James LeFroy

Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Monday, September 9: 🏪 Alimentation Couche-Tard has told Seven & i Holdings that it wants to work together to agree on a friendly takeover, after the Japanese convenience store operator pushed back on the Canadian company’s initial proposal. 🚫 Discount retail chain Big Lots has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and has agreed to sell itself to an affiliate of private equity firm Nexus Capital Management. Nexus will serve as a stalking horse bidder. 💄 As part of its expansion strategy, E.l.f is partnering with top global retailers and distributors to drive demand and excitement in new markets. Notably, in Germany, the brand is launching in 1,600 Rossmann stores. 🍓 Kroger which reports quarterly results on Thursday. Those results will arrive right as it tries to defend itself and its planned $24.6 billion merger with rival Albertsons in court. 💊 GLP-1 drugs are booming among consumers. That means Americans are downsizing in fitting rooms and grocery aisles. One in eight U.S. adults have tried a GLP-1 medication and about 6% currently have a prescription. 🧴 Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop will slash nearly 20% of its workforce as it scrambles to pivot away from its image as a wellness and lifestyle brand to focus on peddling its beauty products, according to reports. 📱 Costco Wholesale has quietly rolled out a search warehouse inventory tool on its mobile app for some customers. The feature is in Beta testing. It can be accessed by clicking "warehouse" on the bottom of the screen. 🧵 Boston-based startup Galy says it has found an alternative that avoids the environmental issues of cotton production by growing it in a lab. Its process reduces water use by 99%, land use by 97%. 🚚 UPS is facing a backlash from extreme heat incidents. Driver Chris Begley’s death in August underscores a list of alleged heat-related incidents across Texas. 👩🏽‍⚖️ California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed emergency regulations to address the manufacture and sale of illegal hemp products containing intoxicating cannabinoids like THC. 🇬🇧 Nearly 70% of UK adults have purchased Fairtrade products like bananas, tea, or coffee in the past year, driven by concerns over how the climate crisis could raise food prices, according to a poll. 🏥 Toronto-based private equity firm Birch Hill Equity Partners says it has signed a deal with McKesson to buy Rexall Pharmacy Group and online retailer Well.ca. 🚢 International shipping costs have surged by 244% since the onset of the Red Sea crisis, driven by attacks on vessels by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and global supply chain issues. 🖥️ If you reserve big-ticket purchasing for your laptop, you are a Millennial. Gen Zers will happily buy anything on their iPhones. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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Why I love Managing a Dollar General!! Managing a Dollar General can be an incredibly rewarding experience, rooted in various aspects that contribute to both personal and professional fulfillment. One key reason for this passion is the sense of community. Engaging with customers daily offers a unique opportunity to build relationships and create a welcoming environment where people feel valued and heard. Whether it’s a friendly conversation with a regular or helping a first-time visitor, the connections made in this role can be both heartwarming and impactful. Another reason is the variety of responsibilities that come with the job. From overseeing inventory to managing staff and ensuring great customer service, the dynamic nature of this role keeps things fresh and exciting. Each day brings new challenges, allowing a manager to continuously learn and develop skills in problem-solving, leadership, and organization. This variety not only fosters professional growth but also keeps the work environment lively and engaging. Additionally, the focus on affordable products is something I genuinely appreciate. Knowing that our store provides essential items at budget-friendly prices makes me feel like I’m contributing to the community’s well-being. Helping families access necessities without breaking the bank creates a strong sense of purpose in my work. It’s fulfilling to be part of a team that plays a vital role in ensuring everyone has access to what they need. Leadership is another aspect I cherish. Guiding a team, mentoring employees, and fostering a positive workplace culture leads to personal satisfaction. Witnessing team members grow, develop their skills, and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding, creating a supportive atmosphere that encourages collaboration and teamwork. Moreover, the structure and stability that come with managing a Dollar General provide a sense of security. The predictable hours and established company policies allow for a healthy work-life balance, making it easier to juggle both professional responsibilities and personal life. Ultimately, the blend of community engagement, diverse responsibilities, the impact of providing value to customers, leadership opportunities, and stability makes managing a Dollar General a fulfilling endeavor. It’s not just about retail; it’s about creating a positive experience for customers and staff alike, and that’s what fuels my love for this role.

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Walmart is expected to beat estimates when it reports fiscal second-quarter earnings on Thursday (Aug. 15) for the period ending July 31. The consensus estimate is 65 cents per share, up 6.5% from a year ago. Revenue is forecast at $167.3 billion, up 3.5%. #retailsales #walmart #quarterlyearnings

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Well this one is a conversation piece!! Alimentation Couche-Tard, the parent company of Circle K (convenience stores), has just submitted a bid to acquire Seven & i Holdings Ltd., the parent company of 7-Eleven Inc., according to Monday morning announcements from both companies. Should this go through, the whole future of c-stores will change..curious to see how this unfolds!! #cstore #mergers #retailnews

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Walmart is introducing electronic self edge labels across its stores. The roll out will be complete by 2026. Of course, rumors are now flying that Walmart will introduce some kind of dynamic or surge pricing. Personally, I don't buy it. Walmart has spent years and years building up trust with the consumer on pricing. Indeed, low prices are one of Walmart's key points of differentiation. Why on earth would it put all that at risk? No, this is about one thing: reducing the amount of time and money spent on changing tickets manually. Across all of its stores, Walmart can save a heck of a lot by making this switch. I chatted with CBS News about the move... https://lnkd.in/eFmwmjGp #retail #retailnews #pricing #digital #Walmart #grocery

