Tipsheet: Back-to-School Boom | Lowes Eyes Rural | JCP -1,000 Mgmt

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U.S. retail sales in June +7.5% vs. expected +5% at Reuters. Read more

 

Neiman Marcus Bankruptcy Watchdog Says Company Must Justify Bonuses at Wall Street Journal. “Under U.S. bankruptcy law, Neiman isn’t allowed to give “pay-to-stay” bonuses simply to incentivize executives to remain with the company through its bankruptcy, Henry Hobbs, the Justice Department lawyer monitoring Neiman’s bankruptcy, wrote in court papers filed Tuesday.” WSJ subs.

 

Back-to-school spending could hit a record as parents buy costly technology for kids at home at CNBC. “Parents of kids in elementary through high school plan to spend an average $789.49 per family, topping a previous record of $696.70, the National Retail Federation found in its annual survey.” Read more

 

Lowe’s will donate $25 million towards small business grants in rural communities at CNBC. “Lowe’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer Marisa Thalberg said like businesses owned by minorities and women, rural businesses face certain challenges like limited access to capital and fewer nearby services. “As we started recognizing where the [pandemic] impact was being felt, we just felt that there wasn’t enough conversation around the impact in rural America,” she said.” Read more

 

Amazon extends work from home policy to January 2021 at GeekWire. Read more

 

Hudson’s Bay CFO Set to Depart at Wall Street Journal. “It couldn’t be learned who would succeed Mr. Record or why he is departing the company. HBC didn’t immediately respond to a request for additional comment.” WSJ subs.

 

Starting next Wednesday, Kroger will require shoppers to wear masks at stores nationwide at USA Today. Read more

 

**A message from Comfy Sacks bean bag chairs – Consumers want to be comfy at home – especially now! Sales on premium bean bags filled with superior quality furniture grade foam are up sharply. See why Apple chose Comfy Sacks to outfit their corporate HQ. Booklet | Video | Website | Request sample bag: info@eyeonretail.net

 

JCPenney will reduce its workforce by approximately 1,000 corporate, field management, and international positions Press release

 

Macy’s Executives Get $9 Million in Bonuses After 3,900 Jobs Cut at Bloomberg. “Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gennette received restricted stock worth $3.7 million on July 9, according to a regulatory filing. The other five, including legal chief Elisa Garcia and Danielle Kirgan, who oversees human resources, received awards ranging from $350,000 to $3 million.” Read more

 

Workers at Shipt strike over new algorithm-based compensation that they say will lower their pay at MarketWatch. “A group of Shipt shoppers call the new system a “black box algorithm payment method” and wrote in a Medium post that it “not only removes all transparency from its shopper compensation calculations but will likely reduce shopper pay by at least 30%.” Read more

 

J.Jill announces forbearance agreements extension with lenders “…providing additional time for J.Jill and its lenders to complete negotiations. The forbearance period has been extended until July 23, 2020.” Press release

 

NRF Retail Leadership Series: Starbucks Coffee Company’s Kevin Johnson this morning at 11:30 a.m. ET Register now

 

Cash crunch at retailers stings suppliers during pandemic at Fox Business. “Companies including Nike Inc., Columbia Sportswear Co. and Samsonite in recent weeks have disclosed millions of dollars in bad-debt charges in their quarterly results. Finance chiefs book such charges when they don’t expect to get paid for inventory they delivered to wholesale customers, such as department stores or mom-and-pop retailers.” Read more

 

Beer, soda makers struggle with aluminum can supply at USA Today. “The raw material for aluminum can production is not in short supply. It’s the capacity to produce the cans themselves that’s lacking.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Walmart.com launches exclusive roast-to-order coffee experience

With pandemic and presidential race, $15 minimum wage could get another push

Amazon warns it’s possible for Echo Buds to overheat

Here Are America’s Top Pandemic Grocers

Aldi recognized as the leading grocer for value

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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: Put your product or service in front of the most powerful retail execs in the world, send advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

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Tipsheet: Target BTS 15% Off | Masks @ WM/Sam’s/B.Buy | Paper Store Bankrupt

