Restaurant Dive
Just a few weeks after unveiling a Blendid smoothie-making robot at a Walmart in Fremont California, the retailer and AI startup have debuted another contactless alternative to smoothie bars that this time is co-branded with Jamba. . . more
Friday, December 4, 2020
Cyber Monday draws $10.8B in sales: Adobe
Retail Dive
Consumers spent about $10.8 billion online by the end of Cyber Monday, a 15.1% increase in online sales from last year, according to a report from Adobe emailed to Retail Dive. Mobile accounted for 37% of Cyber Monday sales, according to the report.. . . more
Consumers spent about $10.8 billion online by the end of Cyber Monday, a 15.1% increase in online sales from last year, according to a report from Adobe emailed to Retail Dive. Mobile accounted for 37% of Cyber Monday sales, according to the report.. . . more
Pandemic tees up dollar stores for favorable post-crisis future
Retail Dive
Like most retailers, dollar stores saw traffic plummet early in the pandemic, but in recent weeks major players Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Five Below have all staged a comeback. . . more
Like most retailers, dollar stores saw traffic plummet early in the pandemic, but in recent weeks major players Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Five Below have all staged a comeback. . . more
L Brands on track to separate Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret in 2021
Retail Dive
L Brands plans a spinoff of its Bath & Body Works business some time next year, CEO Andrew Meslow said during a Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference Wednesday. . . more
L Brands plans a spinoff of its Bath & Body Works business some time next year, CEO Andrew Meslow said during a Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference Wednesday. . . more
Thanksgiving weekend spending trends
ICSC
Overall, 194 million U.S. adults shopped this past weekend from Thursday through Monday. . . . more
Overall, 194 million U.S. adults shopped this past weekend from Thursday through Monday. . . . more
Michaels tops estimate as online surges; to pay holiday bonuses
CSA
The Michaels Cos. reported a better-than-expected third-quarter performance, driven by strong demand in its stores and online, where sales surged 128%. . . more
The Michaels Cos. reported a better-than-expected third-quarter performance, driven by strong demand in its stores and online, where sales surged 128%. . . more
Express loss widens; cuts 10% of corporate staff
CSA
Express Inc. continues to struggle amid the pandemic. . . more
Express Inc. continues to struggle amid the pandemic. . . more
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Atlantic Retail and The Dartmouth Company Merge, to Operate Under Atlantic Retail Umbrella
Boston Real Estate Times
The partners of Atlantic Retail and The Dartmouth Company announced an agreement to join forces and operate under the Atlantic Retail umbrella with a focus on delivering real estate advisory services to tenants, landlords, developers, and investors throughout the East Coast and Southern California. . . more
The partners of Atlantic Retail and The Dartmouth Company announced an agreement to join forces and operate under the Atlantic Retail umbrella with a focus on delivering real estate advisory services to tenants, landlords, developers, and investors throughout the East Coast and Southern California. . . more
Costco sales up 15.1% in November
CSA
Costco Wholesale Corp.'s sales continued to rise in November, but at a slightly lower pace than in the two previous months. . . . more
Costco Wholesale Corp.'s sales continued to rise in November, but at a slightly lower pace than in the two previous months. . . . more
Yesway opens first store in its accelerated real estate and remodel push
CSA
Yesway is ramping up expansion. . . more
Yesway is ramping up expansion. . . more
Walgreens ramps up VillageMD clinic rollout
CSA
Walgreens Boots Alliance is escalating its rollout of VillageMD health care clinics. . . more
Walgreens Boots Alliance is escalating its rollout of VillageMD health care clinics. . . more
Walmart+ becomes more like Prime with removal of shipping minimum
CSA
Members of Walmart’s paid membership program no longer have to spend $35 to get free shipping on non-grocery items. . . more
Members of Walmart’s paid membership program no longer have to spend $35 to get free shipping on non-grocery items. . . more
Pier 1 parent company buys SteinMart for $6 million; to relaunch online
CSA
The company that has been buying bankrupt brands has added another retailer to its growing portfolio. . . more
The company that has been buying bankrupt brands has added another retailer to its growing portfolio. . . more
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
25,000 jobs at risk as Debenhams closure follows Topshop collapse
CNN Business
Debenhams, Britain's biggest department store chain, is permanently closing its UK operations.. . . more
Debenhams, Britain's biggest department store chain, is permanently closing its UK operations.. . . more
Aldi Opens Third Store in Florida This Fall
Plain Vanilla Shell
Aldi revealed an all-out market blitz this fall, targeting Miami, Florida, as its next hub for aggressive expansion. Following the recent launch of stores in Kendall and Fort Lauderdale, Aldi is now opening a third Miami-based location in Princeton. . . . more
Aldi revealed an all-out market blitz this fall, targeting Miami, Florida, as its next hub for aggressive expansion. Following the recent launch of stores in Kendall and Fort Lauderdale, Aldi is now opening a third Miami-based location in Princeton. . . . more
Stonewall Kitchen opens new store, cafe
CSA
Stonewall Kitchen has opened up shop in Boston. . . . more
Stonewall Kitchen has opened up shop in Boston. . . . more
Northeast supermarket operator personalizes customer promotions
CSA
The Golub Corp. is obtaining a single view of customers at its Price Chopper banner to tailor interactions across direct mail, weekly flyers, and digital/email programs.. . . more
Is America Yearning for American Dream?
