June 30 – Study Assesses Potential Holiday Tariff Impact Among Suppliers, Sellers, Consumers
The Coupa research study revealed 84% of U.S. consumers cited cost over quality and variety as the most important factor when shopping. From: HomePage News
June 30 – Dollar General Temporarily Drops Prices on 1K Items During Summer Sale
Dollar General recently reduced prices on around 200 products and said it is committed to carry around 2,000 items at, or below, $1. From: Retail Dive
June 30 – Home Depot Acquiring Building Products Distributor to Reinforce Pro Business Foundation
To grow its share of wallet with contractors, Home Depot is building differentiated offerings and capabilities to better serve pros across projects from large, complex jobs to smaller renovations and repairs, the company noted. From: HomePage News
June 30 – Restoration Hardware Gallery Expansion Reaches Oklahoma City
The store is the latest anchor of the OAK lifestyle shopping center that includes Arhaus, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Tommy Bahama locations, among others. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Placer.ai: Back-to-School Season Key to Target’s Traffic Rebound
Back-to-school season may give Target a chance to complete a traffic turnaround, according to Placer.ai, as overall retail foot traffic in early 2025 demonstrated modest growth. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Indies Prove Agile in Navigating Consumer Caution, Operational Issues
“Independent grocers continue to be a vital, adaptive force in communities across the country,” noted Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based NGA, the trade association. From: Progressive Grocer
June 27 – Numerator: Consumer Independence Day Spending Intentions Level with Last Year
Six in 10 consumers said they plan to spend the same amount of money on Independence Day as they did last year, with 20% planning to spend more and 20% planning to spend less. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Staples Touts Back-to-School Housewares Deals from Water Bottles to Microwaves
Back-to-school bargains include water bottles, lunch boxes, backpacks, and accessories featuring characters such as Bluey and Stitch, including a Zak! Jubilee Lilo & Stitch Plastic Water Bottle for $9.99. From: HomePage News
June 27 – Walgreens Beats Analyst Expectations for Profit, but Retail Sales Slow
WBA, which is in the process of being acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, posted a better-than-expected overall third quarter, but one marked by a slowdown in retail sales. From: Progressive Grocer
June 26 – Consumer Trends, Product Innovation Will Boost Kitchen Appliance Sales Through 2033
The small kitchen appliance sector of the housewares business is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.12% from 2025 to 2033, driven by innovation as consumer preferences evolve. From: HomePage News
June 26 – QVC and HSN Head to Philo
QVC and HSN will be the “first and only livestream shopping channels” available to Philo, QVC Group said. From: Retail Dive
June 26 – Ulta Reiterates Financial Guidance, Names Lialios Interim CFO
Ulta has commenced an external search for a permanent CFO with an executive search firm. Lialios succeeds Paula Oyibo, who has departed the company. From: HomePage News
June 26 – Walgreens Retail Sales Lag as Overall Revenues, Earnings Beat Wall Street
As it prepares to go private, the Walgreens Boots Alliance beat third-quarter analyst estimates although retail comparable sales slipped 2.4%. From: HomePage News
June 25 – Nordstrom Readies Anniversary Sale, New Service Hub, Rack Openings
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale crosses all major product categories the company sells, from home and beauty to women’s, men’s and children’s apparel. From: HomePage News
June 25 – Business Concerns Weigh on Consumer Confidence in June
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index slipped 5.4 points in June, falling to 93 from 98.4 in May as pessimism about business conditions weighed on sentiments. From: HomePage News
June 25 – Walmart’s Expanded Open Call Invites U.S. Entrepreneurs, Manufacturing Innovators
Walmart reported its Open Call teams are looking for top manufacturing innovation in categories, such as yield insights, shelf-life extension, alternative materials and advanced manufacturing, to reduce complexity, cost or environmental impact for U.S. manufacturing. From: HomePage News
June 24 – Deloitte: Value-Seeking Becomes Widespread Strategy Across Income, Age Groups
Based on the survey at the heart of the report, Deloitte described four in 10 Americans as value-seekers today. From: HomePage News
June 24 – Amazon Aims to Widen Rural Range for Same/Next Day Delivery
Amazon boosts the convenience and reliability of its same-day and next-day delivery to tens of millions of customers in more than 4,000 smaller cities, towns and rural communities across the U.S. From: HomePage News
June 24 – Crate & Barrel Teams with Chef Daniel Humm on Cooking, Entertaining Collection
The Daniel Humm collection for Crate & Barrel draws inspiration from Humm’s appreciation for Bauhaus design, and every piece reflects his eye for detail, Crate & Barrel noted. From: HomePage News
June 23 – C&S Wholesale Grocers Eyes Distribution Efficiency from SpartanNash Merger
