Tipsheet: 52% of WM Reviews Fake | JCP -24 Stores | V.Secret -53 Stores

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JCPenney Q4 comp sales -4.0 (vs. forecasted -4.3%) / Will close 24 more stores Press release

 

…JCPenney names Michelle Wlazlo chief merchant “Most recently she served as senior vice president of apparel and accessories merchandising at Target Corporation.” Press release

 

…JCPenney pulls plug on clothing subscription service by Melissa Fares at Reuters. “In December 2017, the department store chain announced a new service through a partnership with Bombfell.com that offered Penney private label and national men’s clothing brands to people who signed up for regular apparel shipments.” Read more

 

L Brands plans to close roughly 53 Victoria’s Secret stores this year at CNBC. “Victoria’s Secret, where same-store sales fell 3 percent…Bath & Body Works…grew same-store sales by 12 percent.” Read more

 

WPP hires Walmart executive Jacqui Canney as head of talent management by Matthew Garrahan at Financial Times. “Jacqui Canney will leave her post as chief people officer at Walmart, where she has been responsible for attracting, retaining and developing talent.” Tiered subs.

 

Amazon Shifts Power to Brands in Fight Against Fake Products by Laura Stevens at Wall Street Journal. “The online retail giant on Thursday launched a new anticounterfeiting program, called Project Zero, that it says would better protect brands from scammers by letting them designate listings for removal, rather than going through a cumbersome reporting process with Amazon.” WSJ subs.

 

Scourge of fake reviews hitting Amazon, Walmart and other major retailers by Aimee Picchi at CBS. “52 percent of reviews posted on Walmart.com are “inauthentic and unreliable,” Fakespot estimates 30 percent of Amazon reviews are fake or unreliable, the study found.” Read more

 

**A message from X1 Ebike – Up to 37 miles on a single 4-hour charge. Folds into the size of a golf bag in 1 second. GPS tracking, VIN # & alarm for security. Video | Website | Contact

 

What happened to Julep: How a high-profile online beauty brand went from acquisition to bankruptcy in 2 years by Taylor Soper at GeekWire. Read more

 

Amazon backs out of massive Seattle office tower by Monica Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “The New York resistance effort mirrored opposition Amazon faces in Seattle. It’s not hard to draw a line between the battles; two Seattle City Council members traveled to New York to warn Amazon opponents about what it’s like to have the company in your backyard.” Read more

 

Bob Boldt, ad director and designer for Dayton’s and Target, dies at 90 by Erin Golden at Minneapolis Star Tribune. “As a retiree, Boldt kept creating, designing logos and programs for his church…“We knew if he took up residence in front of the church photocopier that he was in development mode,” said Rev. D. Foy Christopherson, a pastor at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.” Tiered subs.

 

Amazon reportedly taps former Kindle and Flex exec to lead pharmacy group overseeing PillPack by James Thorne at GeekWire. Read more

 

DSW bets nail salons in shoe stores will lure millennial women at Bloomberg via Crain’s Cleveland Business. “The retailer said Wednesday, Feb. 27, that it’s adding nail salons to five shoe stores this year in Washington; Austin, Texas; and Dublin, Ohio. DSW began testing the concept in 2017 in two locations in its headquarters city of Columbus.” Read more

 

Best Buy Thanks Fortnite for Boost, But ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ by Matthew Boyle at Bloomberg. “Best Buy Chief Financial Officer Corie Barry said the Epic Games Inc. battle-royale title lifted sales of all sorts of gaming consoles, PCs and accessories like headphones over the course of the year.” Tiered subs.

