SGB Update Outdoor

Amazon Faces Antitrust Lawsuit from FTC, U.S. States

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan coalition of 17 state attorneys general sued Amazon over violations of anti-competitive behavior. The lawsuit alleges the e-commerce giant’s practices are anti-competitive in how it serves shoppers as well as third-party sellers on the site.

NRF Report Finds Crime Cost Retailers $112 Billion in 2022

According to the 2023 National Retail Security Survey* published by the National Retail Federation (NRF), retailers have seen a dramatic rise in theft-related financial losses, with shrink accounted for $112.1 billion in losses, up from $93.9 billion in 2021.

Costco’s Q4 Profits Climb 15 Percent

Costco Wholesale Corp. reported earnings rose 15.4 percent in its fiscal fourth quarter ended September 3 as sales gained 9.4 percent. Same-store sales in the U.S., excluding the impact of gas prices, were up 3.1 percent.

U.S. Consumer Confidence Slides to Four Month Low

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index dropped to a four-month low in September, weighed down by rising interest rates, still-high inflation and a stalemate over the federal budget in Washington.

Target Closing Nine Stores in Four Markets Due to Theft, Safety Concerns

Target said in a statement it is closing nine stores in four states, including one in East Harlem, NY, three in San Francisco, two in Portland, OR and two in Seattle, WA, suggesting that theft and organized retail crime have threatened the safety of its employees and customers.

Nordstrom To Open Another Rack Store in New York

The 24,000-square-foot Bay Shore store will be located on the South Shore of Long Island at the Gardiner Manor Mall with other retailers, including HomeGoods, Barnes & Noble, Michaels, and Old Navy.

Bote Opens Sixth Florida Retail Store

The brand opened its newest store in Jacksonville, FL, joining other Florida shops in Destin, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Walton Beach, Grayton Beach, and St. Petersburg.

Haro Bicycles Names COO

Haro Bicycles, based in Vista, CA, promoted Doss Barnes to chief operations officer, one year after joining the company as director of supply chain.