Retail industry
UBS expects 50,000 store closures in the U.S. over the next 5 years after pandemic pause
A pandemic shakeup in 2020 led to a surge in store closures, coupled with dozens retailers filing for bankruptcy, which emptied out shopping malls and left vacancies scattered along the streets major markets including New York City. The aftermath, though, was a temporary relief from closures, as companies took the chance in 2020 to quickly […]
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What big companies are saying about consumer spending and inflation as earning season begins
At what point do consumers say enough is enough when it comes to paying more for goods and services? The question is top of mind for C-suite executives, regardless of industry, as inflation surges to levels not seen in decades. And as earnings season begins, so are the concerns about balancing the rising costs and […]
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Cheaper doughnuts, free gas cards and more: Retailers and restaurants woo consumers who are feeling pain at the pump
A car is pumping gas at a Costco gas station. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia resulted in increased gas prices in the United States in the past two weeks. Michael Ho Wai | Lightrocket | Getty Images Along with fried chicken, biscuits and iced tea, family meals at Southern fast-food chain Bojangles now include […]
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Bed Bath & Beyond posts disappointing results after low inventory hurt business in the holiday quarter
Bed Bath and Beyond on Wednesday reported a surprising holiday-quarter loss, as the company ran low on inventory and struggled to move merchandise out of congested ports and onto shelves. Shares fell more than 10% in premarket trading, as investors weighed the news. CEO Mark Tritton said out-of-stock merchandise caused the company to miss out […]
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Walmart hires PayPal executive as its chief financial officer
Artur Widak | NurPhoto | Getty Images Walmart said Tuesday it has hired PayPal executive John Rainey to become its new chief financial officer. Rainey currently holds the same post at the financial technology company and will step in as CFO at Walmart on June 6. He will take the reins from longtime CFO Brett […]
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Amazon warehouse workers suffer serious injuries at twice the rate of rivals, study finds
An Amazon warehouse Getty Images Amazon warehouse workers in the U.S. suffered serious injuries at twice the rate of rival companies in 2021, according to a new study. There were 6.8 serious injuries for every 100 Amazon warehouse workers. That’s more than twice the rate of all other employers in the warehouse industry, which had […]
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Lululemon launches a trade-in and resell program as shoppers grapple with inflation
Lululemon will debut a trade-in and resale option for its gently used leggings, tops and jackets later this month following a successful pilot program prompted by rising consumer prices and a commitment to sustainable purchasing. The rollout of Lululemon’s “Like New” program comes after the retailer tested the so-called re-commerce platform for customers in Texas […]
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Beyond Meat expands meatless chicken distribution to 8,000 new retail locations
Beyond Meat’s meatless chicken tenders Source: Beyond Meat Beyond Meat is expanding distribution of its meatless chicken tenders to 8,000 new grocery, pharmacy and big-box retail locations. Customers will now be able to buy Beyond Chicken Tenders at select Albertsons, Sprouts, Whole Foods Market and CVS locations nationwide. All Kroger locations also will carry the […]
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Panera Bread is testing automated coffee brewing with Miso Robotics
Miso Robotics’ CookRight Coffee System Source: Miso Robotics Panera Bread is piloting Miso Robotics’ new automated coffee brewing system as it doubles down on its drink subscription program. It’s part of a broader shift across the restaurant industry toward automation as many eateries struggle to find workers and labor costs rise. For example, McDonald’s is […]
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How Amazon plans to fix its massive returns problem
Amazon is handling a rapidly growing number of returns that are causing a massive problem for the e-commerce giant and the planet. A National Retail Federation survey found a record $761 billion of merchandise was returned to retailers in 2021. That amount surpasses what the U.S. spent on national defense in 2021, which was $741 […]
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