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

France’s largest sports retailer pulls sports hijab amid threats

The number of outstanding U.S. $100 bills has doubled since the financial crisis

FDA Recalls More Blood Pressure Medication

Martha Stewart partnering with marijuana grower Canopy Growth

Inside Hy-Vee’s New Hybrid Concept

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

 

Website: eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Costco #1 Internet | B.Buy +3% | Kohl’s Ethical | Lowe’s +1.7%

/in

 

Lowe’s Q4 comp sales +1.7% (vs. expected +2.1%) / US +2.4% Press release

 

…CNBC: Lowe’s shares dip as sales fall short of Wall Street expectations “We anticipate continued weakness in the Canadian housing market in the near-term, but remain confident in our market position in Canada and the long-term potential of that business,” Ellison said.” Read more

 

Best Buy Q4 comp sales +3.0% (vs. expected +2.03%) Press release

 

…Reuters: Best Buy holiday-quarter sales beat estimates; shares surge “The company said domestic online revenue rose 9.3 percent to $2.96 billion in the fourth quarter, primarily due to higher conversion rates and increased traffic.” Read more

 

TJX Q4 comp sales +6.0% Press release

 

Walmart asks suppliers to help reduce plastic waste in packaging by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “By 2025, Walmart said 100% of its private brand packaging will be recyclable, reusable or compostable.” Read more

 

Alphabet’s Sidewalk Labs faces resistance to smart city project in Toronto by Monica Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “It’s only been a few weeks since Amazon canceled plans to build a New York headquarters amid growing opposition to the deal — and it looks like the project’s opponents have emboldened activists in other cities.” Read more

 

Office Depot Retail Division comp sales -5.0% Press release

 

Activist Investors, eBay Nearing Settlement by Cara Lombardo & Dana Cimilluca at Wall Street Journal. “The three parties are discussing a deal in which Elliott and Starboard would receive multiple board seats, according to people familiar with the matter. The company would also agree to perform an operational review focused on improving profitability and a full-company strategic review.” WSJ subs.

 

HELP WANTED – Walmart searching for new lead spokesman to replace Greg Hitt by Kim Souza at Talk Business. Read more

 

**A message from 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo – See the category innovation of 2019 all in one place! Items selected during the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s Most Innovative New Product Awards go on to enjoy sweet success – see the 2018 New Product winners here. Chicago’s McCormick Place, May 21-23. Exhibitors | Register Now

 

ACSI Customer Satisfaction Report:

  • Costco #1 Discount
  • Kroger #1 Health & Personal Care
  • Trader Joe’s #1 Supermarket
  • Costco #1 Internet

Press release | Download free report

 

Alison Coville will step down as President of Hudson’s Bay and Home Outfitters, effective March 1st, 2019 Press release

 

Walmart Joins Amazon in Chase for Ad Dollars by Sarah Nassauer at Wall Street Journal. “Walmart hopes that if “I’m the CMO of a large branded manufacturer I now think about Walmart as a network I can go advertise on,” said Steve Bratspies, chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S.” WSJ subs.

 

The 2019 World’s Most Ethical Companies (Kohl’s, Best Buy, H&M) by Ethisphere. List

 

The US Federal Trade Commission has successfully brought the first ever case against using fraudulent, paid Amazon reviews to falsely advertise an online product by Nick Statt at The Verge. ” The company in question…paid a third-party website to write five-star Amazon reviews for a weight-loss supplement called garcinia cambogia. The plant…is widely mischaracterized as contributing to weight loss, but is in fact known to cause acute liver failure.” Read more

 

Home Depot Q4 2018 Earnings Call Transcript at Seeking Alpha. Transcript

 

FedEx partners with Walmart, Pizza Hut to test last-mile delivery robot at Reuters. “FedEx is teaming up with DEKA Development & Research Corp, whose founder Dean Kamen invented the Segway stand-up scooter and iBot stair-climbing wheelchair, for its project. The delivery company said the robots could become part of its SameDay service that operates in 1,900 cities around the world.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Mother of newborn hands out 200 bags of candy & earplugs to fellow plane passengers

The water in this hospital is all pulled out of thin air

Workers with disabilities feel targeted after Walmart changes job requirements

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Gets Surprise Permission for China Release

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Website: eyeonretail.net

 

Tipsheet: Macy’s Chops 100 VPs | H.Dep +3.2% | Kraft Soured Grocery

/in

 

Home Depot Q4 comp sales +3.2% / US +3.7% (vs. +4.5% forecast) Press release

 