CSA
The 2020 pandemic wore hard on American retail centers. They are now all trying to re-invent themselves as entertainment and dining centers. . . . more
The 2020 pandemic wore hard on American retail centers. They are now all trying to re-invent themselves as entertainment and dining centers. . . . more
J.C Penney to unveil new beauty concept
CSA
The news that Sephora plans to open hundreds of in-store shops at Kohl’s stores has brought a reaction from its longstanding retail partner, J.C. Penney. . . . more
The news that Sephora plans to open hundreds of in-store shops at Kohl’s stores has brought a reaction from its longstanding retail partner, J.C. Penney. . . . more
Sephora to open hundreds of in-store shops at Kohl’s
CSA
Kohl’s Corp. is betting big on beauty — and Sephora. . . . more
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Tropical Smoothie Café in store milestone
CSA
The pandemic has proved no match for Tropical Smoothie Café’s expansion. . . . more
The pandemic has proved no match for Tropical Smoothie Café’s expansion. . . . more
Target shifts from Black Friday into Cyber Week
CSA
Target is running its largest-ever Cyber Week digital sales event through Saturday, Dec. 5. . . . more
Target is running its largest-ever Cyber Week digital sales event through Saturday, Dec. 5. . . . more
As JCPenney exits bankruptcy, its long-term outlook remains grim
CNN Business
JCPenney has survived to see its 119th holiday shopping season. How many more it has ahead of it is tough to say. . . . more
JCPenney has survived to see its 119th holiday shopping season. How many more it has ahead of it is tough to say. . . . more
Best Buy tests limited SKUs on store floor to make space for fulfillment
Retail Dive
Best Buy is testing new store formats at four locations in Minneapolis as a proof of concept for stores as fulfillment hubs. The remodels limit SKU assortment on the floor to the most popular items and reduce shoppable area nearly by half, allowing space for pickup and ship from store, CEO Corie Barry said on the retailer's Q3 earnings call Tuesday. . . . more
Best Buy is testing new store formats at four locations in Minneapolis as a proof of concept for stores as fulfillment hubs. The remodels limit SKU assortment on the floor to the most popular items and reduce shoppable area nearly by half, allowing space for pickup and ship from store, CEO Corie Barry said on the retailer's Q3 earnings call Tuesday. . . . more
Black Friday weekend breaks e-commerce records
CSA
Consumers may have avoided stores during Black Friday weekend, but they didn’t stop holiday shopping . . . more
Consumers may have avoided stores during Black Friday weekend, but they didn’t stop holiday shopping . . . more
In-store shopping on Black Friday down 52.1% year-over-year
CSA
Traffic plunged in stores on the official start of the holiday shopping season even as it set new records online. . . . more
Traffic plunged in stores on the official start of the holiday shopping season even as it set new records online. . . . more
Costco Eyes Florida and Tennessee for Expansion
Plain Vanilla Shell
While Costco has never been one to slow down, its expansion efforts have certainly sped up as of late. . . . more
While Costco has never been one to slow down, its expansion efforts have certainly sped up as of late. . . . more
Monday, November 30, 2020
Ann Taylor, LOFT and Lane Bryant sold to buyout firm for $540M
New York Post
Iconic women’s clothing brands Ann Taylor, LOFT and Lane Bryant will be bought out of bankruptcy by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, the companies said Thursday. . . . more
Iconic women’s clothing brands Ann Taylor, LOFT and Lane Bryant will be bought out of bankruptcy by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, the companies said Thursday. . . . more
How Guitar Center went from jukebox hero to latest pandemic bankruptcy
Retail Dive
If it weren't for the Beatles, Guitar Center might still be the Organ Center. . . . more
If it weren't for the Beatles, Guitar Center might still be the Organ Center. . . . more
Black Friday 2020 online sales on pace to grow as much as 42%
Retail Dive
Early data from Adobe Analytics forecasts Black Friday online sales to hit between $8.9 billion and $10.6 billion, which represents growth of 20% to 42% year over year. . . . more
Early data from Adobe Analytics forecasts Black Friday online sales to hit between $8.9 billion and $10.6 billion, which represents growth of 20% to 42% year over year. . . . more
Winners and losers of Black Friday 2020
Retail Dive
Black Friday 2020 was always going to be different. . . . more
Retailers jump on ‘buy now, pay later’ trend as holidays approach
CSA
Leading retail chains including Neiman Marcus, Saks Off 5th, GameStop, and Express are adopting various omnichannel flex payment platforms. . . . more
Leading retail chains including Neiman Marcus, Saks Off 5th, GameStop, and Express are adopting various omnichannel flex payment platforms. . . . more
Dick’s Sporting Goods to launch new retail concept
