The National Retail Federation (NRF) welcomed a lawsuit announced Tuesday by the Department of Justice accusing Visa of violating federal antitrust law in its debit card practices but said the card network’s anticompetitive practices go further. The DOJ has filed a lawsuit against Visa alleging that some of its practices involving debit cards are anticompetitive and…
Joe Keenan
Tempur Sealy International said on Monday it plans to sell more than 100 stores in a bid to get regulatory approval for its $4 billion deal with Mattress Firm. Tempur Sealy's merger with Mattress Firm, which would create a combined business of about 3,000 stores globally, raised concerns about price hikes and job losses and…
In episode 465 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Ellen Webb, vice president of shopper analytics and insights at PepsiCo, a global leader in convenient foods and beverages with a portfolio of more than 500 brands. Listen in as Webb provides an overview of PepsiCo's pepviz data analytics initiative (0:55), what they're learning…
Sam’s Club will raise pay to incentivize workers to stay with the company — and not jump ship to Costco. Sam’s Club, the membership club arm of Walmart, will increase its minimum wage to $16 starting in November from $15 an hour. It will also raise wages for its nearly 100,000 employees, ranging from 3…
The Biden administration announced new steps on Friday to curtail what it calls the “overuse and abuse” of a longstanding trade law that permits low-value shipments to enter the United States without paying import duties and processing fees. The steps include a new rule proposal which would bar overseas shipments of products that are subject…
After securing a last-minute buyer, LL Flooring is reversing course on shutting down all of its stores. The hardwood flooring retailer formerly known as Lumber Liquidators signed an agreement with private equity firm F9 Investments for a sale of its business on Friday afternoon. Under terms of the deal, expected to close by the end of September,…
In episode 464 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton, co-CEOs of Omni Talk Retail, a fast-growing blog and podcast channel providing news, analysis and commentary on the latest trends and issues in the retail industry. Mezzenga is also a speaker at Total Retail Tech 2024, the summit for…
Costco Wholesale's membership increase took effect on Sunday as its annual membership fees increased to $65 from $60 for its Gold Star plan and to $130 from $120 for its Executive plan. While Wall Street analysts have long pushed for Costco to increase membership fees, the latest increase marks the first time the company has upped…
Off-price department store chain TJ Maxx has launched a new incubator program in partnership with celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger to support emerging stylists. Named “Styled by Runway,” the program provides five upcoming stylists with career-building mentorship, a platform to refine their styling aesthetic, and access to high-end brands through TJ Maxx's premium designer shop, Runway.…
In episode 463 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Rah Mahtani, head of marketing, North America at Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce. Listen in as Mahtani discusses the launch of Alibaba Guaranteed (0:55), how the solution addresses global sourcing challenges (2:45), and the process of incorporating feedback from buyers…
Kroger sued the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Monday, seeking to block the regulator from reviewing the grocery chain's proposed $25 billion merger with smaller rival Albertsons in its in-house tribunal. Kroger called the tribunal unconstitutional, saying the matter should be resolved in a federal court. The lawsuit filed in Cincinnati comes a week…
LL Flooring has announced that it will close 94 stores in more than 30 states as it filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company, formerly known as Lumber Liquidators, said that it is nearly $110 million in long-term debt in filings made in Delaware bankruptcy court on Sunday. The Richmond, Virginia-based company said in the filings…
In episode 462 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Lauren Benton, general manager, U.S. at Back Market, a verified refurbished technology marketplace. Listen in as Benton provides an overview of the business (1:00), its process for sourcing quality used devices (1:55), and Back Market's first Impact Report showcasing its sustainability efforts (3:55). She…
Under Armour, Inc. is appointing Eric Liedtke as executive vice president of brand strategy following the completion of its acquisition of Unless Collective, Inc., a zero-plastic regenerative fashion brand. The transaction is expected to be completed later this week. After a 26-year career at Adidas Group, culminating in roles as brand president and executive board…
Primark announced that it will open a new store at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, Michigan on Sept. 12. The retailer's first store in Michigan, this opening will offer Detroit-area shoppers more than 36,600 square feet of retail selling space with the latest fashion trends and essentials for the whole family, as well as…
