Jetblack, a members-only service at CNBC. “The service isn’t exclusive to products on Walmart.com and Jet.com. Other retailers, including Saks and Pottery Barn, are included in the service.” Read more

 

GameStop Q1 Comp Sales -5.3% (vs. -4.2% expected) at CNBC. Read more

 

…GameStop names another interim CEO by Brian Womack at Dallas Business Journal. “Shane Kim, a former Microsoft executive, will serve in the temporary role until a permanent replacement is found… He replaces Dan DeMatteo, executive chairman, who took the title about three weeks ago after CEO Mike Mauler stepped down “for personal reasons.” He had the top spot for just three months.” Read more

 

Nordstrom plans to open at least two more stores without clothes by Coral Garnick at Puget Sound Business Journal. “After launching Nordstrom Local on Oct. 3 in Los Angeles, the company said Tuesday it plans to open two more in the L.A. market and is looking to expand into other cities such as Manhattan if the concept continues to prove successful.” 14 pics/Read more

 

TreeHouse Inc. – an environmentally-friendly option likened to Home Depot and Lowe’s — is closing its original store in Austin and shifting its home office to Dallas at Dallas Business Journal. Read more

 

Walgreens opening in Mall of America by David Clarey at Chicago Business Journal. Read more

 

**A message from Kidibul – The festive, bubbly beverage made for kids’ parties! 100% natural & sparkling juice in a champagne type bottle with natural cork & wire to pop. Kids love the bubbles! Website | PowerPoint | Samples: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Former Home Depot CEO Frank Blake speaks to Rotary by Patrick Yost at Morgan Citizen. “…the number one quality of a strong business leader is “generosity.” “At first that didn’t make sense to me,” remembered Blake. “But you have to be fueled by the success of those around you and if you are fueled by the success of those around you that will give you the energy to succeed. It is profoundly true.” Read more

 

Sephora in talks for major Oakland office lease at San Francisco Business Times. Subscription required

 

Ex-CVS Exec Steve Gold named Chief Technology Officer at Hudson’s Bay Press release

 

KROGER FAN – Speaker of the House Paul Ryan Praises Kroger by Scott Wartman at Cincinnati Enquirer. “Ryan, R-Wis., and Chabot, R-Westwood, toured Kroger’s Springdale Ice Cream & Beverage plant…“For the past eight years, America had a Speaker of the House that is a big Kroger fan,” Ryan said. “I shopped at Kroger for four years in Oxford, Ohio when I went to Miami University.” Read more

 

Atlanta Business Chronicle sits down with Home Depot CEO Craig Menear Subscription required

 

Google’s ‘Reserve’ tool winning converts, taking search to next level by Paresh Dave at Reuters. “The service…spares users the phone calls, online searching and form filling typically associated with appointments…in interviews with Reuters, seven software firms that supply schedule data to Google described the volume as significant, with as much as 75% of bookings representing new customers.” Read more

 

How Nata Dvir Is Helping Macy’s Beauty Go Millennial by Alexa Tietjen at WWD. Subscription required

 

For Master Class in Amazon’s Success, Look at Its Cloud Business by Jay Greene & Laura Stevens at Wall Street Journal. “The giant’s cloud-computing business offers a look inside its model for expanding. ‘You’re stupid if you don’t get scared by that,’ says one partner; others praise the unit’s chief for straddling the line between ally and rival.” Subscription required

 

Home Depot CEO Craig Menear Presents at Bernstein Brokers Conference at Seeking Alpha. Transcript

 

Supermarkets near Salem, Oregon, were stripped of products after residents were sent a cryptic emergency alert telling them to “Prepare for Action.” at AP. “Officials wanted to warn…that elevated levels of a natural toxin…had made area tap water unsafe for children and people with compromised immune systems. But that information got cut off, and a more ominous-sounding default message went out in its place…” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Man reels in record-breaking catfish with $20 Walmart fishing rod

Joel Osteen and the making of a mega-church

Beer maker to pay nearly $1 million penalty for selling unregistered brands in New York

From Sephora to Barney’s, retailers bet on the nebulous wellness industry

They Thought They’d Won $35 Million in the Lottery…But Getting $1 Each Instead

41 percent of men say they’ve never heard of the #MeToo movement

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