CSA
Dick’s Sporting Goods is going all in on the outdoors and CEO Ed Stack is leading the charge. . . . more
Dick’s Sporting Goods is going all in on the outdoors and CEO Ed Stack is leading the charge. . . . more
In Mass., mall to be replaced by distribution center
CSA
Greendale Mall in Worcester could serve as the poster child for COVID-19’s acceleration of online shopping and demand for merchandise fulfillment services. . . . more
Greendale Mall in Worcester could serve as the poster child for COVID-19’s acceleration of online shopping and demand for merchandise fulfillment services. . . . more
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
3 reasons why holiday toy sales will be huge this year
CNN Business
The pandemic and its accompanying recession could make for a very Grinch-y holiday season, but toy makers and industry analysts say there are several reasons to still expect presents under the tree, despite all the turmoil. . . . more
The pandemic and its accompanying recession could make for a very Grinch-y holiday season, but toy makers and industry analysts say there are several reasons to still expect presents under the tree, despite all the turmoil. . . . more
Burlington Beats Earnings Estimates But CEO Warns of ‘Uncertain and Unpredictable’ Times Ahead
Footwear News
Burlington Stores Inc. logged better-than-expected earnings and sales, but it sounded caution on the next quarter as rising COVID-19 cases across the country pose a threat to its business. . . . more
Best Buy posts 'blockbuster' Q3 with digital sales up nearly 175%
Retail Dive
Best Buy kept up its blazing pandemic-era growth through the third quarter, with U.S. sales up 21% year over year across the business to $10.9 billion. . . . more
Best Buy kept up its blazing pandemic-era growth through the third quarter, with U.S. sales up 21% year over year across the business to $10.9 billion. . . . more
ICSC: Shoppers to spend $470 during Thanksgiving weekend
CSA
Most (85%) shoppers expect to shop in the period that starts on Thanksgiving and ends on Cyber Monday. . . . more
Most (85%) shoppers expect to shop in the period that starts on Thanksgiving and ends on Cyber Monday. . . . more
CSA Exclusive: Piercing Pagoda expanding as demand rises
CSA
The country’s largest specialty kiosk retailer sees plenty of opportunities to expand — even amid the pandemic. . . . more
The country’s largest specialty kiosk retailer sees plenty of opportunities to expand — even amid the pandemic. . . . more
Abercrombie to close more flagships; posts better-than-expected Q3
CSA
Abercrombie & Fitch easily topped Wall Street estimates for quarterly sales and earnings amid cost controls and strong online demand. . . . more
Abercrombie & Fitch easily topped Wall Street estimates for quarterly sales and earnings amid cost controls and strong online demand. . . . more
Dollar Tree in ‘very good start’ to holiday amid strong Q3; to renovate 1,250 stores
CSA
Dollar Tree reported third-quarter sales and earnings that beat estimates and sounded an upbeat note about the holiday season. . . . more
Dollar Tree reported third-quarter sales and earnings that beat estimates and sounded an upbeat note about the holiday season. . . . more
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
The second Covid-19 spike is forcing retailers like Foot Locker to refocus on e-commerce
Plain Vanilla Shell
Foot Locker had a strong quarter, according to its latest earnings report released Friday morning. Over the three months ending on Oct. 31, the brand brought in $128 million in revenue, beating the $122 million it brought in during the same period last year by about 5%.. . . more
Foot Locker had a strong quarter, according to its latest earnings report released Friday morning. Over the three months ending on Oct. 31, the brand brought in $128 million in revenue, beating the $122 million it brought in during the same period last year by about 5%.. . . more
Sam's Club is putting robot janitors in all of its stores during the pandemic
CNN Business
Soon every Sam's Club will have a robot to scrub the store floors. . . . more
Soon every Sam's Club will have a robot to scrub the store floors. . . . more
Court approves Ruby Tuesday's plan to sell itself
Restaurant Dive
On Friday, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved bidding procedures for the sale of Ruby Tuesday by RTI Holdings, the casual dining chain's parent company. This allows the company to seek a sale, according to court filings. . . . more
On Friday, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved bidding procedures for the sale of Ruby Tuesday by RTI Holdings, the casual dining chain's parent company. This allows the company to seek a sale, according to court filings. . . . more
Ugg opens first flagship in NYC
Retail Dive
Ugg on Thursday announced that it opened its first flagship store at 530 Fifth Avenue in New York City, according to a company press release. . . . more
Ugg on Thursday announced that it opened its first flagship store at 530 Fifth Avenue in New York City, according to a company press release. . . . more
