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May 6, 2013
GMA beefs up government affairs staff

Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, has announced the addition of two new directors to the association’s federal affairs staff, Nancy Kohler and David Prestwood.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, has announced the addition of two new directors to the association’s federal affairs staff, Nancy Kohler and David Prestwood.

May 1, 2013
NRF Foundation launches industry research site

The NRF Foundation, the careers and education division of the National Retail Federation, has launched a Retail Insight Center, a website designed to serve as a resource for researching industry, government, economic and consumer trends within the retail industry.

WASHINGTON — The NRF Foundation, the careers and education division of the National Retail Federation, has launched the Retail Insight Center — a website designed to serve as a resource for researching industry, government, economic and consumer trends within the retail industry. 

The Retail Insight Center is made possible by a contribution from KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm.

April 26, 2013
Americas, Asia bolster Starbucks Q2 profits

Starbucks reported that its second-quarter profit rose 26% to $390.4 million, up from $309.9 million last year, amid sales increases in the Americas and Asia regions.

SEATTLE — Starbucks reported that its second-quarter profit rose 26% to $390.4 million, up from $309.9 million last year, amid sales increases in the Americas and Asia regions.
 
Total net revenue for the quarter ended March 31 rose 11% to $3.56 billion, not quite the $3.58 billion Wall Street expected. Global same-store store sales grew 6%, driven by a 4% increase in traffic and a 2% increase in average ticket, marking the 13th consecutive quarter of global comp growth greater than 5%. 
 

April 23, 2013
Tacoma Screw Products launches Web store

Tacoma, Wash.-based Tacoma Screw Products is turning to e-commerce to reach more customers with the launch of a new Web store.

Tacoma, Wash.-based Tacoma Screw Products is turning to e-commerce to reach more customers with the launch of a new Web store.

TacomaScrew.com offers access to all of the company’s inventory, as well as free shipping and next-door delivery (in most cases) to any of the 16 branch store locations. The company says the site also offers the ability to see real-time inventory at all branch stores.

Orders are shipped on the same day, if the order is received by 4 p.m. PST.

April 23, 2013
Tacoma Screw Products launches Web store

Tacoma, Wash.-based Tacoma Screw Products is turning to e-commerce to reach more customers with the launch of a new Web store.

Tacoma, Wash.-based Tacoma Screw Products is turning to e-commerce to reach more customers with the launch of a new Web store.

TacomaScrew.com offers access to all of the company’s inventory, as well as free shipping and next-door delivery (in most cases) to any of the 16 branch store locations. The company says the site also offers the ability to see real-time inventory at all branch stores.

Orders are shipped on the same day, if the order is received by 4 p.m. PST.

April 22, 2013
Walmart to help customers jumpstart weight loss

Walmart will exclusively offer the 5-Day Nutrisystem Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit at nearly 2,000 stores.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — Walmart will exclusively offer the 5-Day Nutrisystem Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit at nearly 2,000 stores.

The new 5-Day Nutrisystem Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit, including 15 entrees plus desserts, a free meal planner and program guide with access to free weight loss counseling, can be purchased in-store for $44.98. There is also a 5-Day Nutrisystem kit designed for people losing weight to help manage their diabetes available in the pharmacy section of select stores.

April 11, 2013
Costco comps up in March

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $9.67 billion for the month of March, the five weeks ended April 7, 2013, an increase of 7% from $9.07 billion during the similar period last year.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corporation  reported net sales of $9.67 billion for the month of March, the five weeks ended April 7, 2013, an increase of 7% from $9.07 billion during the similar period last year.

For the thirty-one weeks ended April 7, 2013, the company reported net sales of $61.02 billion, an increase of 8% from $56.34 billion during the similar period last year.

Total comparable-store sales for the month, excluding fuel were up 6%. For the thirty-one week period, they were up 5%.

