Tipsheet: Target Groc Chief Out | Costco +2% in Oct | Kroger ClickList = ‘Headwind’ | W.Foods Down to 1 CEO
Target’s grocery chief Anne Dament is leaving by Kavita Kumar at Star Tribune. “Her last day will be Nov. 18, said company spokeswoman Katie Boylan. Her work is already being transitioned to Mark Tritton, Target’s chief merchandising officer and Dament’s boss. At the same time, Boylan said, Target is launching a comprehensive search for a replacement that will include internal and external candidates.” Read more
Walter Robb to step down as co-CEO of Whole Foods by Claudia Grisales at American-Statesman. “Co-founder John Mackey will now become sole Chief Executive Officer, while former cohort Walter Robb will now transition to his new, primary role on the company’s board of directors, among other responsibilities. This, as the company’s longtime CFO Glenda Flanagan will retire from her role by the end of 2017, spurring a hunt for her replacement starting in January.” Read more
Costco October Comp Sales +2.0% “Costco reported net sales of $9.11 billion for the month of October, the four weeks ended October 30, 2016, an increase of four percent from $8.78 billion during the similar period last year.” Press release
Amazon’s Private Labels Already Dominate Battery and Speaker Sales Online by Jack Neff at Ad Age. “1010data found that Amazon and affiliates controlled a whopping 94% of the approximately $113 million in online battery sales. The AmazonBasics private label had a 31% share of online battery sales.” Read more | 1010data press release
Kantar: Walmart and Kroger in virtual tie for No. 1 position for retailers Press release | Download report
Ex-Barnes & Noble CEO bags $4.8M on his way out by Teresa Novellino at New York Business Journal. “Boire, who had previously led up Sears Canada and held a top spot at Brookstone, was with the struggling bookstore chain for less than a year when Barnes & Noble announced he was leaving in a tersely worded statement.” Read more
Etsy CFO to exit in March via New York Business Journal. Read more
Kohl’s sticks with Thanksgiving Day opening by Krystina Gustafson at CNBC. “Kohl’s on Thursday said it will once again start its Black Friday doorbuster deals at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.” Read more
**A message from Fabe – Pillows hand-crafted in Italy prevent and relieve neck and back pain. Fabe’s Ergo Praxis pillow supports and aligns the head and neck to prevent cervical pain. Created in cooperation with Ludes University in Switzerland – it gets the body in the right position for a good night’s sleep. 100% Made in Italy. Ergo Praxis Specs | Fabe Website | Retailers request samples at info@shiftmarketinggroup.net. Find more made in Italy products
Gap CFO Sabrina Simmons to Depart at End of Fiscal Year Press release
HEADWIND – Kroger launches ClickList at 500th store by Alexander Coolidge at Cincinnati Enquirer. “(CEO) McMullen said the service has not been as profitable as expected so far. “Today, it’s a headwind, but it will pay off,” McMullen said.” Read more
Party City Adds Ex-Sears & OfficeMax Exec to Ranks Press release
Kohl’s Will Sell the Apple Watch in a Major Holiday Season Salvo by Phil Wahba at Fortune. “Kohl’s will start selling the Apple Watch at 400 of its 1,100 stores on November 15…The announcement comes just a few weeks after Macy’s said it would sell the watch within Apple boutiques at 180 of its stores. But in one key difference, Kohl’s will place the watches in its activewear and wellness sections, rather than with other electronics.” Read more
Nordstrom Defends Sale of Ivanka Trump Brand Amid Criticism at KTLA 5. “Our customers can make choices about what they purchase based on personal views,” Nordstrom tweeted.” Read more
Who’s the Boss? Amazon Contractors Sue to Find Out by Josh Eidelson at Bloomberg. “In the complaint, he contends Amazon was so involved in his day-to-day work as to be a “joint employer” and as such, liable for the alleged violations under both state and federal law.” Read more
Mossberg: Google Home shows promise, but needs work at Recode. “Google Home does beat Alexa and the Echo in some ways, but it’s remarkably dumb in others. It needs enough work that, if I were Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, I wouldn’t be losing any sleep about it — at least not yet.” Read more
Albertsons Appoints Christine Wilcox as Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs Press release
Hasbro caught in crossfire of NRA’s Candy Land campaign by Diana Bradley at PR Week. “In a blog post on Wednesday, the NRA wrote: “Board games are a great way to bond with friends and family. But have these timeless games you’ve grown up with, played time and time again, become a little, well, boring? Put a twist on your favorite games and head to the range!” Read more
Tipsheet Extra Stories
Fortune: The 15 Best Workplaces in Retail
Man dresses up as 12-foot-long CVS receipt for Halloween
Burberry Tells Its Founder’s Story in a Holiday Ad That’s Like a Mini Film
A peek inside Target’s new Honolulu store
Coach cleared of wrongdoing after making players do drills in Walmart parking lot
QVC launches beauty-specific network Beauty iQ
Reebok laces up for headquarters move to Boston
QUICK-SUBSCRIBE to Eye on Retail Tipsheet here