Daily QuickWit (12/1) – Top Retail News of the Day

Amazon repeats as Black Friday “Champs”

Amazon did it again by capturing the highest share (17.5%) of Black Friday 2021 spending, according to Numerator. The total spending reflects all retailer banners across fast-moving consumer goods channels, eCommerce, apparel and specialty stores. Online sales accounted for 38.1% of overall sales on Black Friday, up 11.5 points from last year. Amazon was the top retailer for all generations except Gen Z, who spent more of their Black Friday dollars at Walmart (12.7%). 

Kroger adds new leadership on Private Label

Kroger appointed Juan De Paoli as vice president of its private label division. De Paoli previously served as senior vice president of private label for Ahold Delhaize. He also worked at private label manufacturer Topco Associates and as a director in H-E-B’s own brands department.

Toys R Us is back, and opening a flagship store

The two-level, 20,000-square-foot location at the American Dream megamall in New Jersey is set to open in the middle of December. Toys R Us is taking another shot at opening up a store in the United States after its comeback plans were thwarted earlier this year due to the Covid pandemic. In January 2021, the last two remaining Toys R Us stores in the U.S. closed as shopper visits to malls dropped off during the health crisis.

Edgewell acquires DTC razor brand Billie

Edgewell, the maker of Schick, Wilkinson Sword and Skintimate, has acquired DTC razor brand Billie for $310 million in cash. Billie will continue to be led by its co-founders, Georgina Gooley and Jason Bravman. The deal comes after the FTC had recently blocked two deals of similar nature: Edgewell’s acquisition of Harry’s and P&G’s acquisition of Billie.

Burger King puts limits on “Your Way”

Looks like the definition of “Having it Your Way” just got narrowed down. Burger King’s performance has been lagging behind the competition, and they announced  will cut menu items in the U.S. to speed up its drive-thru service. Jose Cil, CEO of parent company Restaurant Brands International, said cutting down service times is an “easy win” to drive sales volume.