Starbucks Brings Back Ceramic Mugs Amid Sales Slump, Betting on Nostalgia
Starbucks reports fifth consecutive quarter of declining same-store sales with a 1% drop in global comparable sales. CEO Brian Niccol unveils revival strategy focusing on traditional coffeehouse experience, including the return of ceramic mugs and personalized customer service.
Dollar General's Small Town Expansion Sparks Local Resistance in Rural America
As Dollar General plans aggressive expansion across rural America, small towns like Washington, Maine are fighting to preserve their local businesses and community character. The battle highlights broader tensions between corporate retail chains and small-town economies, with communities implementing various measures to protect their local identity.
Big Lots Makes a Comeback: Nine Stores Set to Reopen Under New Ownership
Discount retailer Big Lots begins its revival with nine store reopenings across six states, following acquisition by Variety Wholesalers. The chain plans to enhance shopping experiences with remodeled stores, new product categories, and competitive pricing.
Joann Fabric to Close 500 Stores Nationwide Amid Second Bankruptcy Filing
Retail giant Joann plans to shutter nearly two-thirds of its fabric and craft stores across the US as part of Chapter 11 restructuring. The company, facing billions in debt, will begin liquidation sales while maintaining operations and employee benefits during the transition.
Costco's Bold Move: Top Clerks to Earn Nearly $32/Hour in Major Wage Boost
Retail giant Costco announces significant wage increases for hundreds of thousands of workers, with top-scale clerks reaching $31.90 per hour by March 2024. The comprehensive three-year agreement includes enhanced benefits and vacation time, setting new standards in retail worker compensation.
Costco Announces Major Wage Hike: Store Workers to Earn Over $30 Per Hour
Retail giant Costco plans to boost wages for US store employees to over $30 per hour within three years, following pressure from the Teamsters union. The phased increase includes immediate raises for both top-tier and entry-level workers, potentially influencing compensation trends across the retail sector.
Starbucks Ends Open-Door Policy: Purchases Now Required for Store Access
Starbucks implements new rules requiring customers to make purchases to use store facilities and restrooms, reversing its 2018 open-door policy. The change aims to address safety concerns while maintaining a welcoming environment, with clear guidelines on acceptable behavior.
Macy's Strategic Overhaul: 66 Store Closures Signal Major Retail Transformation
Retail giant Macy's unveils plans to close 66 stores by early 2025 as part of its 'Bold New Chapter' strategy, aiming to shutter 150 locations by 2026. The restructuring initiative focuses on investing in 350 remaining stores while expanding luxury divisions Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury.
Major U.S. Retailers Announce Historic Wave of Store Closures Amid Digital Shift
Over 7,100 retail locations are set to close in 2024, marking a 69% increase from the previous year and the largest surge since the pandemic. Family Dollar, CVS, Big Lots, and Walgreens lead the closures as traditional retailers struggle against online competition.
Big Lots Closure: Retail Giant Shutters All Stores, Cuts 500+ Corporate Jobs
Big Lots announced the closure of all 963 stores nationwide and the layoff of its corporate workforce following a failed buyout attempt. The dramatic end comes after the retailer's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, affecting over 27,000 employees across 48 states.