Pilot Pen G2 Edge

Issue 09-19-2016

Fred’s gets new CEO

MEMPHIS — Fred’s Inc. has promoted Mike Bloom, its president and chief operating officer, to succeed chief executive officer Jerry Shore. Bloom’s promotion took effect August 29, the date the retailer announced that Shore was stepping aside as CEO and planned to retire in February. Bloom, a former executive with CVS and Family Dollar Stores,

Back office staff is cut at Walmart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart plans to eliminate about 7,000 back office jobs at its U.S. stores over the coming months. The move is part of an effort to boost efficiency, cut costs and free store employees to spend their time on the sales floor interacting with customers. Walmart officials say the eliminated positions will not

Jones exits Target to join Uber

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. executive vice president and chief marketing officer Jeff Jones has left the company to become president of ride sharing at Uber, with responsibility for the company’s global operations, marketing and customer support. “As we move into the next phase at Uber, one in which we will build a global brand infused

Kmart’s ‘Whole Lotta Awesome’

DES PLAINES, Ill. — Kmart has unveiled a revitalized and refreshed store here as part of an ongoing initiative to provide enhanced, new and exclusive ­offerings. “We are excited about the relaunch of the Des Plaines store because it exemplifies our dedication to our [Shop Your Way] members and it’s in our own backyard,” says

Fiesta Mart hones store format

HOUSTON — Houston-based Fiesta Mart LLC has reopened its Wayside store, here, after extensive remodeling. The grand reopening was part of a long-term reinvigoration of the Fiesta brand and its commitment to provide uncompromised freshness, great value and unsurpassed variety every day. The August 31 event served as a kickoff off several store redesigns throughout

NACDS tabs senior VP of government affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. — Thomas O’Donnell has been promoted to senior vice president of government affairs and public policy at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. NACDS said that O’Donnell, previously vice president of federal government affairs, will now report to NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve ­Anderson. Since joining NACDS as vice president

Publix is tops in Rx satisfaction

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Publix Super Markets Inc. came in first among all brick-and-mortar pharmacies in a pharmacy customer satisfaction survey by market research firm J.D. Power, based on responses from 14,789 pharmacy customers. On a 1,000-point scale, Publix scored 912 in the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Pharmacy Study. The supermarket segment posted the highest

Meijer opens Heritage Center

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer Inc. recently unveiled its Heritage Center with the company’s history from its founder Hendrik Meijer’s arrival in the United States through the retailer’s most recent innovations and ­expansions. “Our grandfather and dad took a risk when they started this company in the midst of the Great Depression,” cochairman Doug Meijer

Holiday selling season preview

Holiday selling season preview

The autumn holiday selling season is upon us — and clues are scarce as to which mass retailers will emerge in the best shape. Indeed, very little data has surfaced as to which products look to dominate, or which retailers appear most confident that the upcoming Christmas selling season will turn out well. The soon-to-be-waged

Kmart needs more than a new format

Kmart needs more than a new format

The Kmart division of Sears Holdings recently garnered some favorable notice for the overhaul of its discount store in Des Plaines, Ill., not far from the parent company’s headquarters in Hoffman Estates. By all accounts, the outlet represents a significant step up for Kmart customers, who during the course of the chain’s long, slow decline