Marianne Wilson
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Articles by Marianne Wilson
Costco partners to take DC off the grid with independent, on-site energy system
Costco's Port St. Lucie, Fla. distribution center has an independent, on-site energy system. Costco Wholesale Corp. is pioneering energy energy independence at its distribution center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The warehouse club giant, in partnership with Trinity Energy, has taken the center off the grid with the launch of an independent, on-site energy system.
Nordstrom Rack opening 20 stores by November — here are the locations
Nordstrom Rack will open 20 stores between late August and November. Nordstrom Inc. continues to grow the retail footprint of its off-price division. Nordstrom Rack will open 20 stores by November 5. The retailer’s ongoing expansion comes as Saks Global has significantly scaled back its off-price presence, closing the majority (57) of Saks Off 5th stores and four Last Call (Neiman Marcus) stores.
Consumer confidence slips in July amid concerns about grocery, fuel prices
Consumers' write-in responses on factors affecting the economy continued to be mostly pessimistic in July. References to prices and oil and gas eased in frequency but remain elevated. Comments about food and grocery prices increased. Mentions of war, geopolitics and conflict eased during the sample period. But the fighting has reaccelerated quite recently there could be an increase in these mentions in the revised data for July. Notably, references to jobs and unemployment picked up slightly.
JD Power: These retailers rank highest in pharmacy customer satisfaction...
Satisfaction with brick-and-mortar pharmacies fell seven points year over year in 2026. Brick-and-mortar pharmacies are losing ground to mail order when it comes to customer satisfaction. Pharmacy customer satisfaction is undergoing a notable transformation, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Pharmacy Study. Fueled by live agent support and digital convenience, customer satisfaction with mail-order pharmacies rose by two points from 2025 to 699 (on a 1,000-point scale).
New York City-owned grocery stores plan to offer 30% discount on core items
The discount will include all fresh produce. The Mamdani administration said city-owned grocery stores will offer discounts on essential goods that could save shoppers about $90 a month, or roughly $1,000 a year. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday that a core basket of everyday groceries will be 30% cheaper at the city’s five municipal grocery stores when they open.
Cracker Barrel taps Bloomin' Brands exec as its new CEO
David Deno has been named CEO of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. has named an experienced restaurant leader as its next chief executive. The casual-dining chain appointed David Deno as CEO and board member, effective August 10. He succeeds Julie Masino, who will step down on the same date, but will remain in an advisory capacity until Oct. 9 to support a smooth transition. Masino has served as CEO since late 2023.
NJ governor signs law banning surveillance pricing and delaying use of new ESLs
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed the Fair Price Protection Act into law. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed legislation that bans the use of surveillance pricing. The state’s new Fair Price Protection Act prohibits grocery stores and third-party grocery delivery platforms from using personal data to set individualized prices on groceries and other necessities. The new law, which goes into effect Aug.1, 2027, does not ban loyalty programs or discounts.
Gap Inc. expands creator affiliate and advocacy program to employees
Gap Inc. is expanding its creator affiliate and social media advocacy program to its employees. Gap Inc. is inviting its employees to become brand advocates and content creators. The apparel giant has opened up its creator affiliate and social media advocacy program to employees, providing them with a new to engage with the company’s brands: Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta. They will also be able to earn commissions. Gap Inc.
Former Dr. Pepper exec named CEO of 7-Eleven
Mauricio Leyva has been named CEO of 7-Eleven Inc Seven & i Holdings Co. has tapped a former beverage industry executive to lead its North American convenience store business. The company named Mauricio Leyva as CEO of 7-Eleven Inc., effective August 1, 2026. He succeeds Joe DePinto, who retired at the end of 2025 after serving more than 20 years in the role. 7-Eleven is the country’s largest convenience store retailer.
Albertsons slashes outlook amid cautious consumers, soft grocery trends
As of June 20, Albertsons Cos. operated 2,240 stores under a variety of banners. Albertsons Cos. reported strong growth in its first-quarter digital and pharmacy sales, but ongoing softness in its core grocery business took a toll on its results. The grocer cut its outlook. It now expects identical sales in the range of (1.5)% to (0.5)%, compared to its previous estimate of 0.0% to 1.0%.
