April 30 – Import Gains Ahead of Tariffs Contributed to GDP Decline in Q1
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported real gross domestic product decreased at an annual rate of 0.3% in 2025’s first quarter. From: HomePage News
Burlington on Lease-Buying Spree — to Assume 45 Joann Leases
Burlington will take over the leases, which are for stores across the country, in May and June. From: From: Chain Store Age
April 29 – Amazon Counters Tariff-Related Reports with Updates on Prime Day Progress, Saks Partnership
Amazon is touting preparations for Prime Day 2025 and a new partnership with luxury retailer Saks. From: HomePage News
April 29 – Mother’s Day 2025 Shoppers Undaunted by Economic Uncertainty
Consistent with previous years, 84% of adults in the United States expect to celebrate the holiday. From: From: HomePage News
April 29 – Hudson’s Bay Liquidating Remaining Stores
Hudson’s Bay stated that a viable bid for its current six-store organization is unlikely, so it has started liquidation sales. From: HomePage News
April 29 – How Giant Co. Gives Back to Its Communities
The grocer released an annual impact report that highlights commitment to neighbors in 2024. From: Progressive Grocer
April 29 – Beyond Cuts Q1 Loss as Turnaround Bid Progresses
Beyond, Inc. beat Wall Street on earnings for its first quarter ended March 31, but revenue fell short of expectations as the company reset operations in an effort to return to growth. From: HomePage News
April 28 – IHA Launches Tariff Resources Page on Housewares.org
The new IHA Tariff Resources page organizes content and key resources under Education, Resources, Action and Advocacy. From: HomePage News
April 28 – Dollar Tree Names Weng Chief Supply Chain Officer=
Dollar Tree has appointed Roxanne Weng chief supply chain officer, taking over from Mike Kindy, who is retiring. From: HomePage News
April 28 – Do it Best Group Announces Executive Promotion
The Do it Best Group announced the promotion of Shane Burnworth to the role of True Value divisional merchandise manager. From: Hardware Retailing
April 28 – Variety Wholesalers to Reopen More Big Lots Stores in May
The May store reopening initiative follows on Variety Wholesalers striking a last-ditch deal that gave it control of 219 Big Lots locations. From: HomePage News
April 28 – Newegg Posts 2024 Results After Reverse Stock Split
After executing a 20-to-1 reverse stock split of its common shares and regaining compliance with the NASDAQ exchange, Newegg Commerce has released its financial results for the latest full fiscal year. From: HomePage News
April 25 – Morning Consult: Consumer Sentiment Decline Mitigated as Household Income Rises
Sentiment among consumers with a household income of $100,000 or more has declined less notably than that prevailing for lower-income earners. From: HomePage Nes
April 25 – Ulta Saddles Up Influencers, Pro Beauty Team for Beyoncé Tour Sponsorship
The initiative will have components in stores, online and across social media, Ulta noted. From: HomePage News
April 25 – Enhancing Customer Experience in 2025
90% of businesses have stated that they have made customer experience their primary focus. From: Hardware Retailing
April 25 – CEO Says Tractor Supply is Well-Positioned for Volatile Marketplace
“Tractor Supply is uniquely differentiated by our needs-based product categories, our predominantly U.S.-sourced assortment, deep and trusted vendor relationships and a nimble, scalable supply chain”, said CEO Hal Lawton. From: HomePage News
April 24 – Overstock Launches ‘O’ Days Deals, Fields Tokenized Digital Security
Beyond Inc. has launched its first Overstock ‘O’ Days Anniversary Event, commemorating the e-tailer’s founding in the spring of 1999. From: HomePage News
April 23 – Redfin: Homes Taking Longer to Sell as Price Growth Slows
The typical U.S. home that went under contract in March spent 47 days on the market, the longest period for any March since 2019. From: HomePage News
April 23 – Shein, Temu Alert Customers to Tariff Pricing Impact
In addition to raising prices, published reports suggest that the two companies are reducing their paid advertising as they realign their finances. From: HomePage News
April 23 – Target Spotlights Home in Unified In-Store, Online Spring Promotional Campaign
Most of the featured merchandise is priced at less than $20, and visuals supporting the marketing campaign feature families enjoying seasonal occasions. From: HomePage News
April 22 – Tractor Supply Debuts Animal, Pet Pharmacy Service
Customers can shop for pet and animal medications, enroll in automatic delivery and access pharmacy advice through the service. From: Retail Dive
April 22 – Which Spring Holidays Could See Increase in Consumer Spending?