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Walmart and Sam’s Club Require Shoppers to Wear Face Coverings “The ambassadors, identifiable by their black polo shirts, will work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution. We are currently considering different solutions for customers when this requirement takes effect on July 20.” Press release

 

Best Buy will require customers to wear masks in its stores at CNN. “Best Buy’s new policy goes into effect Wednesday and applies to all of the company’s approximately 1,000 stores across the country. It will provide face coverings for customers who don’t have one, and small children and customers unable to wear a mask for health reasons can shop without one.” Read more

 

Walmart Hit With CCPA Lawsuit Over Alleged Data Breach at MediaPost. “A San Francisco resident who says his personal data was stolen from Walmart by hackers is suing the company for allegedly violating California’s new privacy law.” Read more

 

The Paper Store files for bankruptcy at Telegram & Gazette. “The Paper Store, which has sold specialty gifts for 55 years and expanded to 86 stores employing about 2,000 people, had been flourishing in recent years prior to COVID-19.” Read more

 

US industrial production surges 5.4% in June at AP. Read more

 

Amazon plans 20 healthcare clinics across U.S. for warehouse employees and their families at GeekWire. “Amazon is partnering with the medical group Crossover Health, which works with self-insured employers across the country. Crossover Health will operate and staff the facilities, according to Amazon. The first Neighborhood Health Center will be established in Las Colinas, Texas.” Read more

 

Mall owners renting out parking lots during the coronavirus pandemic at CNBC. “Kilburn is essentially a tenant to Brookfield, just like Macy’s or Nike, paying rent to occupy the outdoor space…“People are desperate to leave home,” Snyder said, adding that Brookfield has set up food kiosks around the drive-ins for people to order from the food court and then eat as they watch a movie.” Read more

 

As virus-wary shoppers opt for online purchases, retailers pay the price at Reuters. “RSR Research co-founder Paula Rosenblum estimated that typical online orders cost retailers roughly 10-15% more than purchases in stores…Her calculation does not include returns…” Read more

 

**A message from Gusto kitchenware. Created for young enthusiasts looking for quality, color, and affordability. From the #1 cookware brand in Mexico. Program details | Retailers request samples: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Canada’s grocery oligopoly missed a glorious opportunity and may now pay the price at Financial Post. “The decision of Canada’s three grocery behemoths to simultaneously end COVID-19 bonuses on June 13 could end up costing the companies much more than they will save in reduced labour costs on their next few quarterly earnings reports…” Read more

 

Kroger test: Sales of plant-based meats increased by 23% when sold in the meat department at Store Brands. Read more

 

Target is bringing back its back-to-school discount for teachers this summer at USA Today. “(Target) will offer 15% off select classroom supplies and essentials for six weeks….will be available Sunday, July 19 through Aug. 29 for “K-12 teachers, homeschoolers, daycare/early learning educators, university or college professors, and vocational/trade/technical school teachers.” Read more

 

20 Shoppers Try Walmart’s New Front-End Model at Field Agent. “85% of participants said they prefer the new self-checkout model during an infectious outbreak like COVID-19, the layout/process might be less popular under “normal” conditions (i.e., when there isn’t an outbreak).” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Univ. of Arkansas receives $194.7M Walton grant to boost research

Why HBO Max, Peacock are deadlocked in talks With Roku and Amazon

Some pandemic shopping is simply about finding ways to feel good during a difficult time

Producers try to keep up with tuna demand

The California home made famous by ‘The Golden Girls’ asks $2.999M (WSJ subs.)