Tractor Supply trims expansion, closing 75 Petsense stores
As of June 27, Tractor Supply operated 2,463 namesake stores and 209 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores. Tractor Supply Co. reported a tough second quarter and reduced its outlook for the year. The nation’s largest retailer cited “unusually adverse” conditions in May, which drove results below its expectations.
Study: Brands risk getting left behind if they ignore these three formats…
China's live-commerce market alone was worth roughly $900 billion in 2025. The consumer habits reshaping global retail were built in the East — and Western retailers and brands would do well to pay attention. The formats now driving the fastest growth in global retail — live commerce, social commerce and delivery in minutes (quick commerce) — were pioneered and scaled in Asia, and most Western consumers have yet to adopt them, according to a new study from consumer intelligence company NielsenIQ.
Target offering low prices on school supply deals; holding in-store events
Target has launched exclusive llimited-time partnerships with several brands for the back-to-school season. Target Corp.’s back-to-school plans include an emphasis on affordability and an expanded lineup of locations holding in-store events. The retailer said it is offering reduced prices on thousands of items — including 95% of school supply deals priced at or below last year's retail prices. School supplies start at $0.25 and apparel at $5.
Former CEO of 7-Eleven joins Target board
Target has elected Joe DePinto to its board of directors. Target Corp. has elected a convenience store veteran to its board. The discounter has elected Joe DePinto, former president and CEO of 7-Eleven Inc., to its board of directors. Target said the appointment is another step it is taking to accelerate its enterprise strategy and fuel new growth under CEO Michael Fiddelke.
Destination XL advises stockholders to vote against merger
As of May 2, the company operated 293 stores, with the majority under the DXL banner. Destination XL Group Inc. has changed course about the company’s merger with FullBeauty Brands The parent company of DXL Big + Tall stores and Casual Male XL said it has filed a preliminary proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recommending that stockholders vote against an issuance proposal, which is needed to complete the merger.
Pep Boys to be acquired for $700 million in cash
Pep Boys operates nearly 800 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack Holding Corp. is being acquired by the largest tire dealership in the U.S. Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire the automotive services company from Carl Icahn’s Icahn Enterprises for approximately $700 million in cash.
Court OKs Sleep Number sale — deal creates second largest global sleep retailer
Sleep Number Corp. has won bankruptcy court approval for the sale of substantially all its assets and ongoing business operations to Sleep Country Canada. The deal, which comes five weeks after the mattress and bedding retailer filed for bankrutpcy, followed a competitive, court-supervised sale process. Expected to close by July 31, the transaction positions Sleep Country and its brands second largest sleep retailer in the world.
Jersey Mike’s launches IPO, aims to raise up to $1.09 billion
Jersey Mike's has approximately 3,300 stores across all 50 states and Canada. Jersey Mike’s Subs Inc. is going public amid plans to keep expanding at home as it also grows its brand abroad. The fast-growing sub sandwich restaurant chain has launched an initial public offering for 43,478,261 shares of its Class A common stock, priced between $21 and $25 each as it aims to raise up to $1.09 billion.
Fashion retailer Reformation launches IPO; targets $1 billion valuation
Reformation is aiming to raise up to $239.1 million in its IPO. Gen Z fave Reformation is going public as its sales continue to grow. The sustainable women’s fashion and accessories retailer has launched an initital public offering of 14,062,500 shares of its common stock. with an expected initial price of $15 to $17 per share. Reformation is aiming to raise up to $239.1 million, targeting a valuation of up to $1 billion. Reformation is backed by private equity firm Permira.
Consumer sentiment rises amid lower gas prices; renewal of Iran conflict poses risk
Consumer sentiment in early July rose to its highest level since February as gas prices eased. Consumer sentiment surged to a five-month high in early July as cooling gas prices put Americans in a better economic mood. But the improvement could be short-lived due to the recent renewal of tensions in the Middle East. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment rose to 54.4 in preliminary results for June, up 9.9% month over month. It was the highest reading since February.