The proportion of consumers who expect to spend on celebrating Memorial Day this year, at 45%, is greater than the 39% proportion that spent on the 2024 holiday. From: HomePage News
April 22 – URM Stores Names New CEO
Roger F. White has been chosen as the next CEO and president of Spokane, Wash.-based URM Stores Inc. From: Progressive Grocer
April 22 – Placer.ai: Grocery, Department Stores Led Retail Traffic Gains Ahead of Easter
Market researcher Placer.ai said that there were more store visits in the week of April 7 as winter ends, spring rolls in and tariffs loom. From: HomePage News
April 22 – Grocers Make a World of Difference on Earth Day
Retailers share progress toward sustainability goals, inspire others to make changes. From: Progressive Grocer
April 22 – Sam’s Club Adding Florida DC as Expansion Plan Advances
Sam’s is in the process of developing 30 new locations as it returns to store growth after shuttering 60 clubs in a 2018 rationalization initiative. From: HomePage News
April 21 – Target Unveils Standalone Floral Brand Good Little Garden
Good Little Garden, which is now available in Target stores and online, offers more than 60 seasonal and everyday options. From: Drug Store News
April 21 – QVC Launches Elton John Home Fragrance Collection
Slatkin + Co. has partnered with Elton John to produce a limited-time collection for QVC based on springtime scents associated with the musician’s English countryside estate. From: HomePage News
April 21 – Back To Stores: Millennial Shopping Patterns Shift with the Times
Offline shopping is back, as 43% of Millennials do most of their shopping in physical stores, up from 21% in 2022. From: HomePage News
April 21 – NYC Wegmans Restaurant Set to Open
The Art Deco-inspired restaurant will feature contemporary Japanese cuisine, Grub Street reported. From: Progressive Grocer
April 21 – Walmart Leads Global Top 50, Followed by Profit-Focused Amazon
Solid consumer spending in the United States during 2024 gave a lift to top retailers with operations in the country. From: HomePage News
April 21 – SpartanNash Appoints VP, Retail Operations
Jay Mahabir is moving to Michigan-based SpartanNash as the company steps up its focus on its retail segment. From: Grocery Dive
April 18 – Walmart Leads Annual Ranking of Top 50 Global Retailers
Walmart retained its top spot in large part for significant commitments to a new online marketplace and fulfillment model, noted the NRF. From: Chain Store Age
U.S. Port Entry Fees for Chinese Cargo Ships to Start in 180 Days
The first phase of the port entry fees will begin 180 days after the April 17, 2025, action, according to USTR. In that phase, Chinese vessel owners and operators will be charged based on net tonnage per U.S. voyage. From: HomePage News
April 18 – Barnes & Noble Plans to Open Over 60 Stores in 2025
The company is set to open four new locations this month alone, in Illinois, New York, Florida and Nebraska. From: Retail Dive
April 18 – Report: More Resources Needed to Optimize Investment in Personalization
Brands are doubling down on personalization processes but might need more dedicated resources. From: HomePage News
April 18 – Trader Joe’s Drops Locations of Several New Store Sites
A recent report from location analytics firm Placer.ai shows that traffic at Trader Joe’s stores rose 6.2% in 2024. From: Progressive Grocer
April 18 – Emotional Connections Key to Building Brand Loyalty
Bloomreach maintained a lack of trust in a brand is a dealbreaker for most consumers, indicating marketers should prioritize emotional intelligence and brand experience to build loyalty with consumers. From: HomePage News
April 17 – Ulta Names Beauty Veteran Brindley Chief Merchandising & Digital Officer
Ulta Beauty has appointed beauty and retailing veteran Lauren Brindley chief merchandising and digital officer, succeeding Monica Arnaudo, who will retire in June. From: HomePage News
April 17 – Modest Growth in Home Improvement Spending Expected Through 2026
LIRA (Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity) projects year-over-year spending for home renovation and repair will increase 2.5%From: Hardware Retailing
April 17 – Amazon Showcases Four-Star Housewares in Digital Father’s Day Shop
The Amazon Father’s Day shop includes a basic lineup of potential gifts, as well as a four-plus-star selection and gifts listed for purchase by price: Under $25, Under $50, Under $100 and Under $400. From: HomePage News
April 17 – Wayfair’s ‘Way Day’ 2025 Set for April 25
Wayfair indicated that it would provide deals on trusted brands such as Keurig, Bissell, Blackstone and Samsung. From: HomePage News
April 16 – Census Bureau Reports March Retail Gains Amid Tariff Turmoil
For 2025, NRF is forecasting that core retail sales will increase between 2.7% and 3.7% year over year. From: HomePage News
April 16 – Michaels Ups Balloons, Party Supplies as Party City, Joann Disappear
Michaels is also expanding in-store events for children and adults, including birthday celebrations, private events and crafting activities. From: Retail Dive
