A Covid-era lease break for retailers looks set to become industry standard at CNBC. “Once-temporary rent breaks for retailers are expected to become the new standard among landlords, even after pandemic restrictions end and shopping rebounds, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.” Read more | WSJ subs.

 

The Amazon that customers don’t see: Inside a key warehouse during the pandemic at NY Times via Seattle Times. “Last September, Ann Castillo saw an email from Amazon that made no sense. Her husband had worked for the company for five years…Now it wanted him back on the night shift. “We notified your manager and HR about your return to work on Oct. 1, 2020,” the message said. Castillo was incredulous. While working mandatory overtime in the spring, her 42-year-old husband, Alberto, had been among the first wave of employees at the site to test positive for the coronavirus.” Read more

 

Amazon commits $150M for new ‘Black Business Accelerator’ amid reports of racial discrimination at GeekWire. “The money will be distributed throughout the next four years specifically to Black entrepreneurs selling on Amazon. Participants can access grants through Amazon credits and services, including imaging services and advertising credits. Participants can also receive coaching on marketing and brand promotion.” Read more

 

CVS Pharmacy loyalty program is now paying 2% back in ExtraBucks rewards moments after nearly every transaction, rather than being paid out on a quarterly basis Press release

 

Shopify signs up Google, Facebook for expanded partnership at Financial Post. “Shoppers who connect with retailers through Facebook or Google properties such as Instagram, YouTube or Google Maps will be able to pay for their purchase using Shop Pay, starting in July for Facebook and later in 2021 for Alphabet Inc.’s Google.” Read more

 

Walgreens Now Offering Retail Products on Uber Eats for Same-Day Delivery Across the United States Press release

 

Best Buy will sell luggage, grills as it seeks to capitalize on reopening economy, housing market at CNBC. “Best Buy is starting to sell luggage and outdoor grills, as it tries to take advantage of the rebounding travel industry and the popularity of investing in the home.” Read more

 

** The Sweets & Snacks Expo is a can’t-miss event for thousands of confectionery and snack retailers, manufacturers and suppliers – here you’ll find all the product innovations, insights and industry connections you need to build a world-class in-store or online experience that will delight your shoppers. See who’s exhibiting | Show website | Indianapolis, June 23-25 2021

 

US retail sales take step back as spending pivots to services at Fox Business. “Retail sales fell 1.3% last month. Data for April was revised higher to show sales increasing 0.9% instead of being unchanged as previously reported.” Read more

 

Albertsons Companies Names Jennifer Saenz EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer “Saenz, 43, has over 15 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods sector, holding roles of increasing responsibility within PepsiCo since 2005. Since 2019, Saenz has served as Global Chief Marketing Officer and President, Global Foods…” Press release

 

Walmart Management Presents at 2021 Evercore ISI Consumer & Retail Summit Conference at Seeking Alpha. Transcript

 

Sprout Names Michael Johnston to New Position as Head of Distributed Retail Press release

 

Google’s first retail store opens this week at The Verge. “…located underneath its offices in the Chelsea neighborhood in New York City…Google characterizes this as its “first” store, but in a call with press yesterday declined to say when, where, or even whether other stores could open.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Ikea ordered to pay $1.3 million fine for spying on French employees

Publix Leaders Recognized as ‘Top Women in Grocery’

States to end unemployment benefits for more than 400,000 people this weekend

Structurlam CEO: Walmart project is right on track

North Korea’s Kim calls food situation ‘tense’ as reports of shortages mount

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

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