Beanie Baby firm sues Target over knockoff rainbow plush poodles by Brigid Sweeney at Crain’s Chicago. “According to Ty, Target and MGS continue to manufacture and distribute the knockoff poodle despite “repeated requests” to cease and desist. The Beanie Boos maker also alleges that the Target version does not comply with federal children’s product safety requirements.” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

Sears hit by customer data breach at tech firm at Reuters. “Technology firm [ 24]7.ai, which provides online support services for Delta, Sears and Kmart among other companies, found that a cyber security incident affected online customer payment information of its clients, it said.” Read more

 

Albertsons to roll out Plated meal kits to hundreds of its stores by end of year at CNBC. “The grocer, which acquired Plated last summer, will also make the meal kits available through Instacart delivery for same-day online ordering and home delivery.” Read more

 

Kroger to open second standalone restaurant in Cincinnati by Steve Watkins at Cincinnati Business Courier. “Kroger has a supermarket on Beechmont Avenue in Anderson Towne Center in Anderson Township. But it didn’t specify if the new Kitchen 1883 will be located next to that store.” Read more

 

Sally Beauty Cutting Jobs at HQ at NBC DFW 5. “In addition to the job cuts, Sally said the cost-reduction plan includes “initiatives focused on organizational efficiencies, sourcing of product and brands for resale, indirect procurement, store operating expenses, and inventory management.” Video/Read more

 

Amazon to open Spheres to the public twice a month by Kurt Schlosser at GeekWire. “A reservation system for the weekend visits has been set up on the Spheres website. Reservations are available 30 days in advance of each date.” Read more

 

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Macy’s longtime chief financial officer to retire by Andy Brownfield at Cincinnati Business Courier. “Karen Hoguet, Macy’s longtime CFO who played a key role in the deal and integration of Federated Department Stores and Macy’s in 1994 and the May Co. in 2005, will retire in February 2019.” Read more

 

CVS Health eyes kidney patients for next expansion into care via CNBC. “The company said Wednesday it will offer home dialysis for patients through its Coram business, and it is working with another unspecified company to develop a new device for that.” Read more

 

INDIANA – Walmart drops shoplifting-prevention program criticized by attorney general at Indianapolis Business Journal. “…eligible shoplifting suspects could watch a four-minute CEC video and either enter into a contract with CEC to pay $400 and complete an “education course” via a six-hour online program or face arrest by local law enforcement.” Read more

 

Job ads hint at Amazon plans for express food delivery across Philadelphia at Philly Inquirer. Read more

 

As Trump Bashes Amazon, the Government Increasingly Relies on It by Ted Mann & Brody Mullins at Wall Street Journal. “GBH Insights, a research firm, predicts that Amazon’s government business will grow to $2.8 billion in 2018 and $4.6 billion in 2019, up from less than $300 million in 2015.” Read more (subs.)

 

Passionate, probably drunk man makes his own commercials for Costco Kirkland beer by David Moye at HuffPo. “Some sample slogans: “Kirkland Light: It’s 11 a.m. somewhere.”…“Kirkland Light: Available in 48-packs where you buy your pants!”…“I always get the cashier saying ‘Looks like someone is having a party,’ but Costco cut down on that shame.” Video/Read more

 

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