Six retailers to drop on-call scheduling amid state probes by Daniel Wiessner at Reuters. “The companies to end on-call scheduling are Aeropostale, Carter’s, David’s Tea, Walt Disney, Pacific Sunwear of California and Zumiez Inc.” Read more

 

The Limited may shut down by Fareeha Ali at Internet Retailer. “Pointing to disappointing Q3 financial results, Limited Stores is looking for a buyer and may lay off up to 248 employees.” Read more

 

Hannaford testing ways to gain edge in crowded market by J.Craig Anderson at Portland Press Herald. “To get a glimpse into the future of Scarborough-based Hannaford, one need only visit the grocery chain’s recently opened “learning lab” store in Bedford, New Hampshire. The location is Hannaford’s most high-tech store, while also being a throwback to the olden days of high-touch customer service. Aided by computers, tablets and touch screens, the store’s employees will cut your produce any way you like, help you select the best cut of meat or the perfect bottle of wine, and prepare your entire meal to eat in the store’s café or take home and throw directly into a pot. They’ll even do your shopping for you…” Read more

 

Circle K is doubling its regional corporate office space in Charlotte by Ely Portillo at Charlotte Observer. “The company has leased about 20,000 square feet of space at Three Coliseum Centre, off Billy Graham Parkway near Charlotte Douglas International Airport.” Read more

 

Tough Mudder to launch a chain of fitness boutiques by Ben Fischer at New York Business Journal. Read more

 

Study: The majority of the 67M adults who buy luxuries have household incomes of less than $100,000 by Brielle Jaekel at Luxury Daily. Read more

 

At Home With Mark Zuckerberg And Jarvis, The AI Assistant He Built For His Family by Daniel Terdiman at Fast Company. “Over the last year, though, Zuckerberg has spent between 100 and 150 hours on his home project. Though it’s named for Tony Stark’s futuristic Jarvis AI in the Iron Man movies, it’s more akin to a homemade, highly personal version of something like Amazon’s Alexa service.” Video/Pics/Read more

 

**A message from GlobalShop – as a retail expert, you impact the customer experience and GlobalShop is the driving force behind that experience. Through education, peer networking and interaction with retail suppliers, you’ll return with results to build your brand and create a more effective retail environment. From mannequins and lighting to flooring and signage, GlobalShop has it all. Register now to join us in Las Vegas March 28-30, 2017! Qualified attendees use code GS17EOR for free expo hall admission. Check out this year’s exhibitors. Website | Networking Events

 

Staples promotes Faisal Masud to chief technology officer by Matt Linder at Internet Retailer. Read more

 

TWO THUMBS UP – Doug McMillon a big fan of movie Greater by Robbie Neiswanger at Northwest Ark. Democrat Gazette. “Brian Reindl said Wal-Mart’s interest in the movie Greater — the story of the life and death of former University of Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth — began when he showed the film to Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon last January…”For one reason or another, we have been chosen as kind of a golden child,” said Reindl, the film’s co-writer and producer.” Read more

 

28-year-old starts crowdfunding campaign for cheery Walmart greeter – raises $1,700 from community at WGRZ 2. “Because Belanger doesn’t have a computer, he’s been concerned about getting the chance to thank everyone who has contributed to the campaign. “I didn’t expect it, but I am appreciating every minute of it,” says Belanger, who has four kids and seven grandkids. “I’ve got to thank all these people somehow.” Read more/Pics

 

General Mills Profit, Sales Miss Expectations at Fox Business. “General Mills expects 2017 sales, excluding acquisitions and divestitures, to decline 3-4 percent from 2016. It had previously anticipated sales would be flat to down 2 percent.” Read more

 

Nebraska Furniture Mart COO Ron Blumkin’s successor named by Paige Yowell at Omaha World-Herald. “Tony Boldt, director of the Mart’s Kansas City store, will take the role of president and COO. Blumkin will serve as chairman, and Irv Blumkin will remain chief executive.” Read more

 

Nike’s Mark Parker to be Recognized by NRF as The Visionary 2017 Press release

 

Lands’ End names ex-Tumi chief Griffith as CEO by David Schuyler at Milwaukee Business Journal. “(Jerome) Griffith who will join Dodgeville-based Lands’ End on March 6.” Read more

 

…Described by people who know him as an “outdoor lifestyle kind of guy,” Mr. Griffith has traveled across three continents on his Harley motorcycles and practices mixed martial arts. by Suzanne Kapner & Joann S. Lublin at Wall Street Journal. Read more (subscription)

 

Nike’s $720 Tech Sneakers Are Selling Well by Don Reisinger at Fortune. Read more

 

Charles Holley, retired CFO of Walmart, shares his views on the value of starting succession planning early in one’s career at Wall Street Journal. Read more (subscription)

 

Boyfriend fulfills girlfriend’s dream of lighting-aisle proposal at Lowes store at WSBT 22. “Logan had this dream as a child of going to Lowe’s and turn out all the lights, except for the lighting aisle…The couple plans to marry next September. Lowe’s is planning on providing lighting for that day, too.” Read more

 

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How Antibiotic-Tainted Seafood From China Ends Up on Your Table

Burger King restaurant invites customers to exchange bad Christmas gifts for Whoppers

How Starbucks is using artificial intelligence to connect with customers

Salvation Army bell-ringers return to local Wal-Mart after bureaucratic snafu

Ontario business owners say high electricity rates are a threat to their survival

T.J. Maxx likely expanding to Waikiki

Another McDonald’s Is Offering All-You-Can-Eat Fries

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

 

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