As digital commerce continues to evolve, gift cards have transformed into a strategic engagement tool for merchants. The 2025 edition of the Best Digital Gift Card Programs report, produced by Blackhawk Network and NAPCO Research, offers a deep dive into how 100 U.S. brands are optimizing their digital gift card programs — and which ones…
Joe Keenan
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, announced the launch of Tractor Supply Rx, the company’s pet and animal pharmacy offering. Customers can now shop for pet and animal medications, enroll in automatic delivery through the Autoship program, and access expert pharmacy advice via the online pharmacy. From pet wash…
Lowe's announced on Monday it has agreed to buy Artisan Design Group for $1.33 billion from private equity firm Sterling Group. The deal would help expand Lowe's offering for its professional customers at a time when the company and its rival Home Depot are facing slower demand for home remodels and construction activity. Artisan Design…
In episode 479 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Frank Mulcahy, head of sales at Chewy Ads, the retail media network for leading pet retailer Chewy. Listen in as Mulcahy discusses the recent Chewy Ads refresh (1:30), its new key features and functionalities (3:25), and the retail media network's benefits for pet brand…
Walmart-owned Sam’s Club plans to supercharge its expansion by opening about 15 new stores per year going forward and remodeling all of its approximately 600 locations across the country, the warehouse club’s CEO Chris Nicholas said last week. With the boost from those new locations, Sam’s Club aims to double its membership over the next…
The National Retail Federation (NRF) delivered a reassuring message to retailers after President Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement on April 2. Despite the implementation of tariffs, the NRF expects the inflation rate to remain at current levels of 2.5 percent as measured by the personal consumption expenditure index. In addition, the retail industry is forecast to grow…
In episode 478 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Megan Porteous, chief revenue officer of Carve Designs, a women's sustainable swimwear and clothing lifestyle brand. Listen in as Porteous discusses the genesis and mission of Carve Designs (1:45), its various sales channels (2:55), and her career background as well as newfound responsibilities at…
The head of fast-fashion chain Primark, Paul Marchant, has resigned with immediate effect after he admitted an “error of judgment” towards a woman in a social environment. Parent company Associated British Foods (ABF) said in a statement on Monday that Marchant had accepted his actions fell below the standards expected, and the chief executive of…
Kroger countersued Albertsons on Tuesday, escalating a legal battle between the companies following the collapse of their proposed $25 billion merger in December. Albertsons terminated the merger immediately after courts blocked it and sued Kroger, alleging a breach of contract that led to the deal falling apart. Albertsons asked for billions in damages along with a $600 million…
Nike has warned that sales will drop by a double-digit percentage in its current quarter as the sneaker giant contends with new tariffs, sliding consumer confidence, and a slower-than-expected turnaround. In a conference call with analysts, finance chief Matt Friend said Nike expects its sales decline in the fiscal fourth quarter, which is set to…
In episode 477 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Ankur Daga, CEO and co-founder of Angara, a vertically integrated online jeweler that sources and procures stones, designs jewelry, and manufactures pieces in-house. Listen in as Daga talks about his background as well as the founding of Angara (1:45), including the white space the…
Consumers spent at a slower than expected pace in February, though underlying readings indicated that sales still grew at a solid pace despite worries over an economic slowdown and rising inflation. Retail sales increased 0.2 percent on the month, better than the downwardly revised decline of 1.2 percent the prior month but below the Dow…
Walgreens Boots Alliance says it has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners as the struggling retailer looks to turn itself around after years of losing money. The pharmacy retail chain announced last week that Sycamore will pay $11.45 per share, giving the deal an equity value just under $10 billion. Walgreens…
Kroger said on Monday CEO Rodney McMullen has resigned after a board investigation found that his personal conduct was "inconsistent" with certain company policies. The conduct is not related to financial performance, operations or reporting, and it did not involve any Kroger associates, the company said. The surprise ouster of the 64-year-old executive comes after…
In episode 476 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Bob D'Loren, CEO of Xcel Brands, a leader in live stream media and social commerce, and co-founder of ORME, a social commerce app that features TikTok-style videos within a shoppable marketplace. Listen in as D'Loren describes the Xcel Brands organization and its mission to…
