HSN CEO Mindy Grossman resigning to head Weight Watchers by Robert Trigaux at Tampa Bay Times. “Grossman’s resignation from HSN will be effective on May 24. She will not stand for election to the board of directors…HSN has retained a national search firm to assist with the search for a successor that will include both internal and external candidates.” Read more | Press release

 

LOBBYING PAYS DIVIDENDS – Retail stocks move higher after Mnuchin shoots down controversial tax proposal by Krystina Gustafson at CNBC. “It appears that the White House heard the industry’s complaints. “We don’t think it works in its current form, and we’re going to continue to have discussions with them about revisions,” Mnuchin said Wednesday.” Read more

 

Under Armour shares rose 9.1% in Thursday premarket trading after Q1 earnings beat estimates at MarketWatch. Read more

 

Costco’s Kirkland golf balls return online, immediately runs out of stock by Joel Beall at Golf Digest. “Costco released a quiet rollout of the product Tuesday, giving the hungry masses another shot at the sought-after four-piece ball. So much for the reserved return. By Wednesday morning, the Signature’s product page had an “out of stock” disclaimer.” Read more

 

Tractor Supply Q1 Comp Sales -2.2% “The comparable store sales results included decreases in comparable transaction count and average ticket of 1.4% and 0.9%, respectively.” Press release

 

Walmart Cuts Prices on Domestic Money Transfers “Also, beginning in May, Walmart and American Express will introduce the Bluebird2Walmart Money Transfer Service, which allows account holders of Bluebird – a checking and debit alternative – to digitally send money for cash pickup at Walmart store locations.” Press release

 

Amazon’s new $200 Alexa device will give you advice on your outfits by Jason Del Rey at Recode. “On Wednesday, Amazon introduced its latest Alexa-powered device, a gadget with a built-in camera that is being marketed as a way to photograph, organize and get recommendations on outfits.” Read more

 

Hibbett Sports Q1 Update – Comp sales expected to decrease by approximately 4%-5% Press release

 

J.C. Penney Expands Sephora Beauty Shops As It Plays Down Apparel by Barbara Thau at Forbes. “…will launch Sephora beauty shops in 70 stores as it expands 32 existing locations, bringing Sephoras to 650 of its 1,000-plus stores by the end of 2017.” Read more

 

**A message from PaintPincher – Never Waste Paint Again! The PaintPincher is an ingenious 8-in-1 paint can spatula that recovers paint, stain, adhesives and more from gallon and quart cans, leaving them 99.9% clean. The PaintPincher is great for Pro and DIY painters and can save up to a cup of paint per gallon! Video | Website | Request sample: info@eyeonretail.net

 

From Diapers to Soda, Big Brands Feel Pinch as Consumers Pull Back by Sharon Terlep & Annie Gasparro at Wall Street Journal. “The 20 largest consumer packaged-goods companies last year had flat sales while smaller ones posted sales growth of 2.4%, Nielsen says. There are “probably more sources of volatility today than at any other time in history,” P&G Chief Financial Officer Jon Moeller said Wednesday in a call with reporters.” Read more (subs.)

 

Fastest Retailer Websites – April (Walgreens #1, Kohl’s #8, H.Depot #10) by April Berthene at Internet Retailer. Top 10 list

 

Sears Canada eyes groceries and dash buttons amid transformation at Financial Post. “Executive chairman Brandon Stranzl said Wednesday he expects three to five locations where Sears will give some space to a partner grocer to be finalized by the end of this year, including two in Ontario and one in B.C. “Kind of like Whole Foods at a Joe Fresh price,” he said, explaining that shoppers should expect fresh food at a reasonable price.” Read more

 

Build-A-Bear Q1 Comp Sales -8.1% Press release

 

MICHIGAN AVENUE 2019 – Starbucks announces biggest Reserve Roastery to date – a 4-story coffee palace by Peter Frost & Todd J. Behme at Chicago Crain’s. “The Roastery will employ “hundreds” and occupy the entire building on the southwest corner of Michigan Avenue and Erie Street, which has been occupied by Crate & Barrel for 27 years.” Read more

 

These 10 retailers could be next on activist investors’ hit list (JCP #3, Crocs #7) by Krystina Gustafson at CNBC. Top 10 list

 

FIFTH CEO IN FOUR YEARS – Barnes & Noble Names Demos Parneros as Chief Executive by Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg. “Mr. Parneros is being elevated from chief operating officer, a position he had assumed at Barnes & Noble in November. A veteran retailer who previously spent nearly 30 years at Staples Inc., he faces numerous challenges at the bookstore chain.” Read more (subs.)

 

O’Reilly Auto Parts Q1 Comp Sales +0.8% Press release

 

Kit and Ace lays off some Vancouver head office staff, closes stores at Vancouver Sun. “Kit and Ace, the clothing company started by the family of Lululemon founder Chip Wilson, is laying off a number of its head office staff and closing stores in three countries.” Read more

 

John Legend Singing About Costco Is the Sexiest Thing You’ve Ever Heard by Samantha Schnurr at E News. “Honey, I’m running out to the Costco,” he crooned. “There’s no such thing as too many paper towels.” Video/Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Seattle called ‘ultimate target’ for North Korean nuclear attack

Supplier severs ties with Chewy following PetSmart buyout

Police round up 40 snakes dumped in Arkansas Walmart parking lot

Man admits to slashing tires after Menards clerk rejected return

Man steals from Walmart, runs from police, dies in fall off cliff

Vendor sues Kraft Heinz over upside-down bottle caps

Feds host online meeting today to discuss Walmart in rare forest

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

***

Eye on Retail Tipsheet is must-read material for 20,000+ 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: Send story tips, press releases and advertising inquiries to info@eyeonretail.net

 

Website: www.eyeonretail.net