Wal-Mart Makes Judith McKenna Its International Chief by Matthew Boyle at Bloomberg. “McKenna, currently chief operating officer of the retailer’s domestic operations, will succeed David Cheesewright on Feb. 1, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the move hasn’t been announced…McKenna’s promotion puts her among the possible contenders to eventually succeed McMillon…” Read more

 

Tiffany’s holiday sales jump 8 percent, boosted by growth in China and Europe at CNBC. “Total same-store sales were up 5 percent during the November and December months, the company said. In the U.S. alone, same-store sales rose 6 percent.” Read more

 

Wal-Mart to Offer Pill-Dissolving Product to Battle Opioid Abuse by Matthew Boyle at Bloomberg. “Customers filling a new Class II opioid prescription at any of Wal-Mart’s 4,700 U.S. pharmacies will now receive a packet of DisposeRx, a powder that — when mixed into a pill bottle with warm water — creates a safe, biodegradable gel, the company said in a statement Wednesday.” Read more

 

Amazon’s Spheres near opening day – website launches to showcase unique Seattle structures by Kurt Schlosser at GeekWire. “SeattleSpheres.com offers visitors a recap of the architectural and horticultural effort to date, and provides a bit of a tour through stories and images before Jan. 30 when The Spheres will officially open to the tech giant’s employees.” Read more

 

BJ’s Wholesale Club CEO Christopher J. Baldwin to Chair National Retail Federation. Newly elected members of the board are:

Miki Racine Berardelli, CEO, KIDBOX
John Furner, president and CEO, Sam’s Club
Jeff Gennette, CEO, Macy’s Inc.
Mike George, president and CEO, QVC Group
Steve Joyce, CEO, DineEquity
Rachel Mushahwar, Intel
Eva Press, U.S. group lead, Facebook
Brad Weston, CEO, Petco

Press release

 

NY Times: At NRF trade show, technology is the star by Tiffany Hsu. Read more (tiered subs.)

 

Retailers try luring shoppers with food by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde at LA Times. “Retailer Mark Werts was dining in a Hong Kong restaurant a few years ago when he noticed most people were doing more than chewing. “Of about 130 people, 129 people were on their phones,” said Werts, who owns the brands American Rag Cie clothing and Maison Midi home goods. “So it struck me that there’s an enormous opportunity while you’re eating to combine selling decor in a restaurant.” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

**A message from Innovation Avenue at 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo – Be first to market with the newest candy and snack products!  Nominees chosen for Innovative Awards go on to enjoy sweet success – see the 2017 Innovation Winners. Put yourself in the center of the single largest gathering of confectionery & snack companies under one roof – schedule your trip now! Chicago, May 22-24, 2018. Website | Exhibitors

 

15 Minutes With Home Depot’s General Counsel Teresa Wynn Roseborough by Aebra Coe at Law 360. Register to read

 

Amazon seeks medical data compliance leader for mysterious new initiative by Clare McGrane at GeekWire. “According to the listing, the company wants “an experienced HIPAA professional” who will oversee security and compliance for “a new initiative.” The exact nature of that new initiative isn’t clear. But after months of rumors, the listing is the clearest signal yet that Amazon is preparing to launch a major health initiative.” Read more

 

Dollar Tree Appoints Stephanie Stahl to Its Board of Directors Press release

 

Sidney, Nebraska faces challenge to fill vacant homes after Bass Pro takeover of Cabela’s by Paige Yowell at Omaha World-Herald. “There’s just going to be fewer people than houses, and some of them are going to be empty,” said Charles Nathanson, a professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.” Read more

 

IRI finds consumer confidence is holding steady with 53% of U.S. households feeling they are in good financial health Online shopping trends

 

Immigration raids at 7-Eleven came as franchisees feud with the retailer by Maria Halkias at Dallas Morning News. “Between 2019 and 2024, 80 percent of existing 10-year and 15-year franchise agreements will expire and 7-Eleven is pressuring franchisees to sign new deals, according to the coalition, which worries it will shrink their store profits.” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

…Why 7-Eleven is now all about cold-pressed organic juice by Caitlin Dewey at Washington Post via Chicago Tribune. “At Kwik Trip, the Midwestern chain seen by many in the industry as the leader of the healthy stores movement, executives hired an in-house dietitian, Erica Flint, to help introduce new products and reformulate old ones. Each of the company’s 586 stores now stocks fresh fruit and vegetables…” Read more (tiered subs.)

 

Doug McMillon @ NRF: “If we’re better at that than anybody else, we going to be here,” McMillon said about the future. “If we’re not, we won’t.” Read more

 

Burberry’s Weak Holidays Highlight Lack of Creative Direction by Robert Williams at Bloomberg. “The London-based trench-coat maker’s shares fell as much as 8.2 percent early Wednesday after Burberry said the new CEO’s plan to develop “it” handbags and higher-priced fashion won’t pay off until at least next year.” Read more

 

Citgo Petroleum plans to keep its headquarters in Houston, despite speculation that it might relocate to the Caribbean by Olivia Pulsinelli at Houston Business Journal. Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

Family of H&M model in controversial ad moves from home in Sweden over ‘security concerns’

Kim Jones Is Leaving Louis Vuitton

‘Miracle’ baby born in Target parking lot

China luxury sales rebound +20% as millennials snap up cosmetics, handbags

The fabulous story of North Korea’s fabric made of stone

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

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