The companies reported the merger will enable the new entity to more efficiently serve customers and communities across the United States and make groceries more affordable for millions of Americans. From: HomePage News
June 23 – Pottery Barn Adds WNBA Collection for Teens, Bluey Lineup for Kids
Available in the banner’s digital and physical stores, Pottery Barn Teen has launched an exclusive home furnishings collection that covers the entire WNBA. From: HomePage News
June 23 – Walmart Dives into Savings Season on July 8 with Deals Event
The Walmart Summer Deal event will encompass a wide range of products but also will act as a kick-off to the back-to-college/off-to-college selling season and, so, incorporate a range of bargains focused on the occasion. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Newegg FantasTech Sale Features Home, Office Deals
Newegg Commerce has announced the company’s promotional plans for the Independence Day holiday and its 11th annual FantasTech Sale running from July 7 through July 13. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Weis Markets Opens 1st New Store in Nearly 3 Years
Weis Markets leaders officially cut the ribbon on the grocer’s latest location in Lake Linganore, MD. From: Progressive Grocer
June 20 – Circana: Economy, Tariff Concerns Weighed on May Retail Sales
Costs caused an increase in spending on food in May despite unchanged consumption, so discretionary spending took a back seat for most consumers. From: HomePage News
June 20 – Kroger Q1 Results Mixed, Boosts Full-Year Ident Guidance
In the first quarter, The Kroger Co. posted mixed results even as it boosted its full-year identical sales guidance and reaffirmed the rest of its outlook. From: HomePage News
June 18 – Numerator: Consumers Remain Wary of Tariff Impacts
Most consumers in the United States express both knowledge and concern about tariffs, with 88% expressing trepidation about the impact duties might have on their personal finances or shopping habits. From: HomePage News
June 18 – How Bob’s, Ikea are Bucking the Trend of Furniture Retail Stagnation
The segment, which grew during the height of the pandemic, has been contracting. However, value players are opening locations — and poised to take market share. From: Retail Dive
June 18 – Balancing Customer Satisfaction, Fraud Prevention Are Key E-Commerce Challenge
Ascend 2025, said their biggest challenge is optimizing customer experience while implementing means to thwart bad actors. From: HomePage News
June 18 – Sam’s Club Wades into Summer Savings Season
Sam’s Club is weighing in for the summer promotions season with its own deals for members, with a focus on helping them enjoy the season despite the worrisome economic and tariff environment. From: HomePage News
June 18 – Tractor Supply Donates to Company Military Support Program
Tractor Supply Company Foundation announced they are donating an additional $1 million in total to charity organizations committed to supporting U.S. military service members, veterans and first responders. From: Hardware Retailing
June 18 – How HomeGoods Is Powering TJX Through Uncertain Times
Home merchandise across TJX banners generated positive comps in the fourth quarter. From: HomePage News
June 18 – Wayfair Opens First Physical Perigold Store in Houston
Perigold, Wayfair’s upmarket, interior designer-friendly banner, has opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Houston. From: HomePage News
June 18 – Nordstrom to Open Local Concept in Brooklyn, Eyes San Francisco Location
The department store, which once called Nordstrom Local the future of the company, is growing the fleet after years of stalling on the concept. From: Retail Dive
June 18 – RetailMeNot: More Consumers Plan to Shop Amazon Prime Day 2025
A new RetailMeNot survey found that 84% of adults in the United States plan to participate in Prime Day this year, compared with 81% in 2024. From: HomePage News
June 18 – Census Bureau Signals Retail Sales Slowdown
According to the United States Census Bureau, retail sales slowed in May from April, although they were better at the core. From: HomePage News
June 17 – Kirkland’s Tightens Ties to Bed Bath & Beyond, Rebrands as ‘Brand House Collective’
Bed Bath & Beyond closed its doors after its 2023 bankruptcy but last year returned to brick and mortar through a partnership with Kirkland’s. From: Retail Dive
June 17 – Shein Rolls Out Home Collection with Reality TV’s Heather Rae El Moussa
Products in the lineup offer a neutral color palette for a wide range of home styles, the company added. From: HomePage News
June 17 – Marc’s Helps Expand OTC, Grocery and Pharmacy Access in Ohio
Retailer partners with NationsBenefits on Flex card and BAS tech integration. From: Progressive Grocer
June 17 – Amazon Tips Off Extended Prime Day July 8 with an Assist from LeBron James
Amazon is introducing “Today’s Big Deals” into the Prime Day event, offering members daily deal drops across top brands beginning at midnight Pacific Time and continuing while supplies last. From: HomePage News
June 17 – BJ’s to Open 1st Club in 13 Years in Home State
BJ’s Wholesale Club, on course to open to 30 new sites over the next two years, is moving forward to that goal with the unveiling of a new club in Springfield, Mass. From: Progressive Grocer