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Subscribe to Eye on Retail Tipsheet here

 

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Website: eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: BigCommerce To Go Public | Gun Background Checks +136% | Neiman CEO Pay Plan

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Amazon’s new smart shopping cart lets you check out without a cashier at The Verge. “When you’re done shopping, you’re allowed to take the cart through a special lane that checks you out digitally without requiring a human cashier to ring you up…The Dash Cart is coming first to Amazon’s grocery store in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.” Read more

 

BigCommerce files to go public at TechCrunch. “BigCommerce, similar to public market darling Shopify, provides e-commerce services to merchants. Given how enamored public investors are with its Canadian rival, the timing of BigCommerce’s debut is utterly unsurprising and is prima facie intelligent.” Read more

 

Flour and Toilet Paper Are Back at N.Y. Supermarkets, but There’s a Catch at NY Times. “Shops that might have stocked six types of canned tuna fish are down to three or two, said Nelson Eusebio, the legislative director at the National Supermarket Association. “What we’re going through is an extended period, like when there’s a huge snowstorm it takes two or three days to recover,” he said. “In this case, it’ll take two to three months to recover.” Tiered subs.

 

Walmart  is increasing its majority-stake in Flipkart by leading a new $1.2 billion financing round at TechCrunch. “The new capital infusion comes at a time when a new powerful player has started to make inroads in the Indian e-commerce market. JioMart, a joint venture between Reliance Retail (India’s largest retail chain) and Jio Platforms (India’s largest telecom operator)…” Read more

 

Bed Bath & Beyond Appoints Williams-Sonoma Veteran Neil Lick To Lead New Owned Brands Team “He will report to Joe Hartsig, EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer and lead a cross-functional team across the Company.” Press release

 

**A message from Readywise, the leader in emergency food supplies – It’s time to get serious about being prepared. Consumers are looking for emergency food supplies – are you offering the product depth they demand? Readywise meals are easy to prepare – just add water. Up to 25-year shelf life. High quality and great taste. Website | Request a sample: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Record Numbers of Americans Try to Buy Guns at Wall Street Journal. “In June, background checks for firearms were up 136%, compared to a year earlier…Dealers estimate that 40% of sales are going to first-time buyers, an increase over the normal average of about a quarter…During most big sales increases, buyers tend to be gun aficionados or Second Amendment supporters. But this time, sales of handguns, which are used for personal safety, are the strongest.” WSJ subs.

 

7-Eleven, Inc. Announces 71,100th Store Press release

 

Wayfair refutes QAnon-like conspiracy theory that it’s trafficking children at The Hill. “(Wayfair) came under scrutiny after the conspiracy theory started spreading Friday, baselessly claiming the company was trafficking children through storage cabinets because the products were “extremely overpriced” at about $13,000. Wayfair told The Hill in a statement Monday that “there is, of course, no truth to these claims.” Read more

 

Amazon tightens warehouse storage rules to get ahead of holiday shipping rush at CNET. “(Amazon) will institute new limits on how much inventory that independent sellers can store in Amazon’s US warehouses…The intention is to prevent large incoming shipments of products that aren’t big draws during Christmas — say, Easter bunnies or Fourth of July baby onesies — that end up gobbling up a lot of storage space.” Read more

 

California closes indoor restaurants, movie theaters and all bars statewide as coronavirus cases rise at CNBC. “In addition to the statewide order, Newsom said he would also close indoor operations for fitness centers, worship services, personal care services, malls, offices, hair salons and barbershops for 30 counties on California’s monitoring list, which represent 80% of the state’s population.” Read more

 

Neiman CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck bags big checks after waiving salary at NY Post. “On April 10, van Raemdonck got a salary check for $57,692, implying a yearly salary of $1.5 million, court documents show. Later in the month, two smaller salary checks arrived totaling $17,230. And on April 24, van Raemdonck got a payment of $172,135 to offset taxes on more than $2 million in stock options he received the previous year.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Electric fence keeps drinkers back from the bar in English pub

Walmart calls on private label manufacturers to join virtual pitch

Private schools may benefit from school reopening plan

Amazon worker arrested after reportedly ramming his car into a fulfillment center

Experts seek to calm worries of mother-to-baby COVID transmission

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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: Put your product or service in front of the most powerful retail execs in the world, send advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

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Tipsheet: Target’s Ad Blocklist | WM HQ 50% 8/17 | Kroger No Coin Change