…Reuters: Home Depot profit outlook disappoints “We believe that wet weather was a major factor that impacted growth (exterior projects),” Credit Suisse analyst Seth Sigman said…Still, the company expects same-store sales to rise 5 percent this year, above the 4.45 percent increase analysts were expecting.” Read more

 

Macy’s Q4 comp sales +0.7% (vs. +0.9% forecast) at CNBC. “Macy’s is targeting $100 million in annual cost savings, starting in fiscal 2019, with its restructuring plan. It said part of this plan consists of reorganizing upper management, cutting 100 vice-president level or above roles, “to increase the speed of decision making.” Read more

 

Etsy Q4 revenue +46.8% at CNBC. Read more

 

Walmart buys Israeli product review insight firm Aspectiva at Reuters. “Aspectiva has developed machine-learning techniques and natural language processing capabilities, “areas we believe will have profound impact on how customers will shop in the future,” Store No 8 principal Lori Flees said.” Read more

 

AutoZone Q2 comp sales +2.6% Press release

 

Dillard’s Q4 comp sales +2.0% Press release

 

Foot Locker is investing $12.5 million in kid’s clothing company Rockets of Awesome at CNBC. “Rockets of Awesome — which hasn’t had much of a bricks-and-mortar presence to date other than a handful of pop-up shops — will be opening mini stores within Kids Foot Locker locations across the country.” Read more

 

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Nordstrom Gets Down to Earth in First Ad Campaign From Droga5 by T.L.Stanley at Adweek. “The campaign…brings together disparate slice-of-life scenes like a swim lesson, a tap dance and a bus ride. Its stars, part-time actors and non-professionals including a sign-language interpreter, a stylish doyenne and a teen-age karate expert, are diverse in age, background and ethnicity.” Tiered subs.

 

Marks and Spencer and Ocado in home delivery deal talks at BBC. Read more

 

1 year later, Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Ed Stack still takes a tough stance on guns at CNBC. “(Dick’s) is now calling for (comp) sales…to be down between 3 percent and 4 percent in 2018, largely because of weakness in the hunting category. That’s compared with a drop of 0.3 percent in 2017.” Read more

 

Amazon names ex-PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi as director by Taylor Soper at GeekWire. Read more

 

Supermarkets Soured on Kraft Heinz and Its Pricing Tactics by Heather Haddon at Wall Street Journal. “You had a change in personnel and mind-set,” said Don Fitzgerald, a food sector consultant and the chief marketing officer for Kroger Co.’s Mariano’s banner until this month. “There was a clear shift in focus from really working with retailers and being consumer-focused.” WSJ subs.

 

DOJ asks judge to give final approval on CVS-Aetna merger – but there’s only a 50% chance of the judge agreeing, insiders said by Josh Kosman at NY Post. Read more

 

Jeff Bezos tops list of America’s biggest philanthropists in 2018 at The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Top 10 list

 

Walmart’s Greg Hitt moves to Dominion Energy at PR Week. Subscription

 

Payless ShoeSource is now holding store closing sales at all retail locations in North America Press release

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Food Preservatives Could Make You Lazy

How U.S. bike companies are steering around Trump’s China tariffs

Attacked and powerless, Venezuela soldiers choose desertion

‘Gremlins’ Animated Series in the Works

Ariana Grande Surpasses Selena Gomez as Instagram’s Most-Followed Woman

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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: eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Click & Collect +47% | Target’s Website Invites | Beer Alliance Trouble

/in

 

How U.S. retailers turn their bane into boon with ‘click and collect’ at Reuters. “According to retail research and consulting firm GlobalData Retail, store pickups accounted for nearly a third of U.S. online sales last November and December. That compares with about 22 percent a year earlier and just over 17 percent during the 2016 holiday season.” Read more

 

Target is inviting retailers to its website by Lauren Thomas at CNBC. “It says it’s planning to partner with companies in certain categories, like sporting goods and toys, where it’s seeing high shopper demand…Chief Digital Officer Rick Gomez: “This is intended to be a very curated and select group of products and brands. … We are reaching out to the brands we want.” Read more

 

Apple confirms its plans to close retail stores in the patent-troll favored Eastern District of Texas by Sarah Perez at TechCrunch. Read more