June 16 – Instacart Deal to Make Pinterest Ads Instantly Shoppable
The initiative aims to boost Pinterest consumer engagement with high-intent audiences by leveraging Instacart data. From: HomePage News
June 16 – Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Scores $1.5M for Hunger Relief
The Midwest grocer reported that this Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give raised record-breaking amount of funds to help stock the shelves of hundreds of food pantries across the Midwest. From: Progressive Grocer
June 16 – Blackhawk: Gift Card Spending Resilient Amid Economic Uncertainty
Consumers find gift cards to be a flexible way to manage money across a variety of use cases despite the unsettled economy and general spending caution, according to a study commissioned by Blackhawk Network. From: HomePage News
June 16 – At Home Enters Chapter 11 With Plan to Emerge Owned by Creditors
At Home filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States District of Delaware after having entered into a restructuring support agreement with lenders holding more than 95% of the company’s debt. From: HomePage News
June 13 – RH Beats Q1 Earnings Forecast, Maintains Annual Guidance
After the first quarter, when earnings exceeded analyst estimates, Restoration Hardware stated that it is holding the line on annual guidance, even if it expects to take a bit of a revenue hit in Q2. From: HomePage News
June 13 – Saks Global Says It’s Back on Track with Vendors, Won’t Close Stores
The company told BMO Capital Markets it has mostly repaired supplier relationships, though luxury brands tell other analysts its ability to pay remains a top concern. From: Retail Dive
June 13 – Pottery Barn Rolling Out Cynthia Rowley Hosting Collection
Pottery Barn has entered a new home collaboration with designer Cynthia Rowley that offers what the Williams-Sonoma banner described as iconic feminine and vibrant designs. From: HomePage News
June 13 – NRF: Retail Sales Gains Slowed in May as Consumers Ease Pre-Tariff Buying
Retail sales continued to grow in May, although more slowly than in April, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation. From: HomePage News
June 12 – Amazon Restructures Grocery Leadership as it Further Integrates Whole Foods
As Amazon works to grow its grocery business, it’s further integrating Whole Foods, which it acquired in 2017. From: Grocery Dive
June 12 – Retailers Need New Strategies to Thrive in Tech-Driven, Globalizing Industry
According to consultant Bain & Co., traditional ways of doing business will be eclipsed by technology and more expansive business strategies. From: HomePage News
June 12 – Off-Price Domination Continues as Department Stores Yield More Share
Sales, profits and margins have been stronger at off-pricers, and that won’t change any time soon, according to a UBS report this week. From: Retail Dive
June 12 – Numerator: Consumers Cook at Home, Pursue Promotions as May Sentiment Slips Slightly
Market researcher Numerator reported consumer confidence slipped a bit in May with cooking at home among the primary cost-saving measures used by consumers. From: HomePage News
June 12 – Ross Planning July 19 Store-Opening Flurry
Ross Stores is planning store openings in markets across the United States on July 19, with single and multiple new locations coming in the specified markets. From: HomePage News
June 12 – Ashley’s New Las Vegas Store is its Largest in North America
Ashley wants its Las Vegas store to not only be a place to shop, but to become a community hub. From: Retail Dive
June 11 – Shoppers Expand Father’s Day Lists, Boost 2025 Spend
Almost 90% of Father’s Day shoppers plan to wrap up buying within the month before the holiday, and about one-in-four shoppers wait until the week before the date to finalize their purchases. From: HomePage News
June 11 – OnePay, Synchrony Team with Walmart on Credit Card
Walmart will offer the Mastercard-affiliated credit card to its customers, as well as consumers in general across the United States. From: HomePage News
June 11 – Costco Names Barbre Comptroller After Posting May Sales Gains
Dan Hines is retiring as senior vice president and corporate controller and principal accounting officer, and Tiffany Barbre is stepping into the role. From: HomePage News
June 10 – Survey: Tariffs Rise as Top Consumer Concern Behind Inflation
McKinsey & Co. has reported in a May survey that tariffs are shaping public concerns and behaviors, consumer sentiment is slipping, inflation remains the top concern, but tariffs are rising to second place. From: HomePage News
June 10 – Lowe’s Builds Creator Network, Enlists MrBeast to Inspire Younger DIYers
The means of reaching consumers are expanding at a rapid pace, and Lowe’s is taking a new route via what it calls the first home improvement creator network. From: HomePage News
June 10 – Nordstrom, Macy’s Expanding Off-Price Store Portfolios
Expansion of Nordstrom Rack and Macy’s Backstage comes as off-pricers in general have tended to generate solid sales in the current economy. From: HomePage News
June 10 – Import Volumes Riding Ebbs and Flows of Tariff Pronouncements
The Global Port Tracker report by the NRF and Hackett Associates indicates import cargo at major container ports in the United States is likely to experience a surge through this summer. From: HomePage News