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New York & Co. owner RTW Retailwinds files for bankrtupcy, to close hundreds of stores at CNBC. “RTW Retailwinds operates 378 retail and outlet stores in 32 states, according to its website. In addition to New York & Co., some of its other brands include Fashion to Figure and Happy x Nature.” Read more

 

Walmart plans for 50% capacity at Bentonville headquarters Aug. 17 at Talk Business. “When you return to the office, you’ll notice many of our office spaces have been redesigned based on social distancing guidance,” (Donna) Morris wrote in the memo. “While all of our offices look a bit different, you’ll see an example photo attached of what this new social distancing approach looks like in one facility.” Read more/Pic

 

Kroger cashiers to stop giving customers coin change at Fox 19/Cincinnati Enquirer. “Instead, the remainders from cash transactions will be applied to customers’ loyalty cards and automatically used on their next purchase. Customers are also encouraged to “round up” to support the company’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation.” Read more

 

Walmart adds ‘health ambassadors’ to remind customers of local coronavirus mask mandates at Fox News. “In a press briefing on Friday, Albany County executive Dan McCoy expressed his frustration at Walmart for a lack of enforcement of the mask policy during a recent visit to a local Walmart. He also questioned why America’s largest retailer didn’t implement the health ambassadors sooner.” Read more

 

Target, MTV Blocked Ads From News Mentioning ‘George Floyd’ and ‘Protests’ at Wall Street Journal. “News publishers say such moves effectively punish media companies for covering important issues, since they earn less money from content where ad-blocking is prevalent…“It’s defunding our journalism at a time when it’s imperative for us to be the front lines doing this kind of work,” said Paul Wallace, Vice Media’s vice president for global revenue products and services.” Fox Business |  WSJ subs.

 

Canada Goose CEO says experiential store offers a ‘break from the insanity of the world today’ at CNBC. “Canada Goose, famous for its extreme weather outerwear, opened the location in the CF Sherway Gardens Mall in Toronto late last year, before the Covid-19 crisis began.” Read more

 

**A message from Comfy Sacks bean bag chairs – Consumers want to be comfy at home – especially now! Sales on premium bean bags filled with superior quality furniture grade foam are up sharply. See why Apple chose Comfy Sacks to outfit their corporate HQ. Booklet | Video | Website | Request sample bag: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Walmart’s Open Call to Go Virtual at Progressive Grocer. “(Suppliers) can meet with Walmart buyers on Oct. 1. For the first time, because of lingering coronavirus concerns, the event will take place in a virtual format.” Read more

 

Amazon’s mysterious memo may accelerate the U.S. TikTok crackdown at Fast Company. “Whether Amazon meant to send the email or not, someone at the company still typed out a statement saying the company believes TikTok poses a security threat. And even the possibility that Amazon considered banning it for its workers is a new twist in an ongoing TikTok scare.” Read more

 

Costco Wholesale Club continues senior hours indefinitely at USA Today. “The retailer previously announced plans to reduce its senior hours to twice a week effective the week of July 13 but said on its coronavirus updates page that “due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, Costco will maintain current Special Operating Hours until further notice.” Read more

 

Chipotle will test cauliflower rice as consumers cut grains out of their diets at CNBC. “The new option is made with grilled cauliflower and seasoned with cilantro, lime juice and salt and will cost an extra $2.” Read more

 

Diageo to launch Johnnie Walker whisky in paper bottles in 2021 at Reuters. “Pulpex will also create branded paper-bottles in non-competing categories for companies including Lipton team maker Unilever Plc and soda maker PepsiCo, which are also expected to launch next year.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Grocers pulling out stops to keep salad bars going

Aldi U.K. aims to cut plastics in packaging by half by 2025

Pandemic leads 7-Eleven to forgo free Slurpees on 7-11

Vintage ‘Super Mario Bros.’ video game sells for $114,000

2020 HomeWorld Business Impact Merchants list

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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: Put your product or service in front of the most powerful retail execs in the world, send advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: eyeonretail.net

 

Tipsheet: WaWa: Exact Change Only | Soap Pump Shortage | 2 Buyers Eye Brooks Bros