 

Target Takes on Victoria’s Secret by Khadeeja Safdar at Wall Street Journal. “Target next month will launch three brands to sell women’s bras, underwear and pajamas that it expects will hit more than $1 billion in sales in a year….Target said all the new bras will cost less than $22 and include plus sizes.” WSJ subs. | A Bullseye View story

 

Amazon Air cargo jet crashes in Texas; 3 people onboard killed by Alan Boyle at GeekWire. Read more

 

**A message from 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo – See the category innovation of 2019 all in one place! Items selected during the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s Most Innovative New Product Awards go on to enjoy sweet success – see the 2018 New Product winners here. Chicago’s McCormick Place, May 21-23. Exhibitors | Register Now

 

Bud’s Super Bowl Ad Threatens to Derail Beer Alliance by Saabira Chaudhuri at Wall Street Journal. “A fight between America’s two biggest brewers is jeopardizing a proposed “Got Milk?”-style campaign intended to help struggling beer makers win back drinkers…MillerCoors…pulled out of a meeting slated for next month and said the initiative should be paused following a public spat with Bud Light maker AB InBev.” WSJ subs.

 

Bellevue looks more and more like Amazon’s HQ2 by Monica Nickelsburg & Nat Levy at GeekWire. Read more

 

‘Ugly produce’ trend may have limits, as grocers end tests at AP via MSN. “The supplier of the Misfits produce to supermarkets, Robinson Fresh, said about 300 grocery locations still sell the fruits and vegetables, including the Hy-Vee stores. Kroger also said it still plans to introduce its “Pickuliar Picks” this spring. But among other regional chains that have stopped carrying ugly produce are Meijer in the Midwest, Hannaford based in Maine and Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle.” Read more

 

Wayfair Q4 Direct Retail Net Revenue Growth +41% Press release

 

…Wayfair shares are up nearly 70% this year, and charts point to more gains at CNBC. “Friday was Wayfair’s best day on record. The stock soared as much as 30 percent, rocketing to a new high following a revenue beat and a 15 percent increase in active customers.” Read more

 

Proposed Asian grocery in Fairfield, OH sparked fear of ‘undesirables’, and citizens shut it down by Max Londberg at Cincinnati Enquirer. Tiered subs.

 

Men and Women Need Different Kinds of Networks to Succeed by Brian Uzzi at Harvard Business Review. “…men benefit not so much from size of network but from being central in the MBA student network—or connected to multiple “hubs”…(women) also had to have an inner circle of close female contacts, despite having similar qualifications to men including education and work experience.” Read more

 

No ‘Star Wars’ film is slated for 2020, but there will still be plenty of toys by Sarah Whitten at CNBC. “Disney has hired writers to create two separate trilogies. One is being written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the showrunners of HBO’s blockbuster fantasy series “Game of Thrones;” the other by Rian Johnson, director of “The Last Jedi.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Kraft Heinz reportedly looking to sell Maxwell House

Consumers can outsmart online discount strategies, study finds

New York budget director assigns blame for Amazon HQ2 collapse in scathing letter

Target adds new $9.99 wine, marketed as a ‘premium’ line

Chip and Joanna Gaines buy historic castle in Texas

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Website: eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Evine Hires Target Exec | WM Taking Charge of Rail | Toys DTC

/in

 

Hasbro, Lego launch online services in Toys ‘R’ Us’ absence by Lisa Fickenscher at NY Post. “We are rethinking the way we go to market,” Scott Stroud, Hasbro’s vice president of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer businesses, told The Post. “We have the ability to provide the quality, access and make sure that this is the premier way to buy” Hasbro products, he said.” Read more

 

Several companies have suspended advertising on YouTube, including Nestle, Epic, and reportedly Disney and McDonald’s by Catherine Shu at TechCrunch. “YouTube creator Matt Watson posted a video and in-depth Reddit post describing how pedophiles are able to manipulate the platform’s recommendation algorithm to redirect a search for “bikini haul” videos, featuring adult women, to exploitative clips of children.” Read more

 

