Walmart and Sam’s Club Require Shoppers to Wear Face Coverings “The ambassadors, identifiable by their black polo shirts, will work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution. We are currently considering different solutions for customers when this requirement takes effect on July 20.” Press release

 

Best Buy will require customers to wear masks in its stores at CNN. “Best Buy’s new policy goes into effect Wednesday and applies to all of the company’s approximately 1,000 stores across the country. It will provide face coverings for customers who don’t have one, and small children and customers unable to wear a mask for health reasons can shop without one.” Read more

 

Walmart Hit With CCPA Lawsuit Over Alleged Data Breach at MediaPost. “A San Francisco resident who says his personal data was stolen from Walmart by hackers is suing the company for allegedly violating California’s new privacy law.” Read more

 

The Paper Store files for bankruptcy at Telegram & Gazette. “The Paper Store, which has sold specialty gifts for 55 years and expanded to 86 stores employing about 2,000 people, had been flourishing in recent years prior to COVID-19.” Read more

 

US industrial production surges 5.4% in June at AP. Read more

 

Amazon plans 20 healthcare clinics across U.S. for warehouse employees and their families at GeekWire. “Amazon is partnering with the medical group Crossover Health, which works with self-insured employers across the country. Crossover Health will operate and staff the facilities, according to Amazon. The first Neighborhood Health Center will be established in Las Colinas, Texas.” Read more

 

Mall owners renting out parking lots during the coronavirus pandemic at CNBC. “Kilburn is essentially a tenant to Brookfield, just like Macy’s or Nike, paying rent to occupy the outdoor space…“People are desperate to leave home,” Snyder said, adding that Brookfield has set up food kiosks around the drive-ins for people to order from the food court and then eat as they watch a movie.” Read more

 

As virus-wary shoppers opt for online purchases, retailers pay the price at Reuters. “RSR Research co-founder Paula Rosenblum estimated that typical online orders cost retailers roughly 10-15% more than purchases in stores…Her calculation does not include returns…” Read more

 

**A message from Gusto kitchenware. Created for young enthusiasts looking for quality, color, and affordability. From the #1 cookware brand in Mexico. Program details | Retailers request samples: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Canada’s grocery oligopoly missed a glorious opportunity and may now pay the price at Financial Post. “The decision of Canada’s three grocery behemoths to simultaneously end COVID-19 bonuses on June 13 could end up costing the companies much more than they will save in reduced labour costs on their next few quarterly earnings reports…” Read more

 

Kroger test: Sales of plant-based meats increased by 23% when sold in the meat department at Store Brands. Read more

 

Target is bringing back its back-to-school discount for teachers this summer at USA Today. “(Target) will offer 15% off select classroom supplies and essentials for six weeks….will be available Sunday, July 19 through Aug. 29 for “K-12 teachers, homeschoolers, daycare/early learning educators, university or college professors, and vocational/trade/technical school teachers.” Read more

 

20 Shoppers Try Walmart’s New Front-End Model at Field Agent. “85% of participants said they prefer the new self-checkout model during an infectious outbreak like COVID-19, the layout/process might be less popular under “normal” conditions (i.e., when there isn’t an outbreak).” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Univ. of Arkansas receives $194.7M Walton grant to boost research

Why HBO Max, Peacock are deadlocked in talks With Roku and Amazon

Some pandemic shopping is simply about finding ways to feel good during a difficult time

Producers try to keep up with tuna demand

The California home made famous by ‘The Golden Girls’ asks $2.999M (WSJ subs.)

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

**

Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for retail execs every weekday morning. Tipsheet stories are carefully curated bright and early every morning to ensure fresh and unique content.

 

Subscribe to Eye on Retail Tipsheet here

 

Contact us: Put your product or service in front of the most powerful retail execs in the world, send advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: eyeonretail.net