 | October 19, 2010 | News for the retail industry |  |  | | - Charlotte Russe CEO: Never stop being a startup
To run a huge company, you need to hang on to your startup state of mind, says Jenny Ming, the former Old Navy boss who now runs Charlotte Russe. Giant corporations still need a scrappy, innovative culture and an ability to prioritize, Ming says, and that has to come from the top. "When [Old Navy was] a $3 billion company, someone said to me, 'Jenny, we're not a startup,'" Ming recalls. "And I said to them, 'I think we have to have that mentality of a startup,' because I think it's very healthy to think that way." The New York Times (free registration) (10/16)       - Wet Seal: How mobile and social shopping changes the specialty retail game
Wet Seal aims to be on the cutting edge of social networking and mobile commerce, with a new mobile app and Facebook game aimed at expanding user-generated content and offering social-minded shoppers the chance to become virtual stylists. The new app builds on Wet Seal's Fashion Community, launched two years ago, which lets users fill their closets with a personalized mix of pieces from Wet Seal's website and Facebook. STORES magazine (10/2010) - Target forges ahead with smaller-store remodels
Target has spent much of this year remodeling many of its smaller stores to include more fresh produce, meat and baked goods, spurring talk among industry executives about just how big the small-store trend may become. Adding groceries to the merchandise mix is a way to bring shoppers into smaller stores more often, without having to build superstores, says one retail consultant. MediaPost Communications/Marketing Daily (10/18) - J.C. Penney moves to head off activist investors
J.C. Penney's board of directors enacted a shareholders' rights plan -- also known as a "poison-pill" provision -- aimed at preventing activist investors from acquiring too much control over the 108-year-old retail chain. The move came after entities controlled by activist investors William Ackman and Steven Roth took a combined 26% stake in the retail chain, whose significant cash position and sizable real-estate holdings make it an attractive target. The Dallas Morning News (10/19)  | How "Like" and Share Work Together: 6 Best Practices
Wondering when to use the Facebook "Like" button on your site and when to use "share?" You're not alone. Learn the 6 best practices for combining "Like" and Share to maximize both referral traffic and data.
Download Whitepaper Now | - Shoppers are expected to make holidays a bit merrier this year
Consumers expect to spend a bit more on their holiday shopping this season, focusing less on deep discounts and more on customer service and product quality than they did last year, according to data released Tuesday by NRF and BIGresearch. "Consumers will still shop with the economy in the back of their minds, but we're starting to see shoppers take baby steps toward a new normal," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. "As Americans open up their wallets for more discretionary gifts like jewelry or take advantage of sales to buy for themselves, retailers will begin to truly believe that the worst may be behind them." The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires (10/19) , Los Angeles Times (10/19) - Department stores to woo fast-fashion fans
Department stores have felt the effects of increased competition from fast-fashion chains including H&M, Forever 21 and Zara. Now, companies including J.C. Penney and Macy's are launching exclusive lines aimed at bringing fast-fashion fans back to the department store. Success will depend on department store chains adjusting their business models to meet the demands of a faster-paced supply chain, says retail analyst Amy Noblin. "There is definitely a learning curve for the department stores." CNBC/Consumer Nation (10/18)  | Adobe Mobile Experience Survey: What Users Want from Media, Finance, Travel & Shopping. With more than 4.5 billion cell phone subscribers worldwide, it's no wonder businesses are betting big on mobile. Get a first-of-its-kind, bird's eye view of what consumers are doing on their mobile devices and what most engages them across 4 key industries. Download the whitepaper. | - Peapod revs up home delivery in Indiana
Online grocer Peapod has expanded to Indiana, with home delivery offered four days a week in Marion, Hamilton, Hendricks and Johnson counties. Though other home-delivery services have not caught on in Indianapolis, Peapod, founded in 1989, has expanded its services to 11 states and appeals to a range of consumers. The Indianapolis Star (10/19) - For small businesses, finding new sales outlets is a process
Each time artisans and small manufacturers find a new place to sell their wares, they have the potential to raise both brand awareness and sales. It's an ongoing process with some proven steps, including creating an online store and using social media to get the product's name out, says Shop.org's interim executive director Joan Broughton. USA TODAY (10/18) - Video can boost your business without breaking the budget
Video content has been proved to increase website responses, yet many small-business owners continue to shy away from the medium. Prasad Thammineni says he likes video because you can get a big response from a relatively small investment and recommends business owners give their videos some personality and post them on YouTube. Small Business Trends (10/18)  | Dell™ Latitude™ XT2 Tablet— Innovative multi-touch responsive screen, dual-digitizer for low pressure and high touch accuracy has taken superb to a new level. Ships with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo SU9600 with VT. Call (800) 247-2304 today to receive 30% off select* Dell™ Latitude XT2 Tablets or go online to learn more.
*All offers subject to change, see web page for complete details. |
| NRF News |  | | | - Economy still impacting retail, but glimmers of hope appear
The economy will continue to impact consumer spending during the 2010 holiday season, according to NRF's first holiday survey, though NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said survey results indicate retailers are "starting to see shoppers take baby steps toward a new normal." The survey, conducted by BIGresearch, also found U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $688.87 on holiday-related shopping, a slight rise from last year's $681.83. Read more. - NRF SmartStat: Oct. 