It’s been another week with far more retail news than there is time in the day. Below, we break down some things you may have missed during the week, and what we’re still thinking about.
From Macy’s continuing to go off mall to additional changes in Walgreens’ C-suite, here’s our closeout for the week.
What you may have missed
Dollar General hits another growth milestone
Discount retailer Dollar General recently expanded its nationwide store footprint.
It opened its first store in Montana last week, which now gives the company a presence in all 48 states in the continental U.S. The retailer offered gift cards and product samples as part of a customer celebration on Saturday at the new location in Columbia Falls.
Steve Deckard, Dollar General’s executive vice president of growth and emerging markets, described the opening of the first Montana store as “an exciting milestone in our history.”
Two additional Montana stores are under construction and slated to open this fall in Lincoln and Sanders counties. Dollar General also said it “plans to evaluate additional areas” for future locations in Montana. As of Aug. 4, the retailer said it had 19,488 stores under five banners in the U.S. and Mexico.
JLo Beauty enters Macy’s
Jennifer Lopez’s beauty brand debuted at Macy’s on Tuesday, according to a company press release. JLo Beauty’s skin care, beauty and body care items are available on Macy’s site, its mobile app and in select stores nationwide. Prices range from $15 to $105.
“I'm so excited that JLo Beauty will be available at Macy’s," Lopez said in a statement. “JLo Beauty empowers women with transformative, clinically proven formulas that deliver an inner and outer glow at any age.”
Nicolette Bosco, vice president of beauty at Macy’s, said the company is excited to bring the brand’s “luxurious but accessible skincare” to its customers.
Carhartt lands in Lowe’s
Now hipsters and workmen alike will have another destination to pick up their favorite Carhartt gear. The workwear brand partnered with Lowe’s to bring its products to the home improvement retailer’s website and select stores.
The collection — which includes Carhartt's duck jackets, vests, hoodies, T-shirts, workwear pants and beanies — is currently available in about 250 Lowe’s stores across the Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest. By early next year, the collection will expand to an additional 250 stores in the Southeast, Texas and California.
"Carhartt is a top brand that Pros know and trust for apparel that's made to last, and we're proud to now offer its high-quality, hardworking products in our stores and online," Bill Boltz, Lowe's executive vice president of merchandising, said in a statement. "Not only is Carhartt a workwear staple, but it is also a popular brand for daily living, building on our product assortment to create a one-stop shop for everything our customers need."
Carhartt, which was established in 1889, has long been a favorite among professionals, but in recent years has gained popularity as a fashion brand as well.
Retail therapy
Pottery Barn brings elves to your house
Pottery Barn is bringing the holidays home this year through a new collaboration inspired by the Christmas movie “Elf”, according to a Wednesday press release.
The 25 piece Elf x Pottery Barn collection features home furnishings such as décor, bedding and more. The collection takes inspiration from Buddy the Elf’s green outfit and the elves’ four main food groups mentioned in the film.
"From the moment Elf was released, it became an instant fan favorite and beloved holiday film that is now part of many people’s holiday traditions," Pottery Barn Brands CEO Marta Benson said in a statement. "We're pleased to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery on a collaboration that brings whimsy and fun to people's homes this holiday season.”
Petco launches its holiday shop
Pet retailer Petco is starting off the holiday season with its dedicated shop featuring more than 500 festive products, according to a Monday press release.
The company’s holiday shop includes products such as Christmas and Hanukkah pet apparel, festive toys and treats, with most items under $20.
"On top of newly added everyday value items at Petco, the new collection offers everything from stocking stuffers under $10 to oversized, stand-out products and premium gifts, making Petco the ultimate pet and pet parent destination this holiday season,” Amy College, chief merchandising officer at Petco, said in a statement. “Pets are treasured members of our families, and we're helping pet parents focus on what matters most – making memories together.”
What we’re still thinking about
$55
That’s how much new Plus memberships will cost at Sam’s Club through Oct. 15. Plus memberships are normally $110 for the first year of membership. The warehouse retailer also is offering lower tier Sam’s Club memberships for $15 for new members, a $35 savings, the company said in an announcement.
Sam’s Club Plus memberships offer free shipping on most items, free curbside pickup and free select generic prescriptions. “Our ambition is to create a membership experience that demonstrates the value Sam’s Club provides to shoppers every day,” Scott Ludwig, vice president of membership at Sam’s Club, said in a statement.
30
That’s how many off-mall stores Macy’s could open in the next 18 months, the department store announced this week. It’s an acceleration of the retailer’s small-format strategy, and would triple the number of smaller concept stores Macy’s runs. The locations are about one-fifth the size of Macy’s full-line stores. CEO Jeff Gennette said the stores bring Macy’s closer to its customers and encourage more store visits.
What we’re watching
Who is going to run Walgreens?
Walgreens continued the upheaval in its C-suite this week with CIO Hsiao Wang’s exit from the company. He had been in the chief information officer position for one year, and was on a leave of absence when he departed.
Walgreens CEO Rosalind Brewer stepped down from her role in early September. She was the company’s chief executive for less than three years and joined after tenures at Starbucks and Walmart. Walgreens’ search for a top leader reportedly includes former Cigna executive Tim Wentworth.
The pharmacy retailer is also on the hunt for a new CFO, after James Kehoe resigned from the position over the summer.
