CVS Wants to Help You Spend Less Time in CVS at WSJ. “The new features include a bar code that lets pharmacists quickly look up a prescription and receive a payment, a way for customers to view prescription status and costs, and—in pilot mode at three stores…an app feature that lets loyalty program members unlock those ubiquitous cabinets from their phone…Mandadi said the pilot is going well and the next step will be to expand to 10-15 stores, with the ultimate goal of full-scale deployment.” WSJ subs.

 

ACSI online retail customer satisfaction: Sam’s Club, Chewy, Pet Supplies Plus, Publix, and Trader Joe’s shine Press release

 

Tiffany Workers Mock Forced ‘Joy’ That Exacerbated Staff Exits at Bloomberg. “When Tiffany & Co. executives were looking for ways to boost staff morale, they rolled out an internal app called “Tiffany Joy.” They asked workers to post photos celebrating couples getting engaged, colleagues’ big sales and other meaningful moments at stores. It didn’t take long to turn into a chore. Executives started telling US staff they weren’t posting frequently enough and asking workers to “like” posts more quickly. Within a few months, by early 2024, some US employees had given the app a nickname: “Forced Joy.” Bloomberg subs.

 

Whole Foods CEO’s role expands to oversee Amazon’s entire worldwide grocery initiatives at GeekWire. “Jason Buechel will expand his role to oversee Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores business, including Amazon Go convenience stores and Amazon Fresh physical and online stores, while also continuing to serve as Whole Foods Market CEO.” Read more

 

Workers at Philadelphia Whole Foods vote to form first union at CNN. “The union said 130 workers voted in favor and 100 workers voted against the move…the union local chapter (claimed) the workers faced anti-union pressure and intimidation from Amazon in the lead-up to the vote.” Read more

 

Attorneys general in 19 states are warning Costco “to end all unlawful discrimination imposed by the company through DEI” policies at Fox News

 

Dick’s, Home Depot and Dollar Tree earn “Gold” status in Brand Keys loyalty study Report/List

 

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Shippers Wary of Red Sea Routes Despite Houthi Pledge to End Targeting at WSJ. “In an email to shippers, the Houthis said they wouldn’t attack U.S. and British vessels while a cease-fire was in effect…The rebels, however, said they would still target Israeli vessels.” WSJ subs.

 

Walmart makes several leadership changes ahead of new fiscal year at Talk Business. “Megan Crozier will leave Sam’s Club and return to Walmart as executive vice president of general merchandise…Julie Barber will become chief merchandising officer (at Sam’s), replacing Crozier. Diana Marshall will take on a new position as chief experience officer at Sam’s Club leading membership, product, design, marketing and advertising businesses.” Read more

 

Costco switches up food court sodas from Pepsi to Coca-Cola at USA Today

 

CANADA: Metro Q1 sales up at Toronto Star. “Food same-store sales were up 1.0 per cent compared with a year earlier and up 2.4 per cent after adjusting for a shift of two significant pre-Christmas shopping days to the second quarter. Pharmacy same-store sales were up 5.1 per cent…” Read more

 

BJ’s Wholesale Club Announces Ohio Distribution Center Press release

 

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