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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Eckerd CEO: “Shame on me and shame on us.”
Wayne Harris, Eckerd’s chairman and chief executive officer, is looking for answers after the drug store subsidiary of J.C. Penney announced weaker than expected operating results last quarter. Eckerd’s operating…
Meijer Pays Union Its Dues and Likes It
The Associated Press reported yesterday that Meijer and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union have reached a tentative agreement on a labor contract for 36,000 Michigan employees of the…
The Same Approach to Being Different
In a recent editorial, Warren Thayer describes a trip to Chicago during which he searched for a grocery operator who was trying to find points of differentiation that didn’t begin…
What’s Up With Milk Prices in Seattle?
If the government-set price for milk in the state of Washington is one of the lowest in the country, then why are consumers in Seattle and Tacoma paying more for…
Home Depot Trades Spaces With Lowe’s
Home Depot has signed an agreement with Discovery Networks, the television home of “Trading Spaces”, making the DIY retailer the sole home improvement category sponsor for the popular show. The…
Consumers Beware Retailers Bearing Discounts and Rebates
An article in The Washington Post warns consumers to be wary of sales promotion deals offered by or through retailers. It turns out, according to the piece, retailers understand consumers…
Supervalu To Buy Piece of Fleming from C&S
Reuters reports Supervalu has reached an agreement to purchase assets of Fleming from C&S Wholesalers, pending that company receiving approval from a bankruptcy court to buy Fleming’s wholesale grocery business…
Retail Sales Heat Up
The record heat wave that has hit the UK has an upside for retailers. Wal-Mart’s Asda division saw sales climb 365 percent for barbecues, 250 percent for suntan/sun block and…
Taco Bell Agrees to Pay Overtime
The Associated Press reports Taco Bell has agreed to a settlement with former employees who brought a class action lawsuit against the restaurant chain claiming violations in overtime and meal-break…
Check It Out, Retail Sales Looking Good
The numbers are in and there’s much rejoicing in retailing and analyst circles as sales are growing well above expectations for the industry as a whole.
Office Depot Enters New Millennium
The Atlanta Business Chronicle has reported Office Depot is testing a new store concept that is a departure from its traditional warehouse design and layout. It features lower shelves with…
Fat Kids Are Our Fault
Chris Plummer believes future generations may very well resemble Jaba the Hutt from Star Wars if something isn’t done quickly about the obesity problem affecting the country today.
Seniors4Hire
Senior citizens are in big demand by retailers and other service companies looking to fill positions previously hired out to teenagers.
Wendy’s Buys 69 Wendy’s in Florida
Wendy’s is looking to accelerate its expansion plans in Florida by purchasing 69 restaurants from franchisees, according to an Orlando Sentinel report.
UFCW Labors On
According to a Pioneer Press report, the United Food and Commercials Workers Union (UFCW) wants to organize associates at Target.
Yucaipa Sues Safeway Over Dominick’s
Yucaipa sued Safeway claiming it had an “anyone but Yucaipa” strategy when it put Dominick’s Finer Foods up for sale. The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court seeks to…
Marsh to Enter Tough Chicago Market
On the heels of a report of lower earnings for its first quarter, Marsh Supermarkets has announced it will expand into the Chicago market with a new store concept, according…
Starbucks Steamed By S.F. Vandals
San Francisco police reported as many as 17 Starbucks were vandalized throughout the city early Tuesday morning.
McDonald’s Fast Forwards to the Future
McDonald’s store of the future is being tested, right now, in a lab approximately 15 miles from the company’s headquarters, reports the Associated Press.
Blacks Lack Selection
USA Today reports a study conducted by Community Health Councils Inc., the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) has found grocery stores in predominantly…
Giant Eagle Gets Going
Giant Eagle is opening another Get Go gas station/convenience store on August 18th. In addition to the pump facility and convenience store, the Somerset, PA location will include a car…
