Retail

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) declared a $0.15 per share cash dividend for Q3 fiscal 2025, payable November 7, 2025, to shareholders of record on October 24, 2025. This announcement arrives amid a complex retail landscape and potential industry consolidation. As of September 6, 2025, Albertsons operates 2,257 stores across 35 states, along with pharmacies, fuel centers, and distribution networks. The company also emphasizes community engagement, contributing significantly to food and financial assistance programs. The press release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks detailed in their Form 10-K.

Amazon is closing all 19 of its UK Fresh supermarkets, shifting its focus to online grocery delivery. A recent review highlighted significant growth opportunities in this area. Five Fresh locations will become Whole Foods Market stores, adjusting the physical retail strategy. This move reflects a broader effort to streamline its grocery business and optimize capital. CEO Andy Jassy emphasizes the strong performance of online grocery, with plans for same-day grocery delivery in the UK. Analysts cite intense competition in the UK grocery market as a factor.

On September 17, 2025, The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.425 per share, payable on December 4, 2025, to shareholders of record on November 13, 2025. TJX, a leading off-price retailer operating over 5,100 stores worldwide, emphasizes value to shareholders through consistent dividend payouts. The company’s success is attributed to its strong buying power, efficient supply chain, and omnichannel approach blending physical and digital retail. TJX also focuses on corporate responsibility.

Target launched New York Fashion Week with its “Target Style Tailgate” event, showcasing its Fall 2025 collection and commitment to accessible design. The event, blending fashion with a tailgate theme, featured a Suki Waterhouse performance and a halftime show with Isaac Mizrahi. Celebrities and influencers attended, styled in Target’s fall collection. Immersive experiences, including a beauty clubhouse and curated food, enhanced the event. This highlights Target’s strategy to merge high fashion with affordable retail, leveraging collaborations and experiences to broaden its appeal.

Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) appointed Mary Ellen Adcock to its board of directors, effective immediately. Adcock, currently an executive at Kroger, brings extensive retail and marketing expertise. She will serve on the corporate governance and audit committees. CEO Marc Bitzer highlighted Adcock’s consumer behavior insights as invaluable for Whirlpool’s innovation and consumer experience enhancement efforts. Adcock’s background includes leadership roles at Kroger and an MBA, which will complement her real-world experience on the board.

Apple closed its Dalian Parkson Centennial Shopping Center store on August 9th, marking its first directly-operated retail closure in China. The store opened in 2015. Online footage showed staff and customers bidding farewell after a decade. Apple cited the shopping center’s declining retail presence as the reason, stating that employees would be offered positions elsewhere. The shopping center has faced financial difficulties and a change in management.

Pang Donglai founder Yu Donglai addressed high employment interest in the company’s new store via livestream. He warned that competition for positions will be fierce, estimating 100 applicants per job. Pang Donglai, known for excellent customer service and innovative retail, has already hired 239 people in 2024, requiring at least a Bachelor’s degree. The company’s employee compensation, averaging RMB 9,000 monthly after-tax, and benefits are considered “best-in-class,” attracting significant attention after Pang Donglai’s nationwide success.

Yonghui Superstores is combating corruption by restricting vendor onboarding to online procedures, banning private recommendations. It has also transformed 128 stores nationwide using the popular “Pang Dong Lai” model, aiming for 200 revamped stores by September. These changes have boosted sales and customer satisfaction.

Yonghui is aggressively transforming its stores to emulate the success of Pang Donglai. By the end of September, the supermarket chain plans to revamp 200 stores in China, aligning 80% of its products with Pang Donglai’s standards. This initiative includes opening remodeled stores at a rate of about one per day in the third quarter, with a focus on expanding proprietary brands and employee training. Pang Donglai’s leadership supports the efforts, highlighting employee engagement, customer service, and product quality.

Volvo CE will acquire Swecon’s operations in Sweden, Germany, and the Baltics for 7 billion SEK, including Entrack. This strategic acquisition, expected to close in H2 2025, aims to strengthen Volvo CE’s retail presence in key European markets. The deal encompasses all Swecon operations, including sales, rentals, and service, with approximately 1,400 employees. This move will allow Volvo CE to control most of its European business, enhancing customer satisfaction.