Tipsheet: Lowe’s New CMO | Amazon Eyes Auto Parts | Kroger Tests Sensors | Wmart +$150K for Trump Inaug.
Amazon’s next frontier to conquer? Auto parts by Josh Kosman & James Covert at NY Post. “In recent months, Amazon has struck contracts with the largest parts makers in the country — including Robert Bosch, Federal-Mogul, Dorman Products and Cardone Industries, sources told The Post…it’s possible that Amazon may even snatch up some of the regional parts distributors…” Read more
Lowe’s Appoints Jocelyn Wong As Chief Marketing Officer “Wong joined Lowe’s in September 2015 and has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, merchandising, brand management and product innovation with well-known brands such as Family Dollar, Safeway and Procter & Gamble. Prior to joining Lowe’s, she served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Family Dollar.” Press release
Walmart began handing out pink slips Friday morning (Jan. 20). Most of the cuts were in Bentonville. Kim Souza at The City Wire. Read more
San Antonio suspect captured in deadly mall robbery at My San Antonio. “One person is dead and three others injured from gunshot wounds following an attempted jewelry store robbery Sunday afternoon at Rolling Oaks Mall. Two other people were also transported to area hospitals with non-gun related injuries, police say. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus called it “a robbery gone really, really bad.” Read more
…One Good Samaritan is killed as he takes on two armed robbers – before another witness shoots one suspect at Daily Mail. Pics/Read more
Kroger Tests Sensors, Analytics In Interactive Grocery Shelves by Kim S. Nash at Wall Street Journal. “The system, which detects individual shoppers through their mobile devices, can offer tailored pricing on specific items and, through 4-inch color display screens, highlight products on the customer’s mobile shopping list. Tests began late last year and are expected to expand in the coming months.” Read more (subscription)
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How Amazon parties: Inside the tech giant’s massive post-holiday celebration and concert by Taylor Soper at GeekWire. “Amazon turned Seattle’s largest event center into its own wonderland on Friday night as a way to say “thank you” to thousands of employees. The tech giant hosted 22,000 people at its annual post-holiday party inside CenturyLink Field and Event Center, and GeekWire had a chance to experience the massive celebration among a throng of Seattle-area Amazon workers.” Pics/Read more
At HSN, smartphones are the flagship store by Sarah Halzack at Washington Post. “What I’ve been saying to people is, you need to think about mobile as your new flagship. It’s the place everybody goes to first,” Grossman said. “So when somebody wakes up, they’re going to check the weather, they’re going to check their email. What is going to make them check with you? And it can’t just be, ‘I’m going to give you 30 [percent] off.’” Read more
Walgreens to pay $50M to settle claims that it violated anti-kickback law by Lisa Schencker at Chicago Tribune. “…to settle allegations that it illegally gave discounts to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to encourage them to fill their prescriptions at Walgreens.” Read more
Kroger to fill 10,000 permanent posts via Reuters. Read more
FTC not sold on Walgreens’ plan to win nod for Rite Aid deal via Reuters. “The FTC is also unlikely to complete its review of the deal before the deadline of Jan. 27 to close the transaction, the Bloomberg report said…”We still believe Walgreens will work as hard as possible towards completing the acquisition. WBA has already extended the acquisition date once and we believe will do so again if necessary,” Barclays analysts wrote in a note.” Read more
Buyers, Lowe’s Settle Flooring Formaldehyde Class Action by Carolina Bolado at Law 360. Read more (subscription)
Amazon’s latest attempt to build a friendlier workplace is a new program for employees in trouble by Monica Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “The initiative, called “Pivot,” connects under-performing employees with a team of “subject matter experts,” called Career Ambassadors. Based on a Career Ambassador job listing spotted by BI, PIP employees who opt-in to Pivot receive coaching and “specialist advice regarding HR, performance, and employment issues.” Read more
Coca-Cola, Walmart and Other Big Brands That Bankrolled Trump’s Inauguration by Simon Dumenco at Ad Age. “Walmart: “has given $150,000 to the inaugural committee, as well as sponsoring a ball,” according to a spokesman, per The Wall Street Journal.” Read more
Home Depot Escapes Whirlpool Energy Star Label Row by Kat Sieniuc at Law 360. Read more (subscription)
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