Gordon Haskett analysts Chuck Grom, John Parke, and Garrett Greenblatt have updated the firm's 'Shades of Grey' portfolio by downgrading four stocks -- Dollar Tree (DLTR) to Reduce from Accumulate, Five Below (FIVE) to Accumulate from Buy, BJ's (BJ) to Hold from Buy, and Tractor Supply (TSCO) to Accumulate from Buy -- and upgrading one stock -- Nordstrom (JWN) to Accumulate from Hold. They also called Dollar General (DG), Target (TGT), and Walmart (WMT) their top ideas. The analysts said the recalibrations were made "very cautiously" and receommended leaning into the new year slowly until more data is released and we have a better grasp on the Q4 and holiday results, 2020 guidance, and overall positioning. The analysts added that they are "sticking to [their] playbook, which is rooted in identifying companies in good retail verticals with strong company-specific comp/GPM drivers to support profitable market share gains."

BJ's Wholesale appointed Rachael Vegas as Executive VP, Chief Merchandising Officer, effective October 25. Vegas will be responsible for the strategic leadership of the company's merchandising and assortment planning and allocation functions. Most recently, Vegas was Senior VP, Ecommerce Merchandising at H-E-B. Prior to H-E-B, Vegas held various leadership positions at Brandless, Target and Delhaize Group. Tim Morningstar will assume the role of Executive VP, Chief Membership Officer, effective October 25. Morningstar joined BJ's in 2020 as Senior Vice President, Membership Acquisition and Loyalty and leads the company's membership and marketing functions. Monica Schwartz will assume the role of Executive VP, Chief Digital Officer, effective October 25. Schwartz joined BJ's in 2020 as Senior Vice President, Chief Digital Officer.

In SPAC news this week, WeWork closed its deal to come public, a Walmart-backed robotics and automation company Symbotic is reportedly in talks to merge with a SPAC and former President Trump is looking to launch a media company to battle the likes of Twitter (TWTR) and Facebook (FB). TRUMP MEDIA SENDS... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here