…On YouTube, a network of paedophiles is hiding in plain sight by K.G. Orphanides at Wired. “Comments beneath scores of videos appear to show paedophiles sharing timestamps for parts of the videos where exposed genitals can be seen, or when a child does the splits or lifts up their top to show their nipples.” Read more

 

Neighborhood Goods raises $14.5 million and is opening a store in New York at CNBC. “Since its inception and grand opening in Texas, Neighborhood Goods has been a buzz in the retail industry. Tennis superstar Serena Williams launched her new clothing line there. Many people keeping up with retail…view Neighborhood Goods as a model of where the industry is headed.” Read more

 

Stitch Fix’s radical data-driven way to sell clothes–$1.2 billion last year–is reinventing retail by Lauren Smiley at Fast Company. Read more

 

Amazon Reportedly Has Lord of the Rings Writers in a Locked Office With a Guard and Fingerprint Scanner by Tom McKay at Gizmodo. Read more

 

Cable shopping channel Evine hires Target exec Theresa Schmidt by Jackie Crosby at Star Tribune. “…as vice president of its fashion and accessories division. Schmidt spent more than 12 years moving up the ranks at Target…She started as senior buyer and for the past year has managed a $16 billion division as the retailer’s vice president of planning, apparel and accessories.” Tiered subs.

 

SpartanNash Q4 Net Sales +0.6% Press release

 

Amazon exec says A.I. in health care is finally moving beyond hype at CNBC. “AI is medicine is not a new concept,” Kass-Hout said…He noted that the past year has seen a massive uptick in research papers that use “prediction and natural language understanding” in a variety of new ways. Despite that, he also cautioned that AI tools have been overhyped.” Read more

 

Loblaw profit beats expectations at Financial Post. “The company said retail same-store sales, both in the food and drug segments, grew 1.7 per cent in the quarter.” Read more

 

**A message from 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo – See the category innovation of 2019 all in one place! Items selected during the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s Most Innovative New Product Awards go on to enjoy sweet success – see the 2018 New Product winners here. Chicago’s McCormick Place, May 21-23. Exhibitors | Register Now

 

Walmart is quietly taking charge of its rail operations by Rachel Premack at Business Insider. “Walmart is taking control of their supply chain through a pilot program in which the $500 billion retailer uses name-brand freight containers designed in-house. The pilot is only in Southern California.” Read more

 

Serena Williams joins online retailer Poshmark’s board of directors at CNBC. Read more

 

Walmart’s ‘Baby Savings Day’ event is Saturday at these stores List

 

JD.com’s drones take flight to Japan in partnership with Rakuten by Jon Russell at TechCrunch. Read more

 

Duke’s Zion Williamson blows out his shoe, injures knee, and Nike gasps in horror at MarketWatch. Read more

 

Target will extend its trendy kids’ clothing line, Art Class, to toddlers at A Bullseye View. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Much hand-wringing over new nail salon’s unsubtle name

Driver runs over eight people — twice — outside a 7-Eleven store killing pregnant woman

Canadian shelves ‘would run dry’ if U.S. imports drugs

Chuck & Don’s 45 pet stores bought by PE firm

Walmart shift from ‘people greeters’ to ‘customer hosts’ threatens disabled man’s job

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: eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Target #11 Innovative | Pet Store ‘Dog Days’ | Toy Fair Spies

/in

 

CVS shares drop on mixed results, disappointing forecast “For the full year of 2019, CVS forecasts adjusted earnings between $6.68 and $6.88 per share, below the $7.41 per share analysts polled by Refinitiv had expected.” Read more | Press release

 

Companies were boxed off to avoid spies at this year’s Toy Fair by Lisa Fickenscher at NY Post. “Veterans of the annual show, which attracts some 1,200 toy companies, say this year’s event appeared to have the most closed booths ever. “We were among the only closed booths about a decade ago,” said Lego spokesman Michael McNally. “But most of the larger brands have private booths now.” Read more

 

Sainsbury’s planned $9.5 billion takeover of Walmart’s Asda in jeopardy at Reuters. “Close to the worst possible outcome (for the companies),” said Bernstein analyst Bruno Monteyne.” Read more

 

Walmart takes online ad sales in house by Jack Neff at Ad Age. “Triad has told employees it will enforce non-compete clauses of their contracts, even to prevent them moving to Walmart Media Group, which is taking over the ad operations, according to people familiar with the matter. Walmart is expected to add hundreds of employees as part of the move, these people say.” Tiered subs.

