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AutoZone Merchandising Exec VP Shawn McGhee focuses on customer satisfaction. AutoZone is the largest automobile parts chain in the US. It has developed private label parts with the longevity of brand name parts but without the expensive prices. AutoZone services the do-it-yourself market as well as the commercial installer market., From day one, the core customer of AutoZone has been the owner of a 10-year old pickup or car who can't afford to pay someone to maintain his vehicle. AutoZone's [...]

DALLAS -- Chief Auto Parts, a chain of 550 auto parts stores, has come of age, joining the modern era of auto parts retailing. Five years ago, Chief hovered on [...]

The price of Wal-Mart's stock has stagnated, despite the company's ongoing success. On Feb 19, 1997, Wal-Mart share sold for $24.38, down from the Feb 2, 1993, price of $31.82. That is a major problem, because the Wal-Mart relies on stock options to compensate its top executives, and its profit sharing payments consist of stock. Hoping to boost its stock price, Wal-Mart plans to increase its annual dividend and repurchase up to $2 billion worth of its shares., As a mature company that finally broke the $100 billion sales mark in '96, Wal-Mart is a dependable Rock of Gibraltar that almost never lets down investors. Nonetheless, its stock [...]

Senior VP Bill Anderson is heading Kmart's battle to compete more effectively in the hard lines categories. The discounter's hard lines departments have successfully cleared out old inventory and now hope to double their per-square-foot sales in key categories. Anderson said that he wants his people to feel as if they are fighting a war against Kmart's competitors. In hard lines, those competitors include Wal-Mart, The Home Depot, The Sports Authority, and Toys 'R' Us., The good news for Kmart's hard lines departments is that old inventory has been cleared out and skus reduced to near target levels. The challenge now is to double the [...]

The 1996 National Hardware Show, held Aug 11 to Aug 14, will offer attendees a wealth of new products from about 3,000 exhibitors. The show is extra large this year because the National Building Products Exposition is running Aug 11 to Aug 14. Among the items expected to do well are carbon monoxide detectors and newly designed outdoor furniture. Hand tool manufacturers are introducing new ergonomically-designed tools, and houseware manufacturers are highlighting new air purifiers., CHICAGO -- The National Hardware Show for 1996 will be another marathon event for buyers, with all 856,000 sq. ft. of space (net) in McCormick Place East and North leased [...]

Target faces several challenges in its attempts to expand and compete with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. It opened stores in the northeast in early 1996 and plans to build 50 stores in the Washington/Baltimore areas by the end of 1997, but it cannot compete with Wal-Mart's expansion in California. Its SuperTarget concept is still being tested and its food prices cannot compete with Wal-Mart's wholesale prices. Its Greatland store concept is not generating predicted profits. Target is competitive with Wal-Mart in using technology to improve management and its treatment of customers., It is the smallest player of the Big Three, the most limited in geographical reach and the most resolutely upscale in its merchandising. Target now stands on the threshold of [...]

Target is giving its parent firm, Dayton Hudson, a boost in growth, while Mervyn's continues to be a financial problem. Dayton Hudson's new Chmn and CEO Robert Ulrich continues in his role as Chmn and CEO of Target, but since he took over, Dayton's stock decreased to $72.38 per share in Jun 1995, from $78.63 per share in May 1994. Some analysts believe that Mervyn's is taking too long to return to a healthy state. Target represented about 64% of Dayton Hudson's revenues during 1994., Target is still the engine that drives its parent company, Dayton Hudson. The department store division--Dayton's, Hudson's, and Marshall Field's--is a cash cow that provides fuel for the engine. But [...]

When the 21st Century dawns, Target, as the fashion leader in discounting, will look even more different from the other two national chains, Wal-Mart and Kmart, than it does today. [...]

A little over three decades ago, the Dayton Company was a highly regarded family-owned, Minneapolis-based department store operator, running three Dayton's stores in the upper Midwest, a region being eyed [...]

While the car and light truck battery aftermarket is going predominately to private label, Exide gave national brands a boost this spring by licensing the NASCAR name and essentially bringing [...]