 

 

April 11, 2013
Obama looks to raise taxes on cigarettes

President Barack Obama has proposed increasing federal taxes on cigarettes, drawing criticism from tobacco companies and praise from anti-smoking groups.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has proposed increasing federal taxes on cigarettes, drawing criticism from tobacco companies and praise from anti-smoking groups.

As part of his proposed budget, Obama proposed raising the tax on cigarettes by 94 cents per pack, with similar increases on other tobacco products. The current tax is $1.01 per pack.

April 10, 2013
Rena Ware announces CEO succession

Kitchenware manufacturer, Rena Ware International, has announced that Benjamin J. Zylstra will succeed his father, Russell J. Zylstra , as CEO of the company.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Kitchenware manufacturer, Rena Ware International, has announced that Benjamin J. Zylstra will succeed his father, Russell J. Zylstra , as CEO of the company.  Russ Zylstra will remain as chairman of the board of Rena Ware and will continue to be involved in defining the direction and vision of the company. 

April 5, 2013
Study: More Americans going organic

U.S. families are increasingly embracing organic products when they shop, according to a study conducted in mid-January by the Organic Trade Association.

WASHINGTON — U.S. families are increasingly embracing organic products when they shop, according to a study conducted in mid-January by the Organic Trade Association.

"More and more parents choose organic foods primarily because of their desire to provide healthful options for their children," said Christine Bushway, OTA's CEO and executive director.

April 4, 2013
Grocery Manufacturers Association names new legal head

The Grocery Manufacturers Association has named Karin F.R. Moore as VP and general counsel.

WASHINGTON — The Grocery Manufacturers Association has named Karin F.R. Moore as VP and general counsel.

“I am pleased to welcome Karin to the GMA team,” said GMA president and CEO Pamela Bailey.  “Her legal skill and trade association management experience make her the logical choice for this position, and I am certain that she will provide great value to GMA and its member companies as we advance the association’s member-driven agenda.”

March 21, 2013
NRF supports bill to encourage foreign travel

The National Retail Federation has released the following statement from NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in support of the Jobs Originated Through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act:

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has released the following statement from NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in support of the Jobs Originated Through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act:

“With the average international tourist spending well over $4,000 shopping in our stores, staying at our hotels, and eating at our restaurants, efforts aimed at encouraging more foreign travel is a simple way to spur economic growth and job creation. This is especially true in the retail industry.

March 21, 2013
Walgreens opens D.C. flagship

Walgreens this week opened the doors to its latest flagship location in the nation's capital, bringing to District of Columbia residents and commuters the kind of retail pharmacy theater already familiar with citizens of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

WASHINGTON — Walgreens this week opened the doors to its latest flagship location in the nation's capital, bringing to District of Columbia residents and commuters the kind of retail pharmacy theater already familiar with citizens of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. 

March 18, 2013
Costco reportedly to expand HQ

Costco Wholesale Corp. will expand its Issaquah, Wash., headquarters, according to a regional news reports.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. will expand its Issaquah, Wash., headquarters, according to a regional news reports.

According to the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, Issaquah's director of economic development, Keith Niven, said the club retailer would expand the headquarters to take up as much as 1.5 million square feet.

 The Tacoma, Wash., News Tribune reported that the company currently takes up three buildings that are full.

March 18, 2013
Costco reportedly to expand HQ

Costco Wholesale Corp. will expand its Issaquah, Wash., headquarters, according to a regional news reports.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. will expand its Issaquah, Wash., headquarters, according to a regional news reports.

According to the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, Issaquah's director of economic development, Keith Niven, said the club retailer would expand the headquarters to take up as much as 1.5 million square feet.

 The Tacoma, Wash., News Tribune reported that the company currently takes up three buildings that are full.

March 7, 2013
Costco's sales surge continues

Costco reported net sales of $7.58 billion for the month of February, an increase of 8% from $7.01 billion during the similar period last year.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco reported net sales of $7.58 billion for the month of February, an increase of 8% from $7.01 billion during the similar period last year.