 

Kroger and Ocado announce two additional sites for automated warehouses “Central Florida and Mid-Atlantic selected as locations for innovative robotics warehouse facilities.” Press release

 

**A message from BK Resources – The Best Kept secret for commercial and food service kitchen equipment. Leading supplier of stainless steel: commercial faucets, sinks, work tables, bar equipment, ice bins & more. Catalog | Website | Contact

 

Amazon’s ‘collaborative’ robots offer peek into the future by Catherine Triomphe at AFP via Yahoo Finance. “Amazon now counts more than 25 robotic centers, which chief technologist for Amazon Robotics Tye Brady says have changed the way the company operates. “What used to take more than a day now takes less than an hour,” he said, explaining they are able to fit about 40 percent more goods inside the same footprint.” Read more

 

Amazon Ad Revenue to Top $11B This Year: eMarketer Study at Hollywood Reporter. “By 2023, digital will exceed two-thirds of total media spending,” according to eMarketer.” Read more

 

Dog Days Aren’t Over for Pet Store Rivals at Wall Street Journal. “Private-equity firms bought America’s two biggest pet-store owners within months of each other. One spent billions to boost its online business by acquiring the top internet pet retailer. The other focused on getting people back in stores. About three years later, neither strategy is a clear winner.” WSJ subs.

 

The World’s 50 Most Innovative Co’s 2019: Fast Company – Stitch Fix #5, Target #11 List

 

Charlotte Russe will close if it can’t find a buyer by Charisse Jones at USA Today. “A tentative timeline has potential bids being offered by March 3, then an auction would occur two days later.” Read more

 

PayPal CEO predicts digital payments industry will mature into a $100 trillion market at USA Today. Read more

 

P&G is testing a Tide-branded laundry service at Digiday. “…a service that lets customers pre-pay for laundry through an app, drop the laundry off inside lockers or drop boxes inside apartment buildings, offices and retail storefronts, and pick up the clean clothes once the app notifies them they’re ready.” Read more

 

Rite Aid and GNC Extend Partnership Through 2022 “Rite Aid and GNC have had an exclusive partnership in the chain drug channel since December 1998.” Press release

 

Rebag, which resells second-hand luxury purses, is a on a path to open 25 stores and hire 200 employees in the next three years. by April Berthene at Internet Retailer. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Retired Home Depot CEO named a Georgia Trustee

Boxed CEO asks interviewees these three questions to make sure they’re not jerks

Target plans to open small-format stores in two D.C. neighborhoods

Getting fitted for Alexa-enabled smart glasses in a mobile showroom in Seattle

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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: eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: WM +4.2% | Saks Gunshot Detectors | Dollar Stores Cause Poverty?

/in

 

Walmart Q4 comp sales +4.2% in U.S (vs. +3.2% expected) at CNBC. “Online sales were up 43 percent during the fourth quarter, matching growth during the previous quarter. Walmart said that, for the year, it achieved e-commerce sales growth of 40 percent, which it had been targeting.” Read more

 

Payless ShoeSource plans to close all of its about 2,500 locations in the U.S. and Canada by Nathan Bomey at USA Today. “Some stores will be closed by the end of March, while “many” will remain open through the end of May…Payless locations in about three dozen other countries, including 420 company-owned stores and 370 international franchisee stores, will remain open.” Read more

 

Etsy error resulted in money being withdrawn from several sellers’ bank accounts and credit cards by Catherine Shu at TechCrunch. “…sellers began noticing amounts ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars had been withdrawn or charged to those accounts.” Read more

 

Are dollar stores a response to poverty — or a cause? by Rachel Siegel at Washington Post via St.Louis Post Dispatch. “In cities, dollar stores trade in economic despair, with many residents saying they are a vital source of cheap staples. But as the stores cluster in low-income neighborhoods, their critics worry they are not just a response to poverty — but a cause. Residents fear the stores deter other business..” Tiered subs.

