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Retail Industry Newswire
March 29, 2011
North American News 

Harry & David Files for Chapter 11 Protection

In a move that many retail watchers had expected, Harry & David Holdings Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. District Court of Delaware. The company said it filed with a plan to reorganize that's already been blessed -- and more importantly funded -- by the owners of the majority of its senior notes. The move allows the company to eliminate much of its debt, along with continuing operations as its moves forward with reorganization, Harry & David reported. 

Oregon Live



Winn-Dixie Making 'Fresh & Local' a Reality

Jacksonville, Fla.-based supermarket chain, Winn-Dixie, has a glitzy new prototype store, an upscale and eye-popping showcase for everything from locally sourced foods to gluten-free and specialized dietary offerings. The stores have been a hit with consumers by showcasing Winn-Dixie's "Fresh & Local" market image and expanded "fresh" departments that offer "locally grown produce and other products local to the area," according to the company. In fiscal 2011, the chain plans to remodel 22 stores, 17 of which will closely resemble the Covington and Margate stores, and plans to open two new stores.

Drug Store News



Whole Foods Tests Bars Selling Craft Beer and Local Wine in Its Stores

The upscale grocer, as well-known for its sensory-filled shopping as its often-pricey foods, is opening bars that serve craft beer and local wine in more than a dozen stores nationally in a test before a wider roll-out. In the past 18 months, small, locally focused bars have opened inside five Whole Foods Markets in California, and two each in Arizona, Illinois and Texas, among others. Earlier this month, it opened one inside its chi-chi flagship store in Austin. By 2012, the 305-store chain plans to open at least seven more bars - even one in Hawaii, says co-CEO Walter Robb.

USA Today



Mobile Barcodes Come to The Home Depot

Do-it-yourselfers will now be able to do more product research by themselves as well, now that The Home Depot is bringing mobile barcodes to its shelves. The DIY retailer has partnered with Scanbuy to include the codes in store, in print ads and signage. The codes, when activated, will let shoppers access how-to videos, product demos, relevant accessories, buying guides, project guides and give them the ability to buy items online. When activated outside the store, the codes will also let consumers make purchases through their mobile device with a "buy button."

Mashable



More Shoplifters Being Caught at Newton Walmart

People with an urge to leave the Newton Walmart with a little extra something hiding in their pocket or purse might think twice. The store's loss prevention program seems to be on the move in recent months. In what appears to be a growing trend, reported thefts at the Newton outlet between Jan 1. and Feb 28 of this year totaled 13 separate incidents. During that same time period in 2010 only one theft was recorded.

Newton Daily News




U.K. and Ireland News 

John Lewis Follows Lakeland to Offer a Never-Ending Refund

Consumers can rejoice as high-street store John Lewis has become the first major retailer to completely scrap the 28-day returns policy. John Lewis customers will now be able return unwanted goods at any time as long as they have a receipt for proof of purchase and the items are unworn and in perfect condition. The new policy will also apply to items bought before this year. Even amongst gloomy shopping reports, department store, John Lewis is faring better than most and this new policy is sure to stimulate sales further.

Retail Digital




Australian, Asian and African News 

Laugfs to Introduce Hypermarket Concept

The Laugfs group plans to list its super market subsidiary Laugfs SunUp Supermarkets Private Limited in 2012, with a view of introducing the hypermarket concept to the country. "We are looking at opening three hyper markets in Battarmulla and two more in and around the city of Colombo," Dahanayake added. According to him, the hypermarkets will be 30,000 sq.ft in size and positioned in strategically in cities like Wattala and in the heart of Colombo. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 300 million. Laugfs supermarkets to introduce hypermarket concept, plans to go public in 2011. 

Daily Mirror




Gatekeeper Systems' Loss Prevention and Cart Containment solutions utilize locking wheel technology to reduce shrink by putting an end to cart based shoplifting and shopping cart loss while Cart Management solutions increase safety and reduce labor costs. For over 12 years, Gatekeeper has been committed to quality products backed by expansive service and support capabilities. 19 of the top 20 global retailers that use shopping carts rely on Gatekeeper solutions.
  

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Pushout Theft of the Week
Store Employees Fight Food Thief, Two Arrested
 
Employees of a supermarket fought with two shoplifters who were trying to steal a grocery cart full of $200 worth of meat and beer. The shoplifter filled a cart full of steaks, hams, turkeys, ribs, snow crab, tilapia and beer, then employees watched as the man pushed the cart out the door to a car that was waiting under the outdoor foyer.  Three employees confronted the man and the fight was on.

 

Madison.com

 

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