Why off-price won't change much, even after a pandemic
Retail Dive
In the last two decades, after more or less sailing through the Great Recession and despite going against the tide in e-commerce, off-price retail has seemed invincible. Consumers at all income levels flock to these stores, pawing through racks in search of marked-down treasure. . . . more
In the last two decades, after more or less sailing through the Great Recession and despite going against the tide in e-commerce, off-price retail has seemed invincible. Consumers at all income levels flock to these stores, pawing through racks in search of marked-down treasure. . . . more
NRF: Holiday sales to rise 3.6% to 5.2% in ‘strong finish’ to 2020
CSA
The National Retail Federation issued an upbeat holiday forecast despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, citing a strong stock market, rising home values and record personal saving rates. . . . more
The National Retail Federation issued an upbeat holiday forecast despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, citing a strong stock market, rising home values and record personal saving rates. . . . more
Guitar Center files for bankruptcy as it looks to reduce debt
CSA
Guitar Center has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with plans to reduce its debt by $800 million. . . . more
Guitar Center has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with plans to reduce its debt by $800 million. . . . more
Monday, November 23, 2020
Zaxby's looks to go national as Goldman Sachs buys 'significant' stake
CSA
Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division will acquire a significant stake in Zaxby's, according to a press release. . . . more
Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division will acquire a significant stake in Zaxby's, according to a press release. . . . more
Pandemic revs up drive-thru design innovations
Restaurant Dive
In 2017, Arby's realized its production line was no longer working. Its menu had grown complex with the addition of new proteins and having sandwiches done in one station was creating too much crossover and opportunities for error, John Kelly, Arby's chief operating officer, said. . . . more
In 2017, Arby's realized its production line was no longer working. Its menu had grown complex with the addition of new proteins and having sandwiches done in one station was creating too much crossover and opportunities for error, John Kelly, Arby's chief operating officer, said. . . . more
Caleres to close 133 Naturalizer stores in shift to digital
Retail Dive
Shoe seller Caleres plans to close 133 stores under its Naturalizer women's footwear brand by the end of fiscal 2020 and pivot to a digital model in response to consumer trends. . . . more
Shoe seller Caleres plans to close 133 stores under its Naturalizer women's footwear brand by the end of fiscal 2020 and pivot to a digital model in response to consumer trends. . . . more
Williams-Sonoma crushes estimates as sales soar 22.4%
CSA
Williams-Sonoma is heading into the holidays on the heels of a strong third quarter, fueled by record sales at its namesake brand and as consumers continue to spend on all things related to the home. . . . more
Williams-Sonoma is heading into the holidays on the heels of a strong third quarter, fueled by record sales at its namesake brand and as consumers continue to spend on all things related to the home. . . . more
Ahold Delhaize to acquire Fresh Direct
CSA
Ahold Delhaize is putting money behind its promise to boost its omnichannel presence in the U.S. . . . more
Ahold Delhaize is putting money behind its promise to boost its omnichannel presence in the U.S. . . . more
7-Eleven expands new store format
CSA
7-Eleven has opened the fifth location of its new “evolution” store concept. . . . more
7-Eleven has opened the fifth location of its new “evolution” store concept. . . . more
Sbarro’s Comeback Centers on the Impulse Pizza Buyer
Plain Vanilla Shell
Sbarro CEO David Karam said the brand’s intention has never been to exit malls, its primary domain for decades. . . . more
Sbarro CEO David Karam said the brand’s intention has never been to exit malls, its primary domain for decades. . . . more
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Rockefeller Center intros six-month lease deals for retailers
CSA
Real estate researcher CoStar this week reported that sublease space in the second quarter reached 157 million sq. ft. or 1.7% of the total office inventory. That’s also creating availability in retail spaces in urban centers like New York City, where Rockefeller Center is doing something about it. . . . more
Real estate researcher CoStar this week reported that sublease space in the second quarter reached 157 million sq. ft. or 1.7% of the total office inventory. That’s also creating availability in retail spaces in urban centers like New York City, where Rockefeller Center is doing something about it. . . . more
Forever 21 streamlines, safens online checkout