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Walmart’s New Challenge to Amazon Prime Has Deep, Hidden Roots at Bloomberg. “While details of the program, dubbed Walmart+, are still hazy, the service is rooted in three experiments the world’s biggest retailer has conducted in recent years to gauge the willingness of its shoppers to deepen their allegiance. The trials span the globe and include mobile checkout, unlimited grocery delivery and a social media-based mini-app in China.” Read more

 

U.S. wholesale prices fell 0.2% in June as food costs dropped sharply at AP. Read more

 

WaWa, Giant begin asking for ‘exact change’ as coronavirus leads to nationwide coin shortage at The Hill. “WaWa, a popular convenience store in New Jersey and the East Coast, has told customers to either pay with credit or debit cards, mobile app or exact change amid the recent currency shortages, 6ABC in Philadelphia reported.” Read more

 

Etsy sellers are offering sheer mesh face masks that provide ‘very little protection’ at The Verge. “While it’s not clear that mesh mask sales are particularly widespread on Etsy, mask sales on Etsy have been huge. More than 12 million face masks were sold on Etsy in April alone, totaling around $133 million in sales.” Read more

 

PriceSmart May comp net merchandise sales -6.7% Press release

 

Soap Makers Are Cleaning Up Amid the Pandemic, but Can’t Get Enough Hand Pumps at Wall Street Journal. “Executives say the price of pumps—most of which are made in China—has rocketed and that lead times on orders, typically five weeks, are now stretching into next year. AptarGroup Inc., a U.S.-based pump maker, said it has accelerated investment in new tools, molding equipment and assembly machines that can put together 100 parts a minute but that supply isn’t keeping up with demand.” WSJ subs.

 

Luxury brands turn from Hong Kong to mainland Chinese consumers at CNBC. “In five years, the Chinese share of global luxury spending will rise to nearly half, split evenly between domestic and overseas markets, Bain predicted.” Read more

 

**A message from Comfy Sacks bean bag chairs – Sales of premium bean bags filled with superior quality furniture foam are setting sales records. Put them in your stores now! Booklet | Video | Website | Sample bag: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Starbucks to require customers wear face masks inside its cafes at GeekWire. Read more

 

Google bans ads for products and services that secretly track or monitor people at CNBC. “The ads discovered included: “How to catch a cheating spouse with his cell phone” and “Track My Wife’s Phone — Want to Spy on your Wife? Track your Wife without her knowing. Discover Who Are They messaging. Download! 24-Hour Support Price Superiority No Jailbreaking and App Results Guaranteed.” Read more

 

Wegmans Announces Permanent Closure Of All 12 ‘Pub’ Restaurants at CBS 3 Philly. Read more

 

Bed Bath & Beyond’s New Execs Go Through the Wringer at Wall Street Journal. “The company’s next big challenge will come this quarter, which encompasses the back-to-school month of August, when sales are traditionally strong. The company said on Wednesday’s call that it has “overhauled and elevated” its college selection to make it more affordable. It is unclear how much that matters, though, as many college students might stay at home this fall.” WSJ subs.

 

Meijer opens five supercenters in the Midwest Press release

 

Brooks Brothers has two potential buyers amid bankruptcy filing at NY Post. “WHP Global and Sparc Group LLC are looking to bid on the 202-year-old formal wear empire after the coronavirus pandemic and a broader shift toward casual clothing forced it into bankruptcy protection, according to The Wall Street Journal.” Read more

 

Are You Prepared for Bad Press About One of Your Suppliers? at Harvard Business Review. “Interestingly, we found that positive news related to social issues (like providing exceptional benefits for factory workers) and environmental issues (like gains in closed-loop recycling) did nothing to enhance quality perceptions. This outcome highlights what psychologists call the negativity bias – that negative information is more compelling to consumers than positive information.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

After lobbying, Catholic Church won $1.4B in virus aid

If Walmart is open, schools should be, too, DeSantis says

11th case of dengue fever confirmed in the Florida Keys

Big Y extends & expands price freeze

NYC diners are being attacked by rats while eating on the sidewalk

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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: Put your product or service in front of the most powerful retail execs in the world, send advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Costco +14.4% | Wgreen Loses $1.7B | Bed Bath -200

