Industry News

Retailers across the country are gearing up for a busy holiday sales season, with sales projected to be 3.6 to 4 percent higher than last year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) reports. That increased spending can add up for independent …

The role of chief merchandising officer has been eliminated at big-box department store J.C. Penney, CNBC reports. The retailer says in its press release that the move is part of an “organizational restructuring to streamline decision-making and promote greater agility …

Amazon Cash, a service that lets customers instantly add money to their Amazon.com accounts at brick-and-mortar retail locations, is now available at approximately 8,000 7-Eleven locations, technology blog TechCrunch reports. The service launched in April 2017 “as a way to …

Sears Holdings is planning more Sears and Kmart store closures for January 2018, according to CBS News. The latest store closures include 45 Kmarts and 18 Sears locations in more than 25 states, CBS News reports. The money-losing Sears has worked on selling off iconic …

If you’re looking for unique ways to differentiate your business, see developing trends in home improvement and network with other retailers and industry leaders from around the world, the 2018 EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair (IHF) is a must-visit exhibition. …

The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) is collecting data on retailers’ business challenges and opportunities, 2016 performance and where they plan to invest next. Please complete the survey to share your insights. When you complete the survey, you’ll be …

Robots are part of Walmart’s strategy for improving its inventory management, as the retailer announces plans to add technologically advanced assistants in 50 U.S. stores, Business Insider reports. The big-box retailer tested the robots at a small number of stores in Arkansas and California earlier …

Westlake Ace Hardware announced today it has entered into an agreement to acquire Buikema’s Ace Hardware, an independently owned business that operates seven stores in the Chicago area. The acquisition will be finalized on Jan. 2, 2018. According to Westlake, Buikema’s …