Power mower engine manufacturers are developing new models to meet the air pollution emission standards from California and Environmental Protection Agency. Changes in power mower engine manufacturing include use of better materials for rings, valves, carburetor and venturi and thinner air/fuel mixtures. MTD, Makita, Murray and Lawn-Boy have redesigned their high-wheel walk-behind mowers by using the new models of power engines to create environment-friendly products.

Garden centers have become the focus of many discount and department store chains as sales of the category grow at an annual rate of at least 10%. Sears, Roebuck and Co is among retailers who are cashing in on the boom in green goods through its acquisition of Orchard Supply Hardware, and the category already ranks in the top three of merchandise categories. Target Stores and Wal-Mart are also aggressively marketing their green goods and have established permanent greenhouse at selected stores., The market for green goods--essentially, anything with roots--is growing at the rate of at least 10% per year (perhaps as high as 12%), and no slowdown is in sight. Jumping [...]

The security and aesthetic value of outdoor lighting is increasingly becoming clear to US consumers, and that has translated into strong sales for discount stores that aggressively market these products. Economic Industry Reports executive Martin Philips says that the increased awareness among homeowners of the security attributes of such fixtures as low-voltage landscape lighting and motion sensor-activated lights has helped to fuel sales., Consumers in the United States have fallen in love with outdoor lighting and increasingly are coming to appreciate the security as well as the increased decorative aspects of this category. [...]

The truck accessory market is booming as light truck sales increase. Light trucks made up 44% of all vehicle sales in 1996, compared to 22% in 1983, and sales are predicted to reach 6.5 million in 1997. Light truck owners spend approximately $1,700 on accessories, including mats, bed caps, tonneau covers, and bed liners. Between 1985 and 1995, sales of truck accessories grew from $13.3 billion to $26.2 billion, but discount stores have only a 14.2% share of the market., Fueled by the boom in light truck sales, truck accessories sales more than doubled over the past decade, while passenger car accessories rose only 10%. Including pickup trucks, sports utility [...]

The garden plant food and fertilizer market has gotten off to a good start in 1997 with mild weather in the South and Northeast, new formulations, and greater brand marketing. However, margins have eroded for retailers since they have held the line on prices although prices from manufacturers have risen slightly. Vigoro Corp, Purcell Industries, and Scotts are some of the leading fertilizer makers which are improving and pushing their brands., A focus on new formulations and a push for greater brand marketing are the key characteristics of the lawn fertilizer and garden plant food market as sales get off to [...]

Wal-Mart has experienced two distinct historical eras: the 30 years preceding founder Sam Walton's death, and the 5 years following it. In the post-Sam era, the company is turning to supercenter development, globalization, and internet retailing, in hopes of maintaining high growth rate. Through its supercenters, Wal-Mart hopes to become the US' largest food retailer., The 35-year history of Wal-Mart divides neatly into two eras, the 30 years prior to the death of founder Sam Walton and the five years since. What is more complicated, [...]

The Sports Authority is a 168-unit chain of sporting goods stores that racked up estimated sales of $1.3 billion in 1996. The sporting goods store chain is positioning itself to become a national chain by dominating each of its markets through a philosophy emphasizing saturation and advertising. The Sports Authority's stock has fallen out of favor with investors, dropping to $17.68 per share as of Feb 3, 1997, down from a 52-week high of $29 per share., The Sports Authority may have taken another pounding from stock speculators, but it still retains favor among analysts, who unanimously estimate that fourth quarter earnings will show a good gain [...]

Sporting goods and exercise machine retailers predict that the air walker, an exercise machine featuring two foot plates suspended within a frame that allow the user to simulate walking, will be the next big fad. The ab machine craze has peaked, and they believe that 1997 will be the year of the air walker exercise machine. The common price point of air walkers is $199, First there were ab machines, and now there is the air walker. Recognizing that ab machines have peaked, retailers and vendors are banking on 1997 being the year of the [...]

Packaged Facts estimates the outdoor furniture market will grow by 6% or 7% each year until 2000, based on current estimates of related economic factors such as housing sales and interest rates. Sales statistics for the category are given, with metal furniture the category leader with sales of $607 million in 1995. Retailer consolidation has reduced the space for sales of furniture, one factor which has manufacturers worried., The loss of numerous discounter outlets especially Best Products' 163 catalog showrooms, and uncertainty about the direction Sunbeam may take under probable new owners are generating the greatest buzz in [...]