Circana: Retail spending remained resilient in June — here’s what drove it
Earlier summer promotional events helped drive retai spending in June. An “unusual collision” of events helped drive spending in June, but consumer demand remains selective going forward.
Retailers on Time’s first-ever list of America’s ‘Best Companies’ list include...
Six retailers made the upper tier of a ranking of the 1,000 best companies in the United States by Time Magazine. To identify the country's top-performing companies, Time partnered with Statista to evaluate and rank the most prominent companies in the country based on employee satisfaction, financial performance and sustainability transparency.
QVC Group’s restructuring plan approved; debt slashed
QVG Group's portfolio includes QVC, HSN, Ballard Designs, Garnet Hill, Frontgate and Grandin Road. QVC Group Inc. has moved closer to emerging from bankruptcy protection. The company, whose portfolio includes QVC, HSN, Ballard Designs, Garnet Hill, Frontgate and Grandin Road, said its prepackaged financial restructuring plan has received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Wonder closes funding round at $9 billion valuation; reportedly to go public
Wonder has grown its footprint from 46 to 140 locations since its last funding announcement in May 2025. (Source: Wonder PR) Fast-growing, high-tech restaurant company Wonder continues its momentum, raising money from both new and existing investors. Wonder said it has closed a $650 million Series D funding round at a pre-money valuation of $9 billion.
Time’s first-ever list of America’s ‘Best Companies’ includes these retailers...
Six retailers made the upper tier of a ranking of the 1,000 best companies in the United States by Time Magazine. To identify the country's top-performing companies, Time partnered with Statista to evaluate and rank the most prominent companies in the country based on employee satisfaction, financial performance and sustainability transparency.
PwC: GLP-1 use drives changes in consumers’ purchasing decisions — here’s how
GLP-1 adoption has more than doubled in 16 months. The increasing use of GLP-1weight loss drugs is reshaping more than what users eat. GLP-1 adoption has more than doubled in 16 months, with 21% of U.S. households now including a current user (up from 9% in January 2025), according to the latest consumer trends data report from PwC (based on analysis of data from Numerator). The study also revealed how the use of the drug is reshaping purchasing habits across the board.
Walmart touts lowest prices in seven years on select back-to-school supplies
Beyond everyday basics, Walmart's back-to-school assortment features on-trend school supplies and accessories. Walmart is leaning into value to attract today's budget-minded back-to-school shoppers. With multiple surveys confirming that consumers are prioritizing price and looking for deals in their back-to-school shopping, the nation’s largest retailer said is offering its lowest prices since 2019 on the 14 most popular school supplies found on classroom lists across the country.
Best Buy realigns C-suite with five appointments as part of upcoming CEO change
Best Buy has revamped its C-suite with five new appointees. Best Buy Inc. has restructured its executive leadership team as it prepares for a new chief executive. The consumer electronics giant made five C-suite appointments, all effective immediately. Four of the five appointees are longtime Best Buy veterans.
Bluemercury taps former L’Oréal executive as CEO
Bluemercury has tapped beauty veteran Alex Choueiri as CEO. Bluemercury, a division of Macy’s Inc., has tapped a seasoned global luxury beauty veteran as its new leader. The beauty retailer named Alex Choueiri as chief executive officer, effective Aug. 3. He succeeds Maly Bernstein, who left in September 2025 to join Bath & Body Works. Choueiri will report to Olivier Bron, CEO of Bloomingdale’s.
NRF: Back-to-school shoppers prioritize value; many waiting for ‘best’ deals
Department stores and discounters are the top in-store back-to-school shopping destinations. Shoppers are keeping value front and center as the back-to-school shopping season kicks off with many, but not all, getting an early start. Sixty-two percent of shoppers already started shopping for the school year by early July, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Coresight: Walmart, Amazon cross major market-share milestone
Walmart captured 11.08% of U.S. retail sales in 2025. Accelerating market-share consolidation among top-tier retailers has become a “defining story” of the U.S. retail competitive landscape. That's according to new data from Coresight Research, which found that, for the first time, two retailers crossed the threshold of capturing more than 10% of total U.S. retail sales. The frontrunner was Walmart, accounting for 11.08% of U.S. retail sales in 2025.
