Retail

Online grocery sales rise 8.4% in June from year ago

U.S. consumers spent $7.7 billion in June for online grocery orders, up 2.9% from May and 8.4% higher than a year ago, according to Bricks Meets Clicks/Mercatus shopper survey. Online…

The Supply Side: WalMex, India’s PhonePe grow ecosystems inside Walmart International

Walmart International’s revenue reached $114.6 billion last year, which represented 18% of Walmart’s consolidated sales in fiscal 2024. The business sector holds tremendous growth potential in some of the world’s…

U.S. retail sales grew 3.42% in June

Retail sales reported by the National Retail Federation Retail Monitor indicated consumer spending slowed in June compared to May. Excluding automobile and gasoline, sales were up 0.47% from May, slower…

Connections: Arkansas Blue Cross hires NWA network rep

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has hired Dawn Roberts as a network development representative in Northwest Arkansas. Roberts will conduct provider education and offer admin support to hospitals, clinics…

More than 40% of U.S. households expected to shop Amazon Prime event

Consumer spending has remained resilient despite sticky inflation, and early indications by data, tech provider Numerator predicts that more than 40% of U.S. households will shop Amazon Prime Day event…

Walmart sells telehealth platform MeMD

As part of reducing its healthcare assets, Walmart has sold its MeMD – a virtual health platform – for an undisclosed sum to Fabric, a health technology company. Terms of…

The Supply Side: Walmart seeks to target Gen Z with apparel relaunch

Generation Z, the youngest age demographic of consumers (18 to 27 years), is the first digitally native generation. According to research from SheerID, it represents around 2 billion global consumers…

Former Harps Food Chairman and CEO Rogers Collins dies

Springdale-based Harps Food Stores announced Tuesday (July 2) that former board Chairman and CEO Rogers Collins died on July 1. Collins began his career at Harps in December 1986 as…

William Jones, IV takes helm as Sissy’s Log Cabin president

Sissy’s Log Cabin, the Mid-South’s largest family-owned and -operated jewelry store, announced William Jones IV has assumed the role of president. The announcement was made following an executive company meeting…

Baskin Robbins to return to Jonesboro

Haag Brown Commercial announced Monday (July 1) that Baskin Robbins will return to Jonesboro, joining Stanton Optical in the newly redeveloped Premier Auto center on Red Wolf Boulevard, across from…

The Supply Side: Sam’s Club execs discuss goal of doubling revenue

Sam’s Club is on a roll, growing revenue and membership with rising sales of the Member’s Mark private brand and a profitable e-commerce business up 17% in the most recent…

Independence Day cookouts will cost 5% more this year

Friends and families who gather on the Fourth of July for summer cookouts and fireworks will see higher prices than a year ago thanks in large part to higher beef…

Fort Smith sales tax revenue down through May

Fort Smith sales tax collections were down again in May with revenues staying below budget for the year. The May sales tax report shows the city’s share of the 1%…

Walmart opens application period for Open Call 2024

Walmart is seeking more U.S.-made products at its 11th annual Open Call, which will be held Sept. 25-26 in Bentonville. The application period for entrepreneurs and product manufacturers is now…

Sales tax revenue dips 5.3% in Northwest Arkansas

Sales tax revenue cumulatively reported by Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale totaled $8.852 million in the June report, down 5.31% from a year ago. Revenue for the four cities in…

Walmart is testing a new system to better manage fruit supply

Walmart is partnering with Israel-based Agristask, a crop supply chain company, to test the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in sourcing fresh fruit such as blackberries and cherries. Agritask’s…

Walmart fined $1.64 million for unlawful pricing practices in New Jersey

Walmart has settled claims of unlawful unit pricing in 64 New Jersey stores. Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced the $1.64 million settlement on Tuesday. The settlements include a $1.61 million…

Field Agent CEO and cofounder steps down, will remain as chairman

Rick West, CEO and cofounder of Field Agent, announced Tuesday (June 18) he is stepping down from his day-to-day role, but will continue as board chairman and consultant for the…

Car-Mart’s Q4 earnings plummet nearly 80% amid declining sales and rising prices

Rogers-based America’s Car-Mart Inc. posted declines in revenue and earnings in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 as vehicle sales declined and sales prices rose. Before the markets opened Tuesday…

Field Agent acquires technology firm Shelfgram

Fayetteville-based Field Agent has acquired Toronto-based Shelfgram for an undisclosed sum. The deal was financed via a partnership with Five Elms Capital and included people and assets who will remain…