 

Amazon aims to cut shipment carbon footprint in half by 2030 by Nat Levy at GeekWire. “Last week, Green Peace published a report claiming Amazon’s cloud arm, Amazon Web Services, has not followed through on commitments to make its network of data centers more environmentally friendly. Amazon pushed back on the report…” Read more

 

British supermarkets could face shortages of fresh food, price rises and less variety if the country leaves the European Union next month without agreeing on trade terms at Reuters. Read more

 

**A message from 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo – 800+ exhibitors, 2,000+ new product launches, 45 new product awards. The can’t miss show of the year is nearly here! Join us at Chicago’s McCormick Place May 21-23 to discover the latest innovations in products, merchandising and retail solutions. Exhibitors | Register Now | Website

 

Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store in New York has gunshot detectors perched over beauty and jewelry counters by Chip Cutter at Wall Street Journal. WSJ subs.

 

Walmart suppliers improve initiatives supporting Project Gigaton by Kim Souza at Talk Business. “The milestone project involves Walmart’s removing 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas from its global supply chain by 2030…The first year of the initiative, Walmart reported reducing more than 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas in its global supply chain…” Read more

 

America’s CBD Boom: Brazen Claims, Fake Products, Regulatory Scrutiny by Craig Giammona & Kristine Owram at Bloomberg. Tiered subs.

 

Bali’s new Starbucks flagship store has its own coffee farm and valet parking at CNBC. “The store includes a nursery, greenhouse and outdoor area where customers can rake coffee beans. It also features digital screens which run interviews with some of its coffee farmers in the region.” Pics/Read more

 

Amazon’s New Film Strategy: Straight-to-Service Titles and Starry Sundance Buys by Matt Donnelly at Variety. Read more

 

Burglar crashed his car into the glass doors of an adult novelty shop, then ran inside and stole lingerie and sex toys at AP News. “Pierce says the greater cost is likely the damage to the glass doors.” Read more

 

The Tragic Side of Tide Pods by Jake Meth at Fortune. “The majority of injuries resolve within 24 hours without long-lasting effects. Still, pods make up 80% of all major injuries related to laundry detergent, according to the American Association for Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), despite accounting for only 16% of the market.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Amazon threatens Philadelphia over plan to ban cashless stores

There’s a pizza price war going on and there’s a big loser

New round of U.S.-China trade talks to begin in Washington on Tuesday

Haitians seek water, food as businesses reopen after protest

Amazon starts selling Echo Wall Clock again

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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: eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Kroger Pay Expands | Amazon Ships 26% | Alibaba Eyes Metro

/in

 

US retail sales suffer steepest drop in nine years by Sylvan Lane at The Hill. “Advance estimates of December 2018 retail and food services sales…fell 1.2 percent from the previous month, to $505.8 billion, according to the Census Bureau.” Read more

 

Alibaba in talks on stake in China operations of Germany’s Metro at Reuters. “The talks are at an early stage and could still fall apart, the sources said. Alibaba’s interest comes after rival Tencent last year signed a partnership deal with France’s Carrefour.” Read more

 

Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For: Wegmans #3, Publix #12, REI #46, Sheetz #85 List

 

Walmart will be bringing 50-foot tractor-trailers to the parking lots of some of its stores to let customers experience DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon” using virtual reality technology. at CNBC. Read more

 

…Afterwards, customers are directed to a branded, physical gift shop where they can make purchases. at TechCrunch. Read more

 

New York will lose the bulk of the 25,000 jobs that were promised by Amazon HQ2 at CNBC. “Instead, most of those jobs will be spread across 17 of Amazon’s corporate offices and tech hubs in North America, including Boston, Vancouver and Denver.” Read more

 

…The man who delivered the death blow to Amazon deal at NY Post. “Amazon tried to reach out to Michael Gianaris — but he rejected three invitations to meet, according to a source…A “toxic relationship” between (Gov. Andrew) Cuomo and Gianaris contributed to Amazon’s woes, said the source.” Read more

 

…Amazon reportedly held last-minute negotiations with union and local officials before canceling New York HQ2 plans at CNBC. Read more

 

Why Target sat out the Grammys by Adrienne Pasquarelli at Ad Age. “Music has always been and continues to be an important part of Target’s brand,” says Target spokesman Joshua Thomas, noting that the company is proud of its Grammys work. “An activation during the Grammys did not align with our plans this year,” he adds.” Tiered subs.