April 16 – Kroger Revamps Divisional Retail Leadership with Kelley Promotion
The Kroger Co. is revamping divisional leadership, including the promotion of Joe Kelley, former president of its major King Soopers and City Markets operation, to senior vice president of Kroger retail divisions. From: HomePage News
April 16 – Ikea Adding Texas Stores, Rolls Out Latest ‘Stockholm’ Collection
As it continues its expansion in the United States, Ikea U.S. has announced that it will open a new 63,000 square foot city store in Dallas, TX, late this year. From: HomePage News
April 16 – Wegmans Zips Along with Store Openings in New Markets
Wegmans has added about a dozen new stores over the past six years, including its first location in New York City. From: Grocery Dive
April 16 – Home Depot Maps Out 2025 New Stores with Updated Services
The Home Depot has detailed new store plans for locations across the United States, with stores in St. Augustine, FL, and Surprise, AZ, opening this month. From: HomePage News
April 16 – Seven & i Holdings Charts a Path Forward
The retailer will leverage its innovative strength while working to change areas that need improvement. From: Convenience Store News
April 15 – Numerator: Tariffs Stir Widespread Worry Among Consumers
The tariff-related price increases consumers fear most are in essential categories such as groceries, at 60%, household goods, at 42%, and gasoline, at 40%. From: HomePage News
April 15 – Albertsons’ Incoming CEO Heralds ‘Investment Year’ After Q4 Wall Street Beat
Albertsons noted that in the quarter, digital sales increased 24% as loyalty membership increased 15% to 45.6 million versus the quarter a year past. From: HomePage News
April 15 – Ace Hardware Announces Partnership with Major League Baseball
As part of the partnership, Ace Hardware will be featured across MLB’s media platforms through virtual signage and branded content during nationally televised and streamed games. From: Hardware Retailing
April 14 – Macy’s To Bloom with Fresh Tabletop During Its 50th Flower Show
A Flower Show and Surrealist Garden themed product collection reflects the color experiences and themes of this year’s celebration, Macy’s indicated. From: HomePage News
April 14 – Retail Monitor: Moderate March Growth as Consumers Brace for Tariffs
The report indicated total retail sales in the United States, excluding automobiles and gasoline, gained 0.6% seasonally adjusted month over month and 4.75% unadjusted year over year in March. From: HomePage News
April 14 – Amazon CEO Jassy: AI, Less Bureaucracy Helping Company Advance
In a letter to shareholders, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said the company had a solid 2024 and wants to build on that by maximizing artificial intelligence and cutting back on red tape. From: HomePage News
April 11 – Wayfair to Vendors: Don’t ‘Rush to Raise Prices’ Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Wayfair said it remains focused on the opportunity that Way Day represents and will work with vendors to ensure consumers will find the promotion attractive. From: HomePage News
April 11 – How J.C. Penney’s New Brand Positioning is Subverting Consumer Expectations
Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at parent Catalyst Brands, explains how “Yes, J.C. Penney” breaks through a “sea of sameness” in retail. From: Retail Dive
April 11 – Senate Committee Introduces Updated Legislation to Fight Retail Crime
U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on flash mob robberies and intricate retail theft schemes. From: HomePage News
April 10 – CEO Global Port Tracker Expects Import Decline to Begin in May
Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said that, as a result of the turmoil, he expects imports during the second half of 2025 to slide by at least 20% year over year. From: HomePage News
April 10 – Survey: Middle-Income Consumers Worry About Inflation, Feel Squeezed Financially
62% of middle-income consumers report stress over finances, up from 57% during the fourth quarter of 2024, while 46% expect to be worse off financially in the next year, up from 27% in December of last year. From: HomePage News
April 10 – Walmart Chief Merchant Highlights Home Role in Expanding Assortment
U.S. chief merchant Latriece Watkins said the company is “aggressively” blowing out the assortment to give customers more from brands they favor, including national brands and private labels. From: HomePage News
April 10 – How Stew Leonard’s Is Handling Tariff Pressure
CEO says independent grocer is currently focused on the fate of wine, spirits, avocados. From: Progressive Grocer
April 9 – CEO McMillion Confident Walmart Can ‘Win’ in Face of Economic Uncertainty
McMillon stated he is “confident” in Walmart’s ability to respond and even “play offense” at a time when the economy is under particular stress. From: HomePage News
April 9 – NRF: Easter Season Spending Expected to Rise
