Today in Retail: Kimberly-Clark Expects Higher Sales; Walmart to Strengthen Local Business Ties

Today in retail, Kimberly-Clark predicts higher sales this year despite raising prices, while Walmart continues to strengthen its ties with local businesses. Plus, Home Depot Chief Information Officer Matt Carey shifts into the role of executive vice president of customer experience, and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered resale baby gear marketplace Rebelstork expands into the U.S.

Kimberly-Clark Increases Prices, Predicts Higher Sales for FY22

While Kimberly-Clark Corporation plans to increase prices as inflation continues to rise, it still expects to see higher sales for fiscal 2022. The company’s first-quarter 2022 net sales increased 7% year over year to $5.1 billion, including a 10% increase in organic sales during that three-month period. Kimberly-Clark has boosted its full-year organic sales growth target to 4% to 6% from the previous 3% to 4%.

Walmart Focuses on Expanding ‘Strong Ties’ With Local Businesses

In a bid to monetize its assets and deep roots with the 5,000 U.S. communities where it has stores, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said the company is doubling down in its strategy and aiming to leverage its local ties. McMillon’s comments come as the retail giant announced that it plans to host its annual shareholders’ meeting virtually June 1, a bit more than two weeks after it reports its quarterly earnings May 17.

Home Depot Moves Longtime CIO Into New Tech Role

Chief Information Officer Matt Carey will be Home Depot’s executive vice president of customer experience and will be replaced by Fahim Siddiqui, who has served as the company’s senior vice president of information technology since 2018. Carey has been CIO since 2008 and helped drive Home Depot’s efforts to survive pandemic lockdowns and restrictions by using digital tools. In his new position, Carey will be responsible for the design and development of customer-experience technology, while Siddiqui will oversee tech strategy, infrastructure and software development for stores, online systems and supply chain facilities.

AI-Powered Resale Baby Gear Marketplace Rebelstork Makes US Debut

Overstock, open box and used baby clothing company Rebelstork has expanded into the U.S. Rebelstork is a sustainable platform that connects buyers and sellers with real-time market pricing and product information using technology. The expansion will bring Rebelstork’s resell service to Brooklyn, New York, and the company will sell across Canada and all 50 U.S. states.