Sports chains are focusing promotional efforts of women. Oshman's Sporting Goods is holding its fifth annual Oshman's Womens & Sports promotion from Oct 11 to Oct 13, 1996. In addition to the promotion, Oshman's has developed a coloring book called 'Girl's Sports Book,' which feature scenes of young girls participating in sports., NATIONWIDE DSN REPORT - Oshman's Sporting Goods, Houston, is coming out with a coloring book called Girl's Sports Book. It depicts scenes of young girls participating in various sports, at [...]

Outdoor furniture manufacturers have introduced products in different colors and styles to boost sagging sales from 1995 to 1996. Wrought iron furniture is selling well, while wood furniture represents only 2% to 3% of the industry. Discount retailers represent about $306.4 million of the total wholesale value, while traditional furniture stores represent about $197.3 million. The total number of manufacturers' sales reached $1 billion in 1996, compared to $940 million in 1995., DSN NATIONWIDE REPORT -- Coming off two years of essentially flat sales, the outdoor furniture category is counting on a variety of new styles and colors to jump-start the industry [...]

Customers are eager to buy cordless power tools with increased power and performance. While 7.2-volt tools had been common for home use, retailers are now offering more powerful tools. For example, Black and Decker offers 9.6-volt and 12-volt cordless units. However, the company also offers a line of 16 7.2-volt tools. The power tool market in the U.S. is worth $1.5 billion to $2 billion in annual sales., NATIONWIDE DSN REPORT - Consumers have taken to the convenience and cachet of cordless tools in a big way and are enjoying a range of products for their various DIY [...]

Phoenix, AZ-based PetsMart will open 50 new stores in 1996 to increase its total to 314 stores by Dec 31, 1996. Each new store will have a pet hospital attached to it called VetSmart. Additional new products will include saddles and bagged horse feed for those stores in neighborhoods with horses. PetsMart also plans to enter the San Diego, CA market of Petco and the Minneapolis, MN market of Pet Food Warehouse., After mopping up much of its competition through acquisitions over the past two years, PetsMart is refocusing its energies this year on internal growth. This comes on the heels of [...]

Target is using micromarketing techniques to promote related items throughout its stores. Examples include their spring 1995 'Destination Sun' program, which related items such as swimwear, suntan preparations, and picnic and beach accessories. Micromarketing also includes taking cultural and racial variations into account when stocking items, such as beauty items for African Americans in an Atlanta, GA, store or ice fishing gear for Minneapolis, MN, fishermen. Target has become committed to including pharmacies in their stores. It also includes sit-down snack bars., When it comes to hard lines merchandising, Target demonstrates the same creative flair that it shows in its marketing and promotion. Among the innovations that have recently appeared in its [...]

Sales from Wal-Mart Stores Inc's international operations could eventually reach $100 billion, but the discount giant faces several obstacles. These include competition from France's Carrefour, Holland's Makro and Japan's Yaohan. No less problematic are restrictive Indonesian laws and Mexican currency problems. After a 4th-qtr 1995 profit loss the company is proceeding gingerly in 1996. It plans to open only 30 to 35 international outlets., Wal-Mart is looking abroad for continued growth as the year 2000 fast approaches. By the turn of the century, international operations could account for 18% of corporate sales and 15% [...]

Robert Ulrich was named Discounter of the Year at the 1995 Supplier Performance Awards by Retail Category for his achievements as chairmen of Target and its parent company, Dayton Hudson Corp. Ulrich cites the Boundaryless Organization at Dayton for his success, claiming that the sharing of ideas and expertise within the company's three divisions helps make all three more competitive. Ulrich has been named Discounter of the Year twice before., 'Speed is Life.' That is the motto that moves Robert Ulrich, chairman of both Target and its parent company, Dayton Hudson Corporation. Last month, Ulrich accepted the unprecedented honor of [...]

