Some CVS, Walgreens pharmacies closing on weekends | Penney's to back causes with new Hope & Wonder label | Q4 retail sales closed strong despite Dec. dip
Walgreens Boots Alliance and CVS Health have been closing some pharmacies on the weekends because they don't have enough employees to keep them up and running amid the rise in COVID-19 cases related to the Omicron variant. Both chains, which combined operate about 20,000 US pharmacies that are key providers of COVID-19 testing and vaccines, are struggling as more staffers are either out sick, isolating while awaiting test results or caring for family members with COVID-19.
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J.C. Penney has launched its newest private-label line, Hope & Wonder, which will create collections around significant cultural events and donate 100% of the profits to related causes. The first collection of shirts, mugs, planners and other merchandise will launch to commemorate Black History Month, and proceeds will go to the nonprofit Black Girls Smile.
US retail sales fell 1.9% in December from the previous month, according to the Commerce Department, reflecting a combination of inflation and supply chain glitches that spurred consumers to do more of their holiday shopping earlier than usual. Total sales for the last three months of 2021 were up 17.1% from the year-ago period.
According to NRF's calculations, retail sales during the November and December holiday season grew 14.1% over 2020 to $886.7 billion, beating NRF's forecast and setting a new record despite challenges. Read more from NRF.
Walmart has rolled out an online shopping tool from Sifter SP that automatically helps customers purchase products that fit their lifestyle and dietary needs. The Shop by Diet platform is available online and allows consumers to sort through purchases based on parameters that can include diets, allergies, medical conditions and even product sustainability.
Win Gen Z with rewards they love Fetch, America's Rewards App, is the platform Gen Z uses to explore new products, decide what to buy and share their rewards journey with friends. With Gen Z comprising 30% of the app’s user base, and as the stickiest shopping app for the demographic, the platform is an indispensable partner for brands to develop and nurture lifetime consumer relationships.
Learn more about how Fetch helps brands find, win and retain Gen Z consumers. Read the infographic.
Supermarkets around the country are grappling with labor shortages as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, leading to more employee absences even as demand for groceries grows. While some are trimming hours and services, others report using temporary employment services and increasing hours for existing employees, and Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle has been sending corporate employees to fill in at stores.
Fashion retailer Aritzia's everyday luxury approach paid off in the third quarter with sales and revenue that topped pre-pandemic levels. The brand, which operates boutiques in the US and Canada, also saw a jump last month when Jennifer Lopez praised Aritzia's Super Puff puffer coat in posts on Twitter and Instagram.
The Supreme Court has blocked enforcement of the Biden administration's mandate calling for companies with 100 or more employees to require that all staffers be vaccinated or show a negative COVID-19 test each week. "While NRF has maintained a strong and consistent position related to the importance of vaccines in helping to overcome this pandemic, the Supreme Court's decision to stay OSHA's onerous and unprecedented [Emergency Temporary Standard] is a significant victory for employers," said David French of NRF which, along with more than 26 other trade groups, argued against the mandate in front of the court.
Leaders from some of the world's largest retailers including Best Buy, Old Navy and PepsiCo are among a slate of speakers who will make their debut on the main stage at NRF 2022: Retail's Big Show. "This talented group will offer their global insights and expertise on timely industry topics including consumerism, customer loyalty, merchandising and corporate social responsibility," NRF Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of Content and Membership Martine Reardon said. Read more.
This week on the Retail Gets Real podcast: Retail's Big Show is the "big game" for the retail industry and is back in person Jan. 16-18 in New York City for its 112th meeting. There will be discussions on diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, what's new in customer experience, omnichannel, new business models and more. Learn more and listen to the episode.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar will buy Grub Burger Bar for an undisclosed amount and will combine both Texas-based brands under a new company called HiBar Hospitality Group. The deal will create a combined company with 51 restaurants across the US.