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Costco June comp sales (ex. fuel & f/x) +14.4% (US +13.6%, Canada +12.2%, Other Int’l +18%) Press release

 

Walgreens Q3 sales +0.1% / Retail Pharmacy USA comp sales growth +3.0% Press release

 

…Fox Business: Walgreens loses $1.7B as coronavirus snarls overseas sales “…U.K. comparable retail sales slumped 48 percent. Overall, international sales dropped 32 percent year-over-year to $1.9 billion. Still, revenue in the company’s U.S. retail business jumped 3.2 percent to $27.4 billion amid a 3 percent rise in comparable sales.” Read more

 

Bed Bath & Beyond to close 200 stores over 2 years at CNBC. “We saw there were a number of stores dragging us down,” Chief Executive Mark Tritton told CNBC in a phone interview. “We will continue to look at the rest of our concept doors, now that we have established the data criteria.” Read more

 

Sur La Table files for bankruptcy – plans to close 51 of its 121 stores at USA Today. Read more

 

Circle K owner may sell gas stations amid concerns over Speedway deal at NY Post. “The owner of Circle K is angling to sell a chunk of its gas stations to quell possible antitrust concerns as it eyes a possible acquisition of the Speedway chain…Alimentation Couche-Tard…has launched a process to sell 1,250 gas stations that are near Speedways, sources close to the situation said.” Read more

 

Amazon will require third-party sellers to disclose names and addresses at GeekWire. Read more

 

J.C. Penney asks bankruptcy court for more time to avoid an ‘outcome no one wants’ at Dallas Morning News. “We’re going to need more time. Our conversations have been incredibly productive,” Sussberg told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones at a hearing Wednesday afternoon. “We believe we will come to an agreement and solution and avoid the outcome no one wants.” Read more

 

**A message from Gusto kitchenware – Featuring colorful kitchenware for young food enthusiasts. Quality touch at an affordable price. From the #1 cookware brand in Mexico. Program Ppoint | Retailers request samples: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Biden proposes $700 billion-plus ‘Buy American’ campaign at MarketWatch. “Biden will continue in coming weeks with an energy plan to combat the climate crisis and a third package on what the campaign has dubbed the “caring economy,” with a focus on making child care and elder care more affordable and less of an impediment to working-age Americans.” Read more

 

Study: Lidl’s recent entry into the Long Island market pressured grocery retailers to cut their prices by up to 15% “Lidl’s prices were about 45% lower than Trader Joe’s and more than 30% lower than other national retailers.” Press release

 

Kroger selects Dentsu Aegis Network as its first integrated media agency of record “The fresh@dentsu team will be responsible for media planning and buying for Kroger and its family of brands across all media channels, including TV, radio, print, OOH, search, social, display, online video, and streaming audio.” Press release

 

MINNEAPOLIS – Cub Foods store badly damaged in riots opens temporary tent store at Star Tribune. “Yes, it’s air-conditioned…“I live two blocks away and I’m disabled so this is very important to me,” Darryl LeVells said as he shopped…”The selection is very good despite the smaller size and prices seem very reasonable. I got eight pieces of fried chicken for $6.99 instead of $8.99.” Read more

 

U.S. may need another 1 billion square feet of warehouse space by 2025 as e-commerce booms at CNBC. “The commercial real estate services firm (JLL) said that prior to the Covid-19 crisis, about 35% of its industrial leasing activity was related to e-commerce. But now, it said, as much as 50% of that leasing activity has already been tied to the online retail industry in 2020.” Read more

 

Live-Streaming Craze Turns Into a Lifeline for China’s Stores at Wall Street Journal. “Hawking her wares live was uncomfortable for the camera-shy Ms. Fu at first, but her customers loved it: Real-time sales pitches she broadcasts through her phone now account for 70% of her total sales, she said, and revenues have bounced back to where they were before Covid-19.” WSJ subs.

