Walmart is nearing a deal to buy a majority stake in Indian e-commerce company Flipkart, Reuters reports. The purchase would be Walmart’s largest acquisition of an online company, but Amazon may attempt to step in and present a counteroffer, Reuters …
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NRHA Announces the 2018 Top Guns
The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) has celebrated independent home improvement retailers for a century. For the past 11 years, NRHA and Hardware Retailing magazine have honored high-achieving retailers through the Top Guns program. These remarkable business operators often …
Read More »True Value Members Favor Sale, but Co-Op Extends Voting Deadline
As of April 13, True Value Co. has received the retailer votes it needs to sell to a private investment firm, but the co-op is extending its member voting deadline to April 20. The company announced March 15 that it agreed to …
Read More »Data Breaches Ensnare Companies of All Sizes
Recent data breaches have rocked big-box retailers and other large companies, but experts warn businesses of all sizes are at risk from cyberattacks. The Star Tribune reports that [24]7.ai, the company that runs Best Buy’s online chat services, recently suffered a …
Read More »Amazon Tests New Approach to Home Services
Amazon is experimenting with a change to Amazon Home Services, its division that connects customers with local home improvement professionals and other service providers. The change is currently a housekeeping pilot project in Seattle, but could indicate a transition in …
Read More »Longtime Blish-Mize Executive to Retire
John H. Mize, executive chairman and chairman of the board of Blish-Mize Company, plans to retire from active management May 30, after 56 years on the job. “I look back on our almost-150-year history and feel gratitude to so many …
Read More »CEO Retires From 121-Store Westlake Ace Hardware Chain
Westlake Ace Hardware CEO Tom Knox has retired, and Joe Jeffries, who was president and chief operating officer, has replaced him in the role. Westlake is a 121-store chain that is corporately owned by the Ace Hardware cooperative, which bought …
Read More »Walmart Considers New Opportunities With Insurer Humana
Big-box retailer Walmart is in early discussions with health insurer Humana “about developing closer ties,” including new partnerships and a possible acquisition of Humana, according to a report from Reuters. This news comes shortly after other U.S. retailers and health …
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