 

**A message from X1 Ebike – Up to 37 miles on a single 4-hour charge! Folds into the size of a golf bag in 1 second. GPS tracking, VIN # & alarm for security. Video | Website | Contact

 

Amazon is now handling its own shipping for 26 percent of online orders: Wolfe Research at CNBC. “We estimate that Amazon will pay about $6 a box to move this themselves on their own air network,” said Morgan Stanley’s Shanker. “Versus what we estimate Amazon paying UPS and FedEx: about $8 or $9 per box today.” Read more

 

Kroger will soon let grocery shoppers pay with their phone nationwide by Alexander Coolidge at Cincinnati Enquirer via USA Today. “…has launched Kroger Pay, a mobile phone option that bundles payment and loyalty card information to speed customers’ checkout…also introduced a new rewards debit card. Both products have been launched in the grocer’s Columbus, Ohio-area markets and will be expanded to 10 more metro areas this spring, before going nationwide later this year.” Read more

 

Shop ‘n Save owner accused of stealing $307K in coupon scam at AP. “Police say he directed staff at his Shop ’n Save supermarkets to cut out the coupons, which were then submitted for credit…A former employee told investigators the practice began under Mihelic’s late father and continued after Mihelic took over.” Read more

 

Ace Hardware Q4 US comp sales +1.3% “2.3 percent increase in average ticket, partially offset by a 1.0 percent decrease in same-store transactions.” Press release

 

Suspected Bezos leaker supplies his own theories by Gabriel Sherman at Vanity Fair. “I’m not saying I didn’t do something,” Michael Sanchez told me. “Until I go under oath, what I can tell you now is that ever since April 20, when I met Jeff, my only goal has been to protect Jeff and Lauren.” Read more

 

Former Best Buy CFO joins Advance Auto Parts Board Press release

 

Purchases With Plastic Get Costlier for Merchants—and Consumers by AnnaMaria Andriotis at Wall Street Journal. “Visa and Mastercard…are preparing increases to certain existing fees that will kick in this April, according to people familiar with the matter.” WSJ subs.

 

Walmart’s New Digital Shelf-Labels – Shopper Feedback at Field Agent.  
I’d prefer the e-Ink labels over LED labels: 4 (of 9) participants
I’d prefer the LED labels over e-Ink labels: 3 participants  
I’d prefer traditional, non-digital labels: 2 participants Video/Read more

 

Canadian Tire Q4 comp sales +0.2% Press release

 

Why Walmart Won’t Stop Selling the National Enquirer by Matthew Boyle & Gerry Smith at Bloomberg. “A decade ago, the company that distributed magazines to Walmart and other big retailers tried to impose a surcharge of 7 cents a copy. Publishers…fought back by halting shipments, resulting in a short period where checkout-counter racks were devoid of (the) National Enquirer. Walmart received more customer complaints about the missing tabloid than just about any other out-of-stock item in its history.“ Tiered subs.

 

Electric truck start-up Rivian announces $700 million investment round led by Amazon at CNBC. Read more

 

Rapping fentanyl spray mascot star of drug company trial at NY Post. “You think you’re bad well I’m the baddest / I was created in a lab with the land of the cactus,” Burlakoff, the vice president of marketing, raps over the beat for A$AP Rocky’s “Fu–in’ Problems” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

A rare copy of Super Mario for NES just sold for over $100,000

‘Frozen 2’ Is Most Watched Animated Trailer of All Time in First 24 Hours

With smart sneakers, privacy risks take a great leap

Walmart Q4 U.S. sales are expected to be up 3.7% from a year ago

Could vacant dept. stores be converted into open office space? It’s working for Danone

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

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