ISSAQUAH, Wash. — The year 2013 was a challenging one for mass market retail, as a sluggish economic recovery and cowed consumers frustrated the hopes of many retailers. In that environment, only a handful of chains emerged undaunted. The year 2013 was a challenging one for mass market retail, as a sluggish economic recovery and
DEERFIELD, Ill. — MMR’s Global Retailer of the Year for 2013 is Alex Gourlay. MMR’s Global Retailer of the Year for 2013 is Alex Gourlay. Not for the tasks he has yet to accomplish at Walgreen Co., the retailer he joined last October, but for his impressive performance as head of the Boots drug chain,
DEERFIELD, Ill. — The editors of MMR have selected Bryan Pugh, senior executive at Walgreen Co., to receive this publication’s first Retail Achievement award, a recognition marking a remarkable career, one that is noted for both its longevity and its accomplishment. The editors of MMR have selected Bryan Pugh, senior executive at Walgreen Co., to
NEW YORK — While stronger retail sales in November raised retailers’ hopes for the holidays, it appears that those hopes were disappointed. While stronger retail sales in November raised retailers’ hopes for the holidays, it appears that those hopes were disappointed. Some of the disappointment was simply the result of calendar shifts. There were six
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has named company veteran David Cheesewright president and chief executive officer of Walmart International. Walmart has named company veteran David Cheesewright president and chief executive officer of Walmart International. The 51-year-old Cheesewright succeeds Doug McMillon, who will become Walmart president and CEO. Both assume their new posts on February 1. Walmart
CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. has promoted Mark Tuffin to senior vice president of retail divisions. He succeeds Michael Ellis, who was elevated to the position of president and chief operating officer on January 1. Kroger Co. has promoted Mark Tuffin to senior vice president of retail divisions. He succeeds Michael Ellis, who was elevated to
MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. has suffered a major security breach that may have resulted in a theft of data from as many as 40 million credit and debit card accounts. It was the second-largest data theft from a retailer in the United States. Target Corp. has suffered a major security breach that may have resulted
BATAVIA, Ill. — Grocer Aldi said last month that it will open 650 new stores across the country over the next five years. Grocer Aldi said last month that it will open 650 new stores across the country over the next five years. In addition, the company — which currently has nearly 1,300 stores in
CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. and GNC have extended their existing partnership through 2019 and announced plans to add at least 300 more GNC LiveWell store-within-a-store locations inside Rite Aid outlets over the next five years. Rite Aid Corp. and GNC have extended their existing partnership through 2019 and announced plans to add
NEW YORK — The National Retail Federation (NRF) has filed an appeal aimed at overturning what it calls a flawed credit card swipe fee settlement. The National Retail Federation (NRF) has filed an appeal aimed at overturning what it calls a flawed credit card swipe fee settlement. A federal judge last month approved a $5.7
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee Inc. will add Market Grille and Market Café restaurants to 50 stores around the Midwest next year, a report in the Des Moines Register says. Hy-Vee Inc. will add Market Grille and Market Café restaurants to 50 stores around the Midwest next year, a report in the Des Moines
AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market Inc. has achieved its initial goal of funding $10 million in low-interest loans to local and independent food businesses. The company has also committed up to $25 million in funding. Whole Foods Market Inc. has achieved its initial goal of funding $10 million in low-interest loans to local and