Marianne Wilson

New York

Editor-in-Chief at Chain Store Age

All-around retail maven—and editor in chief of Chain Store Age.

Articles

Hudson’s Bay wants to hold auction for its art and ‘historical’ artifacts

1 week ago | chainstoreage.com | Marianne Wilson

Hudson’s Bay Company has sought court approval to conduct a dedicated auction for some of its most valuable art assets. The bankrupt department store retailer, which is North America’s oldest company, said it wants to conduct an “art auction” for the sale of its most “historically” significant art and artifacts. The items include the company’s Royal Charter, which launched Hudson’s Bay as a fur trading company some 355 years ago.
The Vitamin Shoppe to be acquired by private equity

1 week ago | chainstoreage.com | Marianne Wilson

Health and wellness retailer The Vitamin Shoppe is getting new owners. Kingswood Capital Management and Performance Investment Partners, said they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The Vitamin Shoppe from Franchise Group (FRG), which filed for bankruptcy in November 2024. Bloomberg Law put the cost of the deal at $193.5 million.
Michaels looks to fill void left by Party City; expands balloons, party supplies

1 week ago | chainstoreage.com | Marianne Wilson

Birthday PartiesAfter launching its “Birthday Parties” offering in stores last year, Michaels said it hosted nearly 5,000 parties in the U.S. and Canada in 2024. It is releasing new seasonal themes for spring and summer that are already available for booking, with options for both younger and older kids. In addition, customers can now add balloon bouquets in various sizes for the celebration, and/or select from other add-ons including goodie bags, slime, and pizza/drinks.
Total retail sales rise 1.4% in March as consumers rush to beat tariffs

1 week ago | chainstoreage.com | Marianne Wilson

“Retail sales strengthened in March, supported by continued solid growth in income, lower energy costs and bigger-than-usual tax refunds that all helped support household budgets,” said Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist, National Retail Federation. Spending increased in March even as as consumer sentiment has continued to decline.
Albertsons tops Street amid strong pharmacy growth; new CEO takes reins on May 1

1 week ago | chainstoreage.com | Marianne Wilson

Fourth QuarterAlbertsons’ net income totaled $171.8 million, or $0.29 a share, for the quarter ended Feb. 22, down from $250.5 million, or $0.43 a share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings were $0.46 a share, topping anlyasts estimates of $0.41 a share. Net sales and other revenue rose to $18.8 billion from $18.3 billion. The increase was fueled by a 2.3% increase in same-store sales, with strong growth in pharmacy sales being the primary driver of the identical sales increase.
Lowe’s bets big on home improvement professionals with $1.32 billion acquisition

1 week ago | chainstoreage.com | Marianne Wilson

Skip to main content With fiscal 2024 revenue of approximately $1.8 billion, ADG has a national network of over 3,200 specialized installers and long-standing relationships with single-family and multifamily homebuilders as well as property managers. Based in Dallas, the company operates 132 distribution, design, and service facilities in 18 states. "We are thrilled for ADG to join forces with Lowe's," said Steve Margolius, CEO, ADG.
Albertsons tops Street amid strong pharmacy growth; new CEO takes over on May 1

1 week ago | chainstoreage.com | Marianne Wilson

Fourth QuarterAlbertsons’ net income totaled $171.8 million, or $0.29 a share, for the quarter ended Feb. 22, down from $250.5 million, or $0.43 a share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings were $0.46 a share, topping anlyasts estimates of $0.41 a share. Net sales and other revenue rose to $18.8 billion from $18.3 billion. Theincrease was fueled by a 2.3% increase in same-store sales, with strong growth in pharmacy sales being the primary driver of the identical sales increase.
Retailers come together to support legislation addressing organized retail crime

1 week ago | drugstorenews.com | Marianne Wilson

“ORC is occurring across the retail enterprise — supply chains, bricks-and-mortar stores, warehouses and online — with stolen product sold for a profit, oftentimes to fund other crimes,” he said. The legislation will ensure that resources and information-sharing will be available across local, state, federal and private-sector partners to bring cases and prosecutions against organized theft groups, noted French.
NRF: March sales see ‘moderate’ gain as consumers stock up before tariffs

1 week ago | chainstoreage.com | Marianne Wilson

“The pullback we’ve seen the past few months comes despite strong economic fundamentals,” said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. “A major factor appears to be driven by the uncertainty caused by tariffs. March’s increase is partly the result of stocking up to get ahead of tariffs.
Princess Polly continues U.S. expansion with NYC flagship

1 week ago | chainstoreage.com | Marianne Wilson

Gen Z fave Princess Polly has made her debut in the Big Apple. The Australian-born, digitally native brand, part of A.K.A. Brands Holding Corp., has opened a flagship in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. Catering to Gen Z with affordable and on-trend fashions, the new Princess Polly houses more than 5,000 units of apparel, footwear and accessories. The two-level 7,809 sq. ft. store is the company’s largest location to date and is key to the brand’s national expansion strategy.