A big ol’ scoop of ice cream may be in order thanks to some sweltering hot temperatures making their way across the U.S. But if the carton you have in the freezer happens to be from Trader Joe’s you might want to pitch it instead: The grocery chain recalled all of its Matcha Tea Ice Cream over pesky metal pieces. [More]
Retail Services
Former Sears Executive: Retailer Has “No Capacity To Operate As A Successful Company”
By 6.9.17
If you want to know what’s happening with a company, talk to insiders — or with former insiders, who are free to talk on the record. Like, for example, a former Sears executive who is now unfettered in his ability to give his honest opinion of the once-great retailer (and the man who has been steering the ship toward apparent doom). [More]
Owner of Ann Taylor, dressbarn, Lane Bryant, Maurices Could Close Up To 650 Stores
By 6.9.17
You may not know the name Ascena Retail Group, but you know the stores it owns, like Ann Taylor, dressbarn, Lane Bryant, Maurices, among others. Many of these stores could soon be closing if Ascena follows through on its proposal to shutter as many as 650 locations. [More]
Retail Apocalypse Claims 2,000 More Jobs As Hudson’s Bay Scales Back Workforce
By 6.9.17
Earlier this year it looked like Hudson’s Bay — the company behind Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and Gilt — was looking to expand its footprint by way of purchasing either Macy’s or Neiman Marcus. Now, the retailer looks to be doing the opposite and cutting back by eliminating some 2,000 positions amid lower than expected sales. [More]
Did You Ever Notice There Is No Music At Most Target Stores? That May Change
By 6.8.17
You might be swaying to the music the next time you’re pushing a cart through Target, as the retailer plans to pump music through the sound system at some stores. [More]
Surprise Charges: Feds Advise Retailers To Make “No Interest” Store Credit Offers More Transparent
By 6.8.17
Three years ago, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warned consumers that some credit card companies weren’t clearly disclosing the risks of promotions, including deferred-interest offers that promise not to charge interest on purchases as long as the balance is paid off by a certain date. However, if that doesn’t happen customers can find their bill nearly doubled thanks to retroactive interest charges. Now the agency is setting its sights on retailers, urging them consider more transparent promotions for store-branded credit cards. [More]
Child Gates Recalled Because They Don’t Keep Kids Out, Could Strangle Them
By 6.8.17
Safety gates are intended to keep children (and sometimes pets) safe from hazards like falling down the stairs or getting into things they aren’t supposed to. But more than 25,000 safety gates are now under recall in the U.S. because they pose a strangulation hazard to youngsters. [More]
Did Buying Mile High Stadium Naming Rights Doom Sports Authority?
By 6.8.17
Buying the naming rights for its hometown NFL team’s stadium put Sports Authority’s name in front of millions of football fans, but it also may have ultimately doomed the company. [More]
Amid Bleak Retail Landscape, Nordstrom Family May Take Company Private
By 6.8.17 — Updated: 6.12.17
Apparently, Nordstrom’s bold move to sell $425 pre-muddied jeans was somehow not enough to end the current retail industry doldrums. Now members of the Nordstrom family say they may take the company back from shareholders and go private. [More]
IKEA Will Try Selling Its Products Through Third-Party Websites Next Year
By 6.8.17 — Updated: 6.9.17
In an effort to expand its online efforts beyond the confines of its own websites, IKEA is planning to test selling its furniture and other home goods through third-party sites starting next year for the first time. [More]
Sears Settles With One Craftsman Supplier, Files New Lawsuit Against USA-Made Hand Tool Company
By 6.7.17
After resolving its contract dispute with one supplier for Craftsman tools, Sears Holdings has filed another lawsuit against another. The company claims that negative press coverage is leading its suppliers to demand early cancellation of contracts, or unreasonable terms. [More]
Workers Say Chipotle Owes Them Overtime Pay
By 6.7.17
Last year, a federal court issued an injunction that put the brakes on a Department of Labor rule that would expand overtime pay to millions of workers. While the government isn’t enforcing the rule because of the court order, a new lawsuit filed against Chipotle argues that that shouldn’t stop employers from abiding by the terms. To that end, employees of the fast casual restaurant in New Jersey are seeking to recoup overtime pay they would have earned under the rule. [More]
Apple Putting Screen-Replacing Robots In Some Best Buy Stores
By 6.7.17
Smartphones are great, sure. But the problem with your modern smartphone is that the outside is made of glass — and humans are, well, kind of klutzes, by and large. So cracked screens happen. A lot. Now, Apple is making it easier for iPhone owners to get their screens properly repaired — but it’s also a tactic to help the company avoid laws requiring them to let you fix your own phone. [More]
Report: Sears Holdings Plans To Close 72 Stores, Mostly Kmart
By 6.7.17
Sears Holdings, the parent company of Sears and Kmart, doesn’t like articles about how many stores it’s closing. Instead, the company tries to limit news releases about its plans to local news outlets. The company reportedly plans to close 49 Kmart discount stores, 16 Sears department stores, and seven Sears Auto Centers. [More]
Why Won’t Macy’s Tell Me If Password Reset Email Is Legit Or Not?
By 6.6.17
Someone (either Macy’s or perhaps a mysterious third-party) is confusing shoppers by blasting out emails telling them to either change their Macy’s passwords… or just ignore the email altogether because maybe they don’t have an account and shouldn’t be worried. [More]
Popeyes Now Has Cookie-Crusted Chicken & It’s Getting Some Mixed Reviews
By 6.6.17
Popeyes is venturing into territory usually inhabited by adventurous home cooks or hipster food trucks with their newest offering: “Sweet & Crunchy Tenders” which combines fried chicken and cookies. [More]
Walmart Has A Giant Grocery Vending Machine For Online Order Pickup Now
By 6.6.17
Back in November, Walmart began testing a giant orange vending machine that allowed online customers to pick up their orders without having to wait in line or talk to other people. Now, the company is reportedly testing a similar system, but for online grocery orders. [More]
Amazon Offers Discounted Monthly Prime Membership For Some Low Income Customers
By 6.6.17 — Updated: 6.9.17
Americans who receive assistance from the government could soon receive a bit from Amazon, too: The e-commerce giant announced that it will provide a monthly Prime membership discount to customers who have an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. [More]