CSA
Online Forever 21 shoppers will have access to single-click checkout, among other new payment-related features.. . . more
Online Forever 21 shoppers will have access to single-click checkout, among other new payment-related features.. . . more
This is what the KFC of the future will look like
WCVB
Kentucky Fried Chicken is the latest fast food chain to redesign its restaurants for the COVID-19 era, with a revamp that emphasizes the drive-thru and limits human contact.. . . more
Kentucky Fried Chicken is the latest fast food chain to redesign its restaurants for the COVID-19 era, with a revamp that emphasizes the drive-thru and limits human contact.. . . more
TJX Q3 tops expectations; to roll out e-commerce for HomeGoods
CSA
The TJX Cos. reported third-quarter sales and earnings that beat the Street and said it plans to reinstate its quarterly dividend payment. . . . more
The TJX Cos. reported third-quarter sales and earnings that beat the Street and said it plans to reinstate its quarterly dividend payment. . . . more
Target in blowout quarter; cites ‘unprecedented’ market share gains
CSA
Target Corp. reported a blockbuster quarter that easily outpaced Street estimates as the discounter continues to leverage and benefit from pandemic-related shopping trends. . . . more
Target Corp. reported a blockbuster quarter that easily outpaced Street estimates as the discounter continues to leverage and benefit from pandemic-related shopping trends. . . . more
Retail entrepreneurs buy twice-bankrupt RadioShack with plans for online revival
Fox Business
Two entrepreneurs who have been collecting fallen retail brands during the coronavirus pandemic are taking over the reins of RadioShack, acquiring the nearly century-old gadget seller's brands and online business. . . . more
Two entrepreneurs who have been collecting fallen retail brands during the coronavirus pandemic are taking over the reins of RadioShack, acquiring the nearly century-old gadget seller's brands and online business. . . . more
Macy's reports 20% fall in comparable sales, eyes surging virus cases
Fox Business
Macy's Inc reported a more than 20% drop in quarterly comparable on Thursday and said it expects that to continue into the fall season, signaling a tough holiday season for the coronavirus-battered department store chain. . . . more
Macy's Inc reported a more than 20% drop in quarterly comparable on Thursday and said it expects that to continue into the fall season, signaling a tough holiday season for the coronavirus-battered department store chain. . . . more
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Mapping the rise of ghost kitchens
Restaurant Dive
Are ghost kitchens on their way to becoming a mainstream channel? What risks come with the opportunity they promise? Restaurant Dive aims to answer these questions and more in a six-part series. . . . more
Are ghost kitchens on their way to becoming a mainstream channel? What risks come with the opportunity they promise? Restaurant Dive aims to answer these questions and more in a six-part series. . . . more
Kohl's disappoints in Q3 despite location advantage
Retail Dive
Kohl's on Tuesday reported that total third quarter revenue fell 14% year over year to $3.98 billion. Digital sales rose 25% in the period, according to a company presentation. . . . more
Kohl's on Tuesday reported that total third quarter revenue fell 14% year over year to $3.98 billion. Digital sales rose 25% in the period, according to a company presentation. . . . more
Best Buy powers up same-day delivery with Instacart
CSA
A consumer electronics giant is joining the growing range of non-grocers to collaborate with online delivery platform Instacart. . . . more
A consumer electronics giant is joining the growing range of non-grocers to collaborate with online delivery platform Instacart. . . . more
Claire’s to drive new store growth with location-based analytics
CSA
Claire’s Stores Inc. will develop customized sales forecasting models to help make real estate decisions. . . . more
Claire’s Stores Inc. will develop customized sales forecasting models to help make real estate decisions. . . . more
Walmart sales, earnings top estimates as online sales surge 79%
CSA
Walmart Inc. reported another strong quarter as its e-commerce sales continued to soar amid the pandemic. . . . more
Walmart Inc. reported another strong quarter as its e-commerce sales continued to soar amid the pandemic. . . . more
Amazon shakes up pharmacy landscape with launch of online prescription service
CSA
CVS Health and Walgreens are already feeling shock waves from the opening of Amazon’s new online pharmacy. . . . more
CVS Health and Walgreens are already feeling shock waves from the opening of Amazon’s new online pharmacy. . . . more
Locations of 99 Restaurant & Pub in Braintree and West Concord to Close
Boston Restaurant Talk
A family-friendly chain of restaurants with local roots will be closing two locations in the Greater Boston area. . . . more
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)