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White Cap Canada has you covered for all of your SUMMER ESSENTIALS! From Hydration, Insect Control, Increased Shade, Sunscreen and Fans. Stop by any one of our 65+ locations across Canada. Our stores are stocked and our associates are ready to help you! Heat Stress is when the body’s core temperature increases faster than the body’s ability to cool itself. When the temperature of the body rises too high, then Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes can occur. During hot weather and intense working conditions, it is very important to help your body stay cool by moderating your work schedule, staying hydrated, and using heat stress products to aid your body in dissipating heat. https://lnkd.in/gqMq8sSa

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Running Great Stores is growing and we now offer leadership training on mindset, leadership and teamwork. Does training make a difference, you bet it does! Especially when we come alongside you and your organization and help embed the learnings into your culture. Click here and book a 15 minute free call to learn more about our leadership courses. https://lnkd.in/guKV6KBM #mindset #leadership #teamwork

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I was recently reminded of this by a long time friend a few days ago (not in the exact same words, but with similar sentiment). This has crossed my mind about a dozen times since that conversation. In the past two years, our team has raised our own standards. Together our store has achieved higher levels of success in training; operational routines; store stocking, recovery, and cleaning; increased sales; decreased shrink; customer relationships; and more. Our team and our store have regularly been in the conversations of being in the top-third of the district in this statistic or that one. We have had new associates come and other teammates go. Individual changes happen and will continue to happen, but the team works together and drives forward. In the past two years, and similarly through my thirty-five years of retail management experience, I have helped to develop teams and work with them together to greater levels of success in multiple measures. I have helped individuals develop and advance into opportunities and new positions. I have learned as much along the way as I have helped others learn. I have grown as a manager, as a leader, as a person. I continue to drive for success, of my teams, and for myself. I maintain a high work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility. I continue to push myself, and to encourage my team, to strive for more. I lead. I contribute. I will continue to succeed. I have value - even if the only external recognition is reminder the next measurable that needs to improve. It is a balance. Not just work-life, but also team versus ego. I try to remind myself to have as much pride in myself as I do in my team. I see them and work with them everyday. I need to occasionally see myself and my accomplishments, too. So that I do not lose myself; so that I do not lose my own goals; and so that I do not lose my own drive, my own value.

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Sisterhood of Strength! So Powerful

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I had an interesting experience with a CFL player recently while he was shopping in our store. He was needing to be heard without judgement, and then asked for advice. I shared a few things I've learned being in therapy that has translated well into my own behaviours when it comes to everyday life. Perception and intention are not the same thing. Just because you intended one thing, does not mean that's how it was perceived. It opens a higher level of understanding and empathy. All feelings are valid, right or wrong. You can't control someone else's feelings. It's incredibly important to make sure to validate those feelings whether you agree with them or not. It boils down to making sure the other person feels that they've been heard. People who feel like they're being heard, tend to respond better to opportunities for solution minded thinking. This doesn't mean that your feelings are invalidated just because they conflict with theirs. It just means you can see past your feelings and understand that the other person has needs different from yours. You can't control others behaviours and attitudes. Their behaviour is a reflection on them. Your behaviour is a reflection on you. Make sure it's the reflection you want to see. I have diagnosed BPD and high functioning anxiety. I also have features of undiagnosed ADHD. I can't begin to tell you how beneficial therapy has been for being able to sort through a million thoughts, emotions and experiences. It's been hard to learn how to communicate. It doesn't always come easy but it's the best thing you'll ever learn.

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ICSC 🏬 July Store Expansion Highlights 🏬 Retailers and restaurants made significant moves in July, expanding their footprints and launching new formats. Here are the key updates: UNIQLO: The Japanese apparel brand is opening four new stores in Canada, targeting Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and Langley, aiming for 200 locations in North America by 2027. Chick-fil-A Restaurants-fil-A: The beloved chicken chain plans to increase its presence in Puerto Rico, expanding from 5 to 20-25 restaurants by 2030. Humana at Walmart: CenterWell, part of Humana Inc., is set to open senior-focused primary care centers at 23 Walmart Supercenter locations across Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas. BIRKENSTOCK: The iconic sandal brand opened a new two-story store in Paris and plans additional stores across major European cities. Cilantro Taco Grill: This fast-casual chain has secured agreements for 110 new locations, with a significant focus on Florida. Ace Hardware Corporation: Celebrating a milestone with 5,000 U.S. stores, marked by the opening of Fixit Ace Hardware in Roswell, GA. Qdoba Restaurant Corporation: Announcing a 30-unit expansion deal in the Carolinas with Thrive Restaurant Group, aiming for completion by 2028. The Wendy's Company: The quick-serve giant is set to enter the Republic of Ireland and Romania, part of a broader plan to expand across Europe. MANGO: Launched its teen-focused store concept internationally, with the first store opening in London. IKEA: Opening a new location in the iconic 570 Fifth Avenue in NYC, part of a prime retail and office tower. These expansions highlight the diverse strategies and ambitions of brands in the global market. #RetailExpansion #StoreOpening #RetailNews #GlobalRetail #BusinessGrowth #ICSC

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Welcome to our Conversion series: Supercharge your store. We will be sharing top tips to help your store convert more. Follow for helpful tips that have high impact. #shopify #shopifydevelopment #shopifytips #shopifyCROtips #shopifyexperts

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