JLL: Construction costs rising — here’s why
Steel, aluminum and even imported metal furniture now face tariff rates of up to 50%. Trade policy pressures and geopolitical disruptions are driving construction costs up above earlier forecasts, with further acceleration likely in the second half of 2026. And the data center boom isn't helping matters.
Owner of Men’s Wearhouse files for IPO
Tailored Brands operates more than 1,000 stores under the Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Moores and K&G Fashion Superstore banners. Tailored Brands Inc. has taken the next step in its return to the public market. The 53-year-old menswear giant, parent company of Men’s Wearhouse, Jos.A. Bank and other brands, has filed a registration statement to go public. The action comes after the Houston-based retailer said in April that it had filed confidentially for an IPO.
Sales rise in June for ninth straight month amid sales events
Sales in clothing and accessories stores rose 0.63% month over month in June. The summer shopping season got off to a solid start in June as shoppers took advantage of special seasonal sales events by Amazon and other retailers. Core retail sales rose 0.36% month over month in June — and were up 10.08% year over year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, released by the NRF. That compared with increases of 0.39% month over month and 6.98% year over year in May.
Aritzia posts strong quarter as comps soar; opening in three new U.S. markets in Q2
As of May 31, Aritzia operated 143 stores, with 76 in the U.S. and 67 in Canada. Aritzia Inc. continues to gain momentum, fueled by investments in new stores, digital initiatives and strong demand across channels and categories. The Canada-based, vertically integrated fashion retailer is on track to open 11 to 12 new U.S. stores and three repositions in its current fiscal year.
JLL: Manhattan retail vacancies at record low; Q2 signings include ….
Average asking rents climbed to $592 per square foot. Available retail space in New York City is increasingly hard to find. Availability across New York City's prime retail corridors has fallen to a record low of 11.9%, according to JLL's newly released “Q2 2026 Prime Retail Market Statistics” report.
Circana: Office supplies market to hit $11.1 billion in 2026
Circana expects rising prices to support growth of just under 1% during the back-to-school shopping season. Higher prices are expected to continue to offset declining unit volumes in the office supplies market.
Costco’s June sales up 10.6% amid strong digital gains; declares dividend
Costco currently operates 933 warehouses, including 641 in the United States and Puerto Rico. Costco Wholesale Corp. reported another solid month with increases in net and comparative sales, as well as its average transaction. The membership warehouse club retailer's net sales rose 10.6% to $29.24 billion in June (the five weeks ended July 5). Excluding gas, the average transaction rose 3.3%. Net sales for the first 44 weeks were $250.43 billion, up 10.1% from $227.46 billion last year.
PriceSmart adds two more locations to 2026-2027 lineup, including first mall site
As of May 31, PriceSmart had 57 warehouse clubs in 12 countries and one U.S. territory. On the heels of a strong third quarter, PriceSmart is continuing to grow its footprint. The San Diego-based membership warehouse club retailer plans open its first warehouse club in Chile, in Comuna Las Condes, Santiago. Located within Mallplaza Los Dominicos shopping center, the club is expected to open in spring 2027.
Menswear retailer Destination XL rejects buyout offer — for a second time
As of May 2, the company operated 293 stores. Destination XL Group Inc. has once again nixed a deal that would take it private. The board of the parent company of DXL Big + Tall and Casual Male XL stores recommended that stockholders reject an updated buyout offer of $0.84 per share from Zodiac Partners. The offer, made in June, valued DXL at $46.4 million, higher than its market capitalization at the time of $37.6 million.