June 9 – ISM: Services Join Manufacturing Sector in Economic Activity Contraction
The Institute for Supply Management Services Report on Business indicated economic activity in the services sector contracted in May for the first time since June 2024, with retail among the businesses seeing a decline. From: HomePage News
June 9 – Walmart Tech Advances with New AI Shopping Assistant, Expanded Drone Delivery
Walmart has launched Sparky, a new shopping assistant designed to help consumers with shopping exploration, research and purchasing. From: HomePage News
June 6 – Supermarket Shoppers Are Stressed Out: Report
The Feedback Group offers consumer insights into the impact of rising prices, inflation and tariffs. From: Progressive Grocer
June 6 – Consumers, Retail Execs Agree Tariffs Will Shake Up Spending
A pair of market research studies confirms that consumers and retail executives expect tariffs to have a significant effect on spending as 2025 progresses. From: HomePage News
June 6 – Pottery Barn Kids Launches Pokémon Collection
The Pottery Barn Kids collection includes decor, bedding, backpacks, lunch bags and other accessories with items including a lounge chair, a shelving unit and a glow-in-the-dark water bottle, the Williams-Sonoma banner noted. From: HomePage News
June 6 – NRF: Shoppers Plan on Spending More for Father’s Day
Online remains the most popular shopping destination for Father’s Day shopping at 41%, followed by department stores at 35%, discount stores at 23%, specialty stores at 22% and local/small businesses at 19%, according to the annual survey. From: HomePage News
June 5 – Celebrity Brands Find a ‘Home’ at Dollar General
Brand partnerships support discount retailers’ growth strategy for non-consumable categories. From: Progressive Grocer
June 5 – Michaels Crafts Acquisition of Joann IP Out of Bankruptcy
David Boone, Michaels CEO said: “This acquisition allows us to better serve both new and existing customers, respond to rising demand across categories and build on our momentum as the destination for creating and celebrating in North America.” From: HomePage News
June 5 – Do it Best Names Director of Strategic Initiatives
In his new role, Miner will focus on continued development of Do it Best’s sales operations, data analytics and member growth programs. From: Hardware Retailing
June 5 – Dollar General Features Home & Housewares in Licensed Brand Expansion
Dollar General assembled the brand assortment the company noted, for its appeal to shoppers seeking quality items at affordable prices from recognizable labels presented as a treasure hunt experience. From: HomePage News
June 5 – Walmart Sees AI-Assisted Shopping Taking Hold While Consumers Remain Wary
In its just-published Retail Rewired Report, Walmart asserted artificial intelligence has evolved into a utility that is altering how consumers shop and how retailers meet their expectations.
From: HomePage News
June 4 – Macy’s 2025 Fourth of July Fireworks to Light Up Brooklyn Bridge
Fireworks during the display also will launch from four barges on New York City’s East River spanned by the Brooklyn Bridge. From: HomePage News
June 4 – Pampered Chef Kids Club Promotes Family Meal Prep
The new Pampered Chef Kids Club encourages parents and children to prepare a range of recipes with Pampered Chef tools, pantry items and fun surprises in every kit, the company noted. From: HomePage News
June 4 – Dollar Tree Posts Q1 Gains While Managing Tariff Impact
Dollar Tree boosted its earnings guidance while reporting first-quarter gains in income from continuing operations and comparable store sales. From: HomePage News
June 3 – Survey: Big Business Embracing Agentic AI
The benefit expected from agentic AI include improving oversight of workflows, selected by 58%; increasing application integration, by 53%, and automating complex workflows, by 52%.From: HomePage News
June 3 – Tariffs Squeeze Off-Price Retailers More than Expected
The major players likely have greater exposure to import levies than previously thought, though their value proposition remains an advantage. From: Retail Dive
June 3 – Dollar General Raises Outlook After Q1 Earnings, Comps Gain
The updated guidance assumes current tariff rates remain in place through mid-August 2025, Dollar General reported. From: HomePage News
June 3 – Q1 Sales, Earnings Advance Ollie’s to Wall Street Beat
Among the first quarter highlights was the company’s opening of 25 new stores, including 18 former Big Lots locations acquired through a bankruptcy auction, Ollie’s pointed out. From: HomePage News
June 2 – Home Depot Appoints Company Veteran Brown Technology Chief
As CIO, Brown will oversee all aspects of the company’s technology strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity and software development. From: HomePage News
June 2 – Walmart Applying Agentic AI to Boost Shopping Experience, Optimize Workforce
Agentic AI, which can make determinations in applying data analysis to generate more specifically tailored results, is a next step in Walmart’s strategy in baking artificial intelligence into its business practices. From: HomePage News
June 2 – Amazon Makes It Official: Prime Day Set for July
Amazon’s Prime members can look forward to July discounts across more than 35 product categories including kitchen, electronics, beauty and apparel, the company noted. From: HomePage News