79% of U.S. consumers surveyed plan to celebrate Easter, spending $189.26 on average per person, or $12 more than last year. From: HomePage News
April 9 – Best Buy Partners with Content Creators in New Influencer Initiative
Best Buy plans to expand opportunities to select creators and influencers, the company said, providing curated campaign opportunities and featured storefronts on the Best Buy app and bestbuy.com. From: HomePage News
April 8 – Williams-Sonoma Expands Aerin Collaboration
Inspired by Aerin Lauder, the new products will feature fresh color options in popular tabletop and entertaining groups and include collectible pieces among the bakeware and décor introductions, Williams-Sonoma stated. From: HomePage News
April 8 – Walmart+ Week Providing Perks to Drive Memberships
The company describes the event as a celebration of existing and new members of its loyalty program, with particular perks being featured as well as food and fuel tie-ins. From: HomePage News
April 8 – Walgreens Posts Mixed Q2 As Turnaround Bid Proceeds Sluggishly
Soft retail results hit Walgreens Boots Alliance, as second-quarter earnings declined and revenues increased, but both exceeded Wall Street estimates. From: HomePage News
April 7 – Circana: Rising Costs, Weather, Uncertainty Disrupt Consumer Spending Habits
“Dynamic shifts in consumption are already occurring across consumer groups and retail segments,” said Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry advisor for Circana. From: HomePage News
April 7 – 19 Big Lots! Stores to Reopen Under New Ownership
Variety Wholesalers Inc. has revealed the first wave of openings for its newly acquired Big Lots! locations, starting on April 10 with nine stores across six states. From: Progressive Grocer
April 7 – LexisNexis: Retailers Need to Upgrade Online Fraud Prevention Practices
Merchants in the United States incur an average cost of $4.61 for every $1 of fraud compared to $4.52 in Canada, according to the E-commerce and Retail Report, U.S. and Canada Edition. From: HomePage News
April 7 – The Enduring Appeal of Pens and Paper in a Digital Era
Some of the well-known retailers and brands in the specialty stationery space have included Paper Source, Papier and Papyrus, though many have endured challenges in recent years. From: Retail Dive
April 7 – Circana RH Makes Headway in Q4 but Falls Short of Expectations
Restoration Hardware’s fourth-quarter financial results improved but fell short of Wall Street expectations. The company asserted that its momentum has been solid despite a down housing market. From: HomePage News
April 7 – Ikea Rolls Out Additional California Plan and Order Stores
As the company continues to expand its design centers in the Golden State, Ikea has opened new Plan and Order Points with Pick-up in Colma and Thousand Oaks, CA. From: HomePage News
April 4 – ‘Buy for Me’ Extends Amazon Search Functionality Outside Its Platform
In beta test for now, “Buy for Me” allows Amazon Shopping app users to complete purchases from other brand retailer websites if the company doesn’t sell the item directly on amazon.com. From: HomePage News
April 4 – Big Lots Reopening Begin Under Variety Wholesalers
The first wave of Big Lots reopenings will occur in Mount Sterling, KY; Metairie, LA; Pearl, MS; Asheboro, NC; Gallatin, TN; Dickson, TN; Tupelo, MS; Pearl, MS; and Roanoke, VA. From: HomePage News
April 3 – Amazon Relaunches Drone Delivery After Vehicle Upgrade
Amazon has restarted drone delivery operations it halted due to concerns about performance issues in some locations, the company noted From: HomePage News
April 3 – White House Ends De Minimis Tariff Exception for Low-Value Chinese Imports
The White House, in a statement, characterized ending the exceptions for low-price goods as a critical step in stemming the illicit flow of synthetic opioids into the United States. From: HomePage News
April 3 – Wegmans Once Again Best Retailer to Work for in Country
This is Wegmans 28th consecutive time being named to the prestigious list. From: Progressive Grocer
April 3 – QVC Group Makes Changes to Culinary, Home Merchandising Leadership
The company emphasized that it remains committed to HSN-branded digital merchandising platforms, adding HSN and QVC U.S. From: HomePage News
April 2 – NRF: Retail and Economy Should Grind Forward in 2025
This year’s forecast is approximately in line with the 10-year pre-pandemic average annual sales growth of 3.6%, NRF stated. From: HomePage News
April 2 – Target Kate Spade New York Collection Rolls Out for Spring
The collection focuses on spring entertainment and includes what Target describes as an eclectic mix of drink and dining ware, and colorful party décor such as balloons and lanterns. From: HomePage News
April 2 – QVC Group Launches 24-Hour TikTok Shopping Livestreams
QVC pointed out that, across its video platforms, including QVC and HSN, the company produces more live shoppable content than any other producer, with more than 40,000 hours run per year. From: HomePage News