Deloitte: Back-to-school spending to be flat amid growing economic uncertainty
Mass merchant retailers continue to be the top destination for back-to-school purchases. Back-to-school spending — not adjusted for inflation — will likely remain flat this as consumers’ concern about the economy heightens. Parents plan to spend $557 per student in grades K-12, down $13 year over year, for a total of $30.4 billion, according to the “2026 Deloitte Back-to-School Survey.” When adjusted for inflation, however, families plan to spend 6% less year-over-year.
Retailers frontloading goods ahead of potential tariffs in August
Import volumes have risen sharply, with strong growth likely continuing into July. Import volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecast to hit a new all-time record in July as retailers stock up ahead of a potential new round of tariffs and other trade uncertainties. Global tariffs that took effect in February are set to expire July 24.
Kohl’s back-to-school plans include ‘thousands’ of items under $25
Kohl's operates more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. Kohl’s Corp.’s back-to-school bush include an immersive pop-up experience, a high-energy marketing campaign, an AI-powered shopping assistant and a focus on savings. The department store retailer said it is offering “thousands” of products under $25 as the critical back-to-school shopping season kicks off amid ongoing economic uncertainty and shoppes remain promotion-minded.
GameStop shareholders OK stock increase linked to proposed eBay acquisition
In May, GameStop submitted an unsolicited, non-binding proposal to acquire eBay. GameStop Corp. investors have approved a change that eases the way for the company to make a fresh bid in its ongoing attempt to buy eBay. The videogame retailer said its stockholders approved all proposals presented at the company's 2026 annual meeting of stockholders. The proposals included one that allows the retailer to issue more stock related to a potential bid for eBay.
Store brands continue growth as national brands stall
Store brand unit sales are doing well in food and nonfood categories across the store. Inflation-weary American shoppers continue to opt for store brands for groceries and other household essentials. I Store brands continued to strengthen their position in the marketplace during the first half of 2026, outperforming national brands in the industry's most important metric — unit sales, according to a report by the Private Label Manufacturers Association.
Walmart lowers prices on thousands of items — and the president takes notice
Walmart has lowered prices on thousands of items. Walmart is lowering prices across thousands of summer favorites. The country's largest grocer has reduced prices across grocery, household essentials, outdoor living, toys and apparel. The featured price reductions, or “Rollbacks,” include such items as a 2.25 lb. bag of fresh red cherries ($5.63, was $11.18), 24-packs of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar ($9.97, was $14.97) and 1 lb. 73% ground beef roll ($5.94, was $6.74).
Bass Pro Shops to open massive store in NJ; also expanding in CA
Bass Pro Shops is expanding its footprint on both coasts. The outdoor retailer, best known for its immersive retail destinations, will open a 200,000-sq.-ft. store — its largest single-level location to date — at Riverton in Sayreville, N.J. Opening this fall, the outpost will feature Bass Pro's signature shopping experience combining retail with entertainment, outdoor education and conservation.
First Look: Salomon continues U.S. expansion
Mountain sports lifestyle brand Salomon has opened its fourth outpost in New York City. Located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, the store houses Salomon’s most comprehensive product assortment in North America. The curated merchandise mix features approximately 60% performance and 40% sportstyle, showcasing Salomon's full breadth of offerings — from road, gravel, and trail running to hiking, hydration, apparel and accessories — alongside its lifestyle footwear and apparel collections.
Study illustrates why businesses shouldn’t ignore disability consumer market
The study focuses on working age people with disabilities (16-64 years). New research casts new light on the “staggering” revenue opportunity of one of the largest and fastest-growing consumer market segments in the U.S. today. The comprehensive study, "The Next Growth Market: Inside the $675 Billion Consumer Opportunity," from Disability:IN measures the purchasing power of working-age adults with disabilities.
C-Suite Moves: June update
Here are the major C-suite changes that occurred in June, starting with the most recent. (All changes have already taken effect unless otherwise noted.) •Apparel and lifestyle retailer Land’s End named retail and tech veteran Charlie Cole as CEO, effective July 13. He will succeed Andrew McLean, who is stepping down. •Genesco Inc. parent company of Journeys and other brands, appointed Jonathan Collins as senior VP, finance and CFO, effective August 3.
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