 | September 3, 2010 | News for the retail industry |  |  | | - Sears hopes for sales boost from latest fashion makeover
Sears has launched a new plan to remake the fashion departments in 200 of its stores in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C., in a new attempt to boost apparel sales. Beefed-up fashion departments will feature more staff and faster deliveries of new styles, as the company known for its hardware and home appliances seeks to win fame among fashionistas. A variety of efforts during recent decades, including the 1990s "Softer Side of Sears" push, failed to win long-term fans among fashion-conscious consumers. Chicago Tribune (9/2)       - Lanvin to design cut-price collection for H&M
Lanvin has joined the ranks of Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel and Jimmy Choo, designers who have created collections for H&M. Lanvin's collection of both womenswear and menswear is set to launch in H&M stores in late November. "H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less," said Alber Elbaz, artistic director at Lanvin. The Daily Mail (London) (9/2) - Panda restaurants founder makes push into dry cleaning
Andrew Cherng, the founder of Panda Restaurant Group, is planning to expand into dry cleaning with a deal to open 150 Tide Dry Cleaners across the country during the next four years. The new concept from Procter & Gamble will mark a departure for Cherng, whose company operates Panda Express Chinese quickservice eateries at U.S. malls. Bloomberg (9/2)  | How are your competitors using cross-channel to get ahead—and how can you achieve more? Multichannel retailing is now the norm, but cross-channel strategies vary widely—and so do the results! Boost yours by leveraging the insights in Martec's original research on Multichannel Retailing 2010: Facts, Issues, and Opportunities for Growth. Download your copy now! | - August ushers in better-than-expected retail sales
Retailers reported a surprisingly strong end to the summer with sales increases that beat analysts' expectations. Consumers were spurred by tax-free shopping days and back-to-school sales, as well as heat waves that led shoppers to snap up the last of the discounted summer styles. Merchants reported an average same-store sales increase of 3.3%, according to Thomson Reuters. Chains across the board, including Macy's, Kohl's, Victoria's Secret and Costco, were among the merchants that ended the summer on a higher-than-expected note. The Wall Street Journal (9/3) , CNBC (9/2) , MediaPost Communications/Marketing Daily (9/2) - August markdowns made the difference for merchants: Retailers benefited more than expected from serious sale pricing in the month of August, with many marking down brand-new merchandise after slower sales earlier in the summer led to worries about the back-to-school season. The move marked a departure for many retailers who had earlier vowed to avoid more deep discounting after recession-era price cuts that ate into profits and trained consumers to expect sale prices. The New York Times (free registration) (9/2)
- U.S. apparel companies pressure Bangladesh on working conditions
U.S. apparel retailers and manufacturers are turning greater attention to working conditions in Bangladesh's garment factories, amid reports of government repression and arrests of union activists. Meanwhile, U.S. House members sent a letter to six top retailers including Wal-Mart, J.C. Penney and H&M, urging them go public with requests for the Bangladesh government to free two jailed labor leaders and halt trade with two manufacturing conglomerates until the detainees are released. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (9/2)  | Mobile technology can provide a platform for interactive real time workforce management. Equipped with mobile devices, managers and employees can communicate seamlessly to exchange information, staff shifts and ultimately improve the customer shopping experience. Download this complimentary article to get insight on the impact of mobile technology on workforce management. |
 - A/X Armani videos aim to reach and teach young fashion fans
Armani's A/X Armani brand has created a new series of videos designed to speak to the chic chain's target demographic -- 20- and 30-somethings with a sense of style. Videos on the company's website feature fashion experts discussing trends and displaying the latest looks, and links on the site let viewers share the videos with their social networks. InternetRetailer.com (9/2)  | Supercharging the Online Channel
Getting to the right shoppers and then converting them to buyers in your online store is every retailer's key objective. Short purchase windows, impatient buyers, and new mandates around security are creating unprecedented demands on commerce sites. Learn how to attract customers to your site, optimize their online shopping experience and drive more transactions. Watch the webinar NOW! |
| NRF News |  | | | - The retail executive's talent checklist
A recent survey by NRF and Deloitte reveals a strong desire by retailers to improve and capitalize on the talent market, but some companies are struggling to translate talent management strategy into action. Take a peek at the study findings to view the latest in retail talent trends, what it takes to grow and retain top talent and what's included on the retail executive's talent checklist. View the study. - NRF SmartStat: Sept. 3, 2010
 Three companies appeared for the first time this year on the list of shoppers' favorite 50 online retailers: Express.com, Aeropostale and Nike.com. Source: STORES survey conducted by BIGresearch - Get a look inside the "most fun retailer in the world"
Outdoor specialty retailer Moosejaw's goal? Sell the best gear and apparel in the world and have the most fun while they do it. At RAMA's Creative Summit, Nov. 11 in Dallas, hear Moosejaw creative director Gary Wohlfeill outline how the company fosters meaningful connections with their customers through social media and mobile retailing. Read more.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - Burger King agrees to $4 billion buyout offer
Private investment firm 3G Capital agreed Thursday to acquire Burger King in a leveraged-buyout deal worth about $4 billion, including the assumption of the chain's debts. Burger King's U.S. sales have been struggling amid the uncertain job market for its core consumers, and 3G said Thursday it plans to expand the brand in international markets with a focus on Asia and Latin America. The firm holds a stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev NV and has made earlier investments in Wendy's and Carl's Jr., but the Burger King deal would be its first acquisition. The New York Times (free registration) (9/2) , The Wall Street Journal (9/3) - Seattle's Best brand is now offered at Subway and Burger King
Starbucks-owned Seattle's Best brand is now available in about 30,000 stores and restaurants, a tenfold increase in the last six months. The increased exposure is the result of new and bigger distribution deals that put the brew in a slew of large chains including Subway, Burger King and AMC Theaters. CNBC (9/2) | Editor's Note | | | | - SmartBrief will not be published Monday
In observance of Labor Day in the U.S., SmartBrief will not be published Monday, Sept. 6. Publication will resume Tuesday. | Career Track | | | |
 | |  | | | | | | |  |  Director of Merchandising | Total Wine & More | Potomac, MD | | Store Team Leader - Tucson | Target Corporation | Tucson, AZ | | Principal Business Consultant | Oracle Corporation | Atlanta, GA | | Online Buyer - Home Electronics | Sears | Hoffman Estates, IL | | Analyst | Oakley, Inc | Foothill Ranch, CA | | Human Resources Director, Merchant Development | Wal-Mart | Bentonville, AR | | CRM Credit Card Marketing Analyst | HSN | St. Petersburg, FL | | Buyer | Headquarters Marine Corps, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) | Quantico, VA | | Assistant Buyer | Headquarters Marine Corps/Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) | Quantico, VA | | SVP of Merchandising | Neiman Marcus | Dallas, TX | | VP of Neiman Marcus Stores Marketing | Neiman Marcus | Dallas , TX | | e-Commerce Retail Manager | AutoZone, Inc. | Memphis, TN | | Director, CRM & Rewards Program | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Manager of Children's (Kids) Product Development | TJX Companies | Boston, MA | | SR. Pet Product Development Design Specialist | TJX Companies | Boston, MA | | VP of Business Systems & Process Implementation / Administration | Dick's Sporting Goods | Pittsburgh, PA | | Director, Public Affairs | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Graphic Designer - Apparel | Tween Brands | New Albany, OH | | Director, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) | Headquarters Marine Corps | Yuma, AZ | | Social Media Specialist | The Finish Line | Indianapolis, IN | | Email Marketing Manager | The Finish Line | Indianapolis, IN | | | |  | |  | |
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