February 10, 2014

Best Buy: Experience the Ultimate Showroom… Not

During a recent visit to a Best Buy location, while investigating the possible purchase of a super zoom camera, a...

By Arthur Rosenberg

January 16, 2014

Obamacare Could Spur Retail Clinic Growth

I’ve previously written in this space about the explosive growth that in-store retail clinics experienced during the infancy of their...

By Brian List

January 16, 2014

Ace Adds To Its Control Over Westlake

Just over a year ago some big news came down the pike.  Leading hardware cooperative Ace Hardware had actually acquired...

By Arthur Rosenberg

January 15, 2014

Back To The Foodture

As Chain Store Guide winds up its celebration of 80 years in business, it’s interesting to take a look back...

By Linda Helman

January 15, 2014

Fast Fashion Moves Trends from the Runway to the Fashionista

Teenagers and young adults are shying away from brands that used to be a wardrobe staple. Logo-based brands, such as...

By Natasha Perry

January 14, 2014

Top Retail and Foodservice Tech Trends for 2014

As we look forward to an exciting 2014 in the world of retail and foodservice, the coming year will bring...

By Matt Werhner

January 13, 2014

Rainbow Foods Closing More Stores in Twin Cities Metro as Grocery Landscape Shifts

Back in 2003, Roundy’s Supermarkets purchased the Rainbow Foods supermarket chain as more of an investment than long-term strategic plan....

By Brian List

January 13, 2014

An Undercover Boss Loses His Bloom and His Job

Anyone who has viewed the show Undercover Boss just once, undoubtedly felt at least one tug on their heartstrings, and...

By Arthur Rosenberg

December 13, 2013

Walgreens Goes Green Again, Opens Nation's First Net Zero Energy Retail Store

Walgreens has become a leader in solar technology and green initiatives. In July 2012, 80% of its stores switched to...

By Brian List

December 12, 2013

The 800-Pound Gorilla Wants to Gain Weight

The 800-pound gorilla wants to become the 1,200-pound gorilla. In a proposed deal announced December 9, 2013, Sysco Corp. plans...

By Linda Helman

December 12, 2013

After A Round of Closings, Carter Lumber Enters a New State

Last month our CSG Insight reported on a somewhat startling announcement by Carter Lumber.  It stated that the company was...

By Arthur Rosenberg

December 11, 2013

Moves Made in 2013

This past year we saw several acquisitions made by major apparel and department store retailers. Gap Inc. acquired women’s fashion...

By Natasha Perry