The National Hardware Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 1995. All available square footage has been leased to over 3,000 exhibitors. Approximately 430 exhibitors are new, an increase over 150 new exhibitors in 1994. There is also a waiting list comprised of new exhibitors and present exhibitors attempting to obtain additional space. The attendance register has increased by 10% in 1995 over 1994., CHICAGO -- As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the National Hardware Show will be larger than ever and the floor show promises to be even more crowded than in '94, [...]

Discount retailer Kmart Corp will have to cut its stock dividend and use the approximately $1.8 billion in excess cash to continue to improve its business. This cash, which was generated from the sale of assets in 1994, and a depressed stock price also make the company an attractive takeover target. Additionally, Kmart's sales rose from $32.13 billion in 1993 to $34.03 billion in 1994, but income from continuing operations fell from $1.126 billion in 1993 to $620 million in 1994., With all the gloomy financial news swirling about the No. 2 discounter, including a 45% operating income Slump from continuing operations in '94, a cut in its debt rating and [...]

Tougher emissions testing and changing driving habits are presenting opportunities to discount marketers of automotive additives and motor oils. Under an EPA mandate, 31 states began requiring a stiffer exhaust emissions test on Jan 1, 1995. Fuel additives makers have introduced products claimed to control or reduce emissions. Synthetic blend motor oils could attract more money to the lubricants market., NATIONWIDE DSN REPORT -- Harder working engines and harder working government regulators are teaming up to provide new merchandising opportunities for discounters in motor oils and fuel and oil additives. [...]

Wal-Mart has an aggressive expansion policy that includes Asia and Europe as a means of maintaining double-digit growth. In 1993, Wal-Mart created an international division that has already opened Sam's Clubs in Asia. Europe is expected to be the next target as indicated by applications for foreign trade status for distribution plants in Georgia and Arizona. Wal-Mart has been familiarizing itself with the Far Eastern market by supplying clothing and other merchandise to Japanese retailer Yaohan for sale in Singapore., 'Wal-Mart employees who do not think globally are working for the wrong company.' That's the view from the top, expressed by chief executive David Glass in a recent speech. Showing [...]

Kmart is facing national publicity during a class action suit that was granted national status by an Oklahoma judge. The suit claims that the chain retail discounter defrauded customers on automobile repairs. Kmart has opposed the suit and has since received some response from other dissatisfied customers and a few former auto service employees after American Broadcasting Companies' television news program 20/20 aired an interview with the law suit's protagonist., NATIONWIDE DSN REPORT -- A national class action suit against Kmart alleging that it defrauded customers on auto repairs gained national exposure last month when the tabloid news program 20/20 [...]

Proposed federal regulations have the potential to cost retailers hundreds of millions of dollars in new operating expenses. New regulatory measures being considered by federal legislators include a ban on the use of electronic surveillance of employees, a new striker replacement bill, and mandated employee safety committees. A new program to test truck drivers for alcohol goes into effect beginning Jan 1, 1995., FREEDOM VS. SECURITY: NEW REGULATIONS DEBATED If federal regulators and lawmakers have their way, proposed new rules on the way retailers ship their goods, operate their warehouses, stock their shelves [...]

Washington D.C. is a good market for retailers because it ranks first or second in demographics that are right for retailers. The average income is $58,000 plus, with many with incomes above $75,000, and the level of education is very high. Many retailers hire employees who understand the many ethnic markets that co-exist in the area, and the typical shopping radius for each store is small, due to traffic problems that encourage consumers to shop within their own neighborhoods., Among the top 10 metro markets in the country, metropolitan Washington, including the District of Columbia and its Virginia and Maryland suburbs, ranks No. 8 in size and No. 8 [...]

Target Stores is combating both national and regional competition in the discount store arena, and is winning in some respects. Target reported a 15% increase in operating profits during 1993, despite a weak economy. The firm has focused on price-cutting measures against Wal-Mart and Kmart to increase its competitive efforts, and has continued to report a 5.6% operating profit margin. Regional competition includes such chain stores as Fred Meyer and Venture., On one flank, Target is fending off national giants Wal-Mart and Kmart as a down and dirty discounter of commodity goods, and on the other, staving off a platoon of [...]

