Target comp sales jump 17.2% in November and December at CNBC. “Home goods and hardlines…saw same-store sales gains in the low-20% range…Comparable sales of food and beverage rose about 17%…Beauty and essentials saw growth in the low teens and apparel saw high single-digit gains…Combined transactions in Target stores and on its website rose 4.3% and average tickets grew by 12.3%.” Read more

 

Bed Bath & Beyond adds execs from Target & Macy’s – names new ad agency “…appointed Kristi Argyilan as SVP, Brand Innovation and Jim Reath as SVP, Marketing…has appointed MUH-TAY-ZIK / HOF-FER as lead brand agency…and M Booth as agency of record for corporate and consumer PR…Kristi Argyilan joins the Company from Target, where she was President of its media company, ROUNDEL…” Press release

 

Urban Outfitters shares tumble on disappointing holiday sales, retailer taps Harrington as CEO at CNBC. “During the two-month period ended Dec. 31, Urban said its…same-store sales fell 9% due to declines in store traffic…named Sheila Harrington, current CEO of Free People, as CEO of Urban Outfitters, and she will continue to oversee the Free People banner.” Read more

 

Walmart is piloting smart coolers to let you receive cold food outside at Fast Company. “The boxes, provided by HomeValet, have chilled compartments for frozen and refrigerated food, as well as a section for pantry-style groceries that can be stored at room temperature. They’re internet-enabled and designed to unlock when a courier approaches so that food can be stowed.” Read more

 

Circle K owner Couche-Tard in early talks to buy Carrefour for about $20 billion at Financial Post. “Couche-Tard’s focus has been convenience stores and gas stations, not supermarkets…Carrefour operates more than 2,800 supermarkets and 703 larger-format hypermarkets Europe. In Latin America, it has stores in Argentina and Brazil.” Read more

 

Walmart say they will block donations to lawmakers who objected to Electoral College results at The Hill. Read more

 

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Amazon moves up to No. 11 for most patent grants at GeekWire. “IBM had the most patent grants in 2020 with 9,130, followed by Samsung Electronics, Canon, Microsoft, and Intel. Apple ranked No. 8, while Amazon moved up four spots to No. 11, even though its 2020 grants dropped 8% from the previous year. Google came in at No. 17 and Facebook was No. 38.” Read more

 

Walmart customers don’t expect a speedy economic recovery, Chief Customer Officer says at CNBC. “Whiteside said customers are stretching the budget with strategies like switching from national brands to private brands or buying smaller pack sizes. “Our core Walmart customer is absolutely not immune to the economic slowdown, in fact may even be disproportionately impacted,” she said.” Read more

 

Walgreens to launch co-branded Mastercard credit and prepaid debit cards Press release

 

Synchrony CEO Margaret Keane stepping down after nearly a decade leading the co-branded card lender at CNBC. “Sixty-one-year-old Keane — one of few women to head a Wall Street financial firm — will remain at the company as executive chair of the board, while Synchrony president Brian Doubles takes over as CEO.” Read more

 

Casey’s: Inside same-store sales QTD are positive, with low single digit growth compared to the same period in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 Press release

 

Tipsheet Extra

Blind woman gets help from reporter after Walmart declines to provide assistance shopping

Home Depot co-founder feels betrayed by Donald Trump

Amid Home Improvement Surge, Jobber Raises $60 Million

Google urgently investigating Android coronavirus tracking app issues

US will require all arriving passengers to get COVID-19 test

Failing companies/retailers took stimulus money then closed anyway

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