Best Buy has teamed with UnitedHealth and marketing agency Wunderman Thompson to contribute $1 million to fund a fellowship program for increasing diversity in marketing and advertising. Fellows will work stints at all three companies through the program run by Minneapolis-based nonprofit BrandLab, and the companies will also offer help with resumes, career advice and job referrals.
Macy's beat holiday sales forecasts and reported its first profitable quarter in a year as shoppers spent more on home goods, watches and jewelry and less on clothes and high-end footwear, the company said. Online sales grew 21% in the fourth quarter, and the department store attracted almost 7 million new shoppers.
Kohl's is in the midst of a turnaround plan and return to growth that would be disrupted by efforts of activist investors to take control of the board, the retailer said in a statement in response to moves by activist investors to replace nine of 12 board members. Kohl's has taken proactive steps, such as partnering with Amazon and Sephora to drive store traffic and sales growth.
Home Depot reported a 25% jump in US same-store sales in the fourth quarter, as the pandemic continued to spur consumers to spend more on home projects and the real estate market remained strong. Sales and earnings growth beat analysts' forecasts for the quarter.
Gap has launched a new campaign aimed at appealing to multiple generations with a diverse group of artists, activists and other influencers and a focus on sustainability. The multichannel "Generation Good" campaign promotes a new collection set to launch on March 22, which is World Water Day.
US manufacturers that powered down their factories because of the pandemic are struggling to get back up to speed to meet unexpectedly strong consumer demand for home appliances, workout gear and other goods. US production of long-lasting goods fell 8.4% last year while spending rose 6.4%, fueling shortages and price increases.
Prior to the pandemic, at least half of Hella Cocktail's business came from the foodservice and hospitality industry. Leaning into company values helped the team focus on where to grow in a sustainable way. Hella Cocktail CEO Jomaree Pinkard joins the Retail Gets Real podcast to share how the company is serving up good drinks and good service. Listen to the episode and subscribe.
In its newest move to reduce waste and promote sustainability, IKEA announced plans to sell spare parts for its products. This initiative allows customers to purchase new pieces to replace broken ones, extending the furniture's life and dispelling the notion that IKEA furniture is disposable. Read more.
Shake Shack is joining local chefs in select markets to launch a series of one-day-only menu items. The promotion, called Now Serving: A Collab Series by Shake Shack, will launch first in Houston on March 4, with a Southern Smoke Chicken sandwich created by Underbelly Hospitality executive chef Chris Shepherd.