With Some Schools Moving Outdoors, Retailers Follow at NY Times. "With a number of schools in the United States opting for outdoor education over the potentially germier confines of their traditional indoor spaces, demand for Oaki’s rainsuits and related gear “has been overwhelming,” said Sam Taylor, the chief executive of the company, which is based in the Salt Lake City area. It’s a sentiment echoed by other outdoor-oriented companies, some of which are launching new product lines or repurposing existing ones to capitalize on how the pandemic has changed the education experience." Tiered subs.   Forbes: 2020 Wealthiest Americans [...]

  Costco August comp sales +13.2% ...US +12.5% / Canada +14.6% / Other Int'l +16.1% / Ecom +101.9% Press release   Michaels Q2 comp sales +12% "Operating income was $53.3 million compared to operating income of $71.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2019." Press release   Walmart gets creative, goes virtual as it plans for holiday toy shopping at CNBC. "Before each holiday season, Walmart gathers hundreds of kids at a convention center near its Arkansas headquarters. The young testers try out lots of toys and pick those they would like to get from Santa. That shapes the [...]

  Macy's Q2 comp sales down 34.7% Press release   ...Macy's posts smaller-than-expected loss, shares rise at Reuters. "...online sales surge 53% for the second quarter ended Aug. 1...Gross margin of 23.6% also improved about 650 basis points from the immediately preceding quarter." Read more   ...Macy’s plans rollout of smaller stores away from malls at CNBC. "...planning to test several, smaller Macy’s stores outside of shopping malls, as well as a Bloomingdale’s store off-mall, the CEO said. It is also still looking to grow its off-price business through Macy’s Backstage." Read more   At Home Group Q2 comp sales [...]

  Walmart to launch its membership program, Walmart+, on September 15th at CNBC. "Walmart+ members...still have to meet a $35 minimum for each online order to avoid fees, whether it’s shipped to the home or dropped off at their door. It will cost $98 a year, or $12.95 a month." Read more   ...Members of Walmart+ will receive a savings of up to five cents per gallon on fuel transactions at Walmart, Murphy USA and Murphy Express locations Press release   Whole Foods Market opens first permanent online-only store for delivery orders at USA Today. "The Amazon-owned grocery store chain [...]