Discounters were attracted by in the new lines of lawn and garden furniture, home security and safety equipment, environmentally-oriented outdoor living products and higher priced lawn and garden machines exhibited at the Aug 1993, National Hardware Show. Goldblatt's plans to expand its power tool products but displayed great interest in home security equipment. Bradlees hopes to continue its cedar furniture patio sales and Rose's Stores will carry small hand tools, paint, nuts and bolts and smaller items. Vendors exhibited 1,100 new hardware items, including new spreading devices that can be attached to power lawn mowers., CHICAGO - Home security and safety, along with an increased focus on lawn, patio and garden equipment and an overall move toward upscale products were among the themes to emerge [...]

Wal-Mart Stores Inc selected Turnersville, NJ for its entry into New Jersey in 1991 because it is a discount house orientated marketplace. However, Wal-Mart has not been able to become the leading discounter despite offering the lowest prices. A Leo J. Shapiro and Associates survey of Turnersville consumers found that 11% shopped at all five of the area's major discount houses, 25% patronized four and 37% used three. Consumers generally preferred shopping at Bradlees, which also was the leader in apparel sales and customer spending. K Mart Corp led in consumer electronics, toys, sporting goods and linens., When Wal-Mart attempted this fall to get planning board approval for a Sam's Club next to its discount store here, it quickly learned how much residents in Southern New Jersey [...]

Retail discount houses and warehouse stores have failed to capitalize on the growing market for water-saving devices except at stores located in drought-ridden areas. Hardware manufacturers and vendors have found an exploding market for their $5 to $7 water kits with sales to home center stores, hardware and plumbing equipment stores, public utilities and city and state governments. Nine states and many cities have laws or ordinances requiring water saving retrofits for bathrooms and kitchens. Public utilities have used giveaways and rebates to encourage usage of water-saving devices., On the retail level, the market for water-saving devices, such as low-volume shower heads, faucet aerators and toilet tank restricters, remains in its infancy, driven by the latest drought news, [...]

Retail off-price stores that sell all merchandise for $1 are suddenly booming in popularity and are expected to achieve almost $500 million sales in 1992. Ten years of growth stagnation that followed concept originator 99 Cents Only's initial 1982 opening has been replaced by an exploding industry pandered to by manufacturers, upscale malls and the general public. Everything's a $1.00 Inc, the industry leader, forecasts $250 million in sales. Arizona, Colorado and California new store openings will increase the chain's total to 390 stores in 1992., Chains Selling Everything for $1 Promise Value for the '90s As a retailing concept, closeout stores that sell everything for a dollar are now taking off, after having plodded along [...]

Throngs of retirees fleeing California smog and crime and multitudes of Canadian shoppers escaping from high prices and high taxes at home prompted Target to open its second Idaho store [...]

Green Issues Confront Automotives Industry Although environmental issues associated with packaging and household cleaners are more pressing for discounters, those related to automotive parts and chemicals are also helping to [...]

Makers Tout Green on Shelves Health and beauty aids marketing promises to become even more competitive as manufacturers claim credit for making their products and packaging more earth friendly. Manufacturers [...]

Getting Out From Down Under Australian Retailers Struggle to Rebound From Rising Inflation and Soaring Trade Deficit After gorging themselves during a two-year feast in 1988 and 1989, Australian retailers [...]

Big Three Take High Road On Environmental Front Wal-Mart earned goodwill among environmentalists when it was the first major retailer to speak out in favor of the environment in 1989. [...]

New Hair Care Makes Waves Two-In-Ones Add Volume to Shampoo Sales A wave of new, two-in-one shampoo and conditioner preparations is breaking over the health and beauty aids market, and [...]

New Prototypes Trigger Massive Spending Surge Kmart's commitment of $2.3 billion over the next five years to build 250 more stores and to relocate, enlarge and remodel existing units to [...]

Brand Switching Adds Gloss to Flat Paint Sales Brand switching was the main merchandising strategy used by discount chains last year in an attempt to squeeze more dollars out of [...]

CHESAPEAKE, VA. -- What once looked like a hot new retail concept for the '90s, a store where everything is priced at a buck, basically crashed and burned in mid-decade. [...]