 

Bain study: Grocers urgently need to fix broken online business model at CNBC. “…in-store grocery sales tend to have an operating margin of 2% to 4%, according to Bain. That drops to -5% for a grocer that picks from a store and has a customer retrieve the order through click-and-collect. It drops even further to -15% if a grocer picks from a store and delivers to the customers’ home.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Amazon Air buys 6M gallons of sustainable fuel

The Far Side returns after 25 years, and it’s all digital

Kroger unveils deal with location-based audio out-of-home advertising/experience co.

Tesla ‘very close’ to level 5 autonomous driving technology, Musk says

Amazon names top 10 states with the fastest-growing number of digital entrepreneurs

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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: Put your product or service in front of the most powerful retail execs in the world, send advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: eyeonretail.net

Tipsheet: Kroger’s New Chief Merchant | Empty Shelves @ Melbourne | Post Office Truck Fires

/in

 

Walmart’s Amazon Prime competitor will launch in July at Recode. “Walmart plans to launch a new subscription service later this month called Walmart+ that will cost $98 a year. It will include perks like same-day delivery of groceries and general merchandise, discounts on fuel at Walmart gas stations, and early access to product deals, multiple sources told Recode.” Read more

 

Brooks Brothers files for bankruptcy as it seeks a buyer and closes dozens of stores at CNBC. “The retailer, which generated more than $991 million in sales last year, has more than 200 stores in North America and 500 worldwide.  It has already decided to close roughly 51 stores, a decision it attributes to the pandemic.” Read more

 

Walgreens will open doctors’ offices at its U.S. stores at AP. “Walgreens will squeeze primary care clinics into as many as 700 of its U.S. stores over the next few years…will partner with VillageMD…will redesign stores that get the clinics, narrow their shelves and pull products like tobacco to make room.” Read more

 

Lane Bryant, Ann Taylor owner to file for bankruptcy: Report at Fox Business. “Ascena Retail Group…is preparing to file for bankruptcy and close at least 1,200 of its 2,800 stores as soon as this week, according to Bloomberg.” Read more

 

Kroger names new chief merchant and marketing officer “Joe Grieshaber will be succeeded by…Stuart W. Aitken, currently senior vice president of alternative business and CEO of 84.51˚, Kroger’s data analytics subsidiary. Yael Cosset, senior vice president and chief information officer, will assume responsibility for alternative business and 84.51˚.” Press release

 

Former Pottery Barn exec to take over as Crate & Barrel CEO at Chicago Tribune. “(Janet) Hayes replaces Neela Montgomery, who led Crate & Barrel for nearly three years and is the third CEO to exit the company in six years.” Read more

 

**A message from Comfy Sacks bean bag chairs – Consumers want to be comfy at home – especially now! Sales on premium bean bags filled with superior quality furniture grade foam are up sharply. See why Apple chose Comfy Sacks to outfit their corporate HQ. Booklet | Video | Website | Request sample bag: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Shoppers in Australia’s second-biggest city stripped supermarket shelves Wednesday as millions in Melbourne prepared for a return to virus lockdown at Yahoo. Read more

 

Nobody really knows what the back-to-school shopping season is going to look like this year at CNBC. “Apparel spending, however, is set to drop 17%, while spending on tech items such as computers jumps 28%. Spending on traditional back-to-school items like notebooks and backpacks is expected to be down 18% year-over-year, the (Deloitte) survey said.” Read more

 

Post Office Delivery Trucks Keep Catching on Fire at Vice. “In 125 cases, the trucks were so thoroughly destroyed that the investigators were unable to identify a probable fire cause. Of the remaining 282 fires where investigators could identify a likely cause, the only pattern was that there was no pattern.” Read more

 

Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose 5% for the week and were a remarkable 33% higher than a year ago at CNBC. Read more

 

Weis Markets, Smart & Final and Piggly Wiggly Midwest will be the first grocers to adopt the Mercatus Digital Advertising solution at Progressive Grocer. Read more

 