For the twenty-six weeks ended March 3, 2013, the company reported net sales of $51.35 billion, an increase of 9% from $47.22 billion during the similar period last year.

Excluding the impact of fuel, Costco's total comps for the four-week period were up 6%. For the 26-week period, comps were up 5%.

March 5, 2013
Sweets & Snacks Expo to feature international attendees

WASHINGTON — A show devoted to snack food is expected to draw suppliers from 22 countries when it kicks off in May, the show's sponsoring organization said.

The 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, which will take place May 21-23 at Chicago's McCormick Place, is expected to be the most successful in the event's 16-year history, with a nearly sold-out show floor, according to the National Confectioners Association.

March 4, 2013
Retail consultant joins Nutrisystem board

Nutrisystem has announced that Andrea Weiss has joined the company’s board of directors, effective immediately.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — Nutrisystem has announced that Andrea Weiss has joined the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. She replaces Michael Devine, who has resigned from the board.

February 28, 2013
PayPal service now available via Coinstar

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Coinstar, a self-service coin-counting machine operator, has added a new feature that enables consumers to conveniently and securely add coins and paper currency into or withdraw funds from their PayPal account, as well as send money to another PayPal account. The rollout began this month in Texas, Northern California and Ohio and will continue at select kiosks throughout the year.  

February 15, 2013
Tiffany lawsuit shines light on Costco diamonds

Jewelry maker Tiffany & Co. is suing Costco Wholesale, alleging that the club retailer falsely marketed diamond engagement rings as coming from the New York-based jeweler, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Jewelry maker Tiffany & Co. is suing Costco Wholesale, alleging that the club retailer falsely marketed diamond engagement rings as coming from the New York-based jeweler, according to published reports.

News media reported that Tiffany filed suit against Issaquah, Wash.-based Costco in the Federal District Court in Manhattan.

February 14, 2013
NRF: Retail sales up slightly in January

Retail sales ticked up in January as consumers adjusted their spending in response to the increase in payroll taxes and rise in gasoline and energy prices.

WASHINGTON -- Retail sales ticked up in January as consumers adjusted their spending in response to the increase in payroll taxes and rise in gasoline and energy prices. According to the National Retail Federation, January retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.3% seasonally adjusted from December and increased 5.4% unadjusted year-over-year.

February 8, 2013
NRF calls for ports to remain open despite contract rejection

The National Retail Federation expressed disappointment over the failure of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union's Local 63 Office Clerical Unit and the Harbor Employers Association to reach a contract agreement.

WASHINGTON -- The National Retail Federation expressed disappointment over the failure of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union's Local 63 Office Clerical Unit and the Harbor Employers Association to reach a contract agreement.

February 7, 2013
Friends in high places

Widespread reports have Walmart Foundation president Sylvia Mathews Burwell heading to Washington to serve as President Obama’s director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Widespread reports have Walmart Foundation president Sylvia Mathews Burwell heading to Washington to serve as President Obama’s director of the Office of Management and Budget.

February 5, 2013
2013: the year retail rebounds?

Absent a major upheaval caused by the inability of our politicians in Washington to reach reasonable compromises on debt reduction and the debt ceiling, 2013 could finally be the year when the economy starts to pick up a more significant amount of momentum.

Absent a major upheaval caused by the inability of our politicians in Washington to reach reasonable compromises on debt reduction and the debt ceiling, 2013 could finally be the year when the economy starts to pick up a more significant amount of momentum.  It will not be substantial, bu

February 1, 2013
Coalition battles budget threats to commissary services

U.S. commissaries could face severe cuts if Congress fails reach a budget, leaving many military families without the benefits they rely on to make ends meet, according to the Coalition to Save Our Military Shopping Benefits.

WASHINGTON — U.S. commissaries could face severe cuts if Congress fails reach a budget, leaving many military families without the benefits they rely on to make ends meet, according to the Coalition to Save Our Military Shopping Benefits.