Meet This Year’s Class
Have you received your May issue of GPN yet?
If you haven’t, be on the lookout for it because in this issue you will get to meet GPN’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2020.
Now in our ninth year, GPN’s 40 Under 40 program recognizes our industry’s brightest young stars.
These 40 up-and-comers will be piloting our industry into the future. They are making things happen today and changing the way tomorrow will look.
They were nominated by their peers for their exemplary leadership, creativity, compassion and innovative thinking.
Over the years, we have recognized 360 men and women are really making things happen on the job, at home and in their communities — and this year’s group of honorees is in a class of its own.
So without further ado, click here to meet the Class of 2020.
— Tim
Walmart Hourly Associates to Get Additional Bonus
Walmart plans to provide another special cash bonus to all U.S. hourly associates to recognize them for their many contributions during the coronavirus pandemic. The bonus will be $300 for full-time hourly associates and $150 for part-time hourly and temporary associates, and will add up to more than $390 million for the mass merchandiser. Associates must be employed by the company as of June 5 to qualify, and it will pay out on June 25. With this announcement of $390 million, Walmart has committed more than $935 million in bonuses for associates so far this year.
Costco Sets Sights on First Arkansas Store
Costco has announced plans to open its first store in Arkansas. The warehouse club reportedly has selected a site in the southwest corner of the capital city of Little Rock for its first club location. According to news reports, the company is targeting a mid-2021 date for the store’s opening. Construction on the new 165,000 sq. ft. facility is expected to begin next February and bring in approximately 250 jobs to the region. With a new Arkansas store opening, Costco will now have stores in 45 states.
Downloads for Home Improvement Retail Apps Surge
In April, the three major home improvement retailers saw record-breaking numbers when it comes to downloads of their online apps. According to the website Apptopia, Home Depot’s app was downloaded more than 705,000 times last month, while Lowe’s app was downloaded 527,000 time. Midwest-based Menard’s came in third 116,000 downloads. The RetailDive.com reports that due to the coronavirus, homebound consumers are looking to do more DIY projects and are turning to the retailers’ digital platforms so they can shop safely.
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