How Seattle’s new payroll tax on Amazon and other big businesses will work at GeekWire. “Employers with annual payroll expenses of more than $1 billion per year will be taxed: 1.4% of annual salaries between $150,000-$399,999 and 2.4% of annual salaries exceeding $400,000.” Read more

 

Food & Wine: The 10 Best Supermarkets in America: 2020 (H-E-B #1, Wegmans #2, Hy-Vee #3…) Top 10 list

 

A group of best-selling authors is teaming up with Amazon in a lawsuit that aims to bring down an alleged counterfeit e-book publishing site described as “the biggest pirate book site the world has ever seen.” at GeekWire. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Rouses Markets to deliver with drones

Harvard professor develops a $50 nasal spray to thwart the spread of Covid

Retailers push for uniform approach to safety

Apple expands independent repair shop program to Europe, Canada

Retail vet joins alcohol e-commerce platform

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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: Put your product or service in front of the most powerful retail execs in the world, send advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

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Tipsheet: Brooks Nears Bankruptcy | Lysol Effective @ Covid | WM/Target Drop Redskins

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Brooks Brothers nears bankruptcy as talks heat up with potential buyer at Fox Business. “Private equity firm Solitaire Partners is in talks with the haberdasher to make a bid once a possible Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has been made, according to people close to the matter.” Read more

 

U.S. government’s boxed food aid promise falls short at Reuters. “We’re getting about 60% of what we were told we would get,” said Brian Greene, CEO of the Houston Food Bank, in an email. “Some of it was vendors couldn’t do what they said they would do.” Read more

 

Shoppers across the country are retreating again as coronavirus cases surge at CNBC. “Of the 38 states with traffic falling again, only eight of those are requiring masks statewide, Field said. Of the 13 on the rise, 11 require the general public to wear masks, he said. The biggest growth in retail traffic is happening in states including New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, according to ShopperTrak data.” Read more

 

Retailers Turn to Personal Shoppers, Sidewalks to Win Back Business at Wall Street Journal. “Some—like Alice and Olivia LLC, a women’s designer clothing store with five locations in the city—are offering personalized shopping experiences, including allowing longtime customers to take home clothing to try on if they are uncomfortable with in-store dressing rooms.” WSJ subs.

 

Walmart and Target drop Washington Redskins merchandise from online stores at Yahoo. “Meanwhile, literally every member of the Washington ownership group that isn’t a direct relative of Snyder is reportedly trying to sell their stake in the team and citing Snyder’s leadership as a major reason why.” Read more

 

Amazon stock hits $3,000 for the first time at GeekWire. “Amazon’s soaring share price has increased CEO Jeff Bezos’ net worth to more than $172 billion…” Read more

 

**A message from Gusto kitchenware. Created for young enthusiasts looking for quality, color and affordability. From the #1 cookware brand in Mexico. Program details | Retailers request samples: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Uber launches grocery delivery in Latin America, Canada with U.S. to follow at Reuters. “A launch in U.S. cities is expected later in July, beginning with regional merchants in Miami and Dallas, an Uber spokeswoman said.” Read more

 

11th Circuit won’t reinstate $775k jury verdict for deaf Costco worker at Reuters. “An 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel in a 2-1 decision said plaintiff Christine D’Onofrio failed to show that Costco violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying any specific accommodations, and faulted her for refusing to use a video-interpreting system installed by the company.” Read more

 

EPA names Lysol useful in fighting COVID-19 at The Hill. “The EPA announced its approval Monday of Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist as two cleaners that are effective in warding off coronavirus infections given proper use. The study on both disinfectant products was conducted in a clinical setting. These two products are the first to be directly tested against COVID-19 viral particles.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Inside the luxury nuclear bunker protecting the mega-rich from the apocalypse

AI 50: America’s most promising artificial intelligence companies

How a liquor store manager broke news of Patrick Mahomes’ record-setting contract

The recession will scar Gen Z. And it could be even worse for black youth

Shake Shack says it lost $3.2 million in sales due to protests and curfews

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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: Put your product or service in front of the most powerful retail execs in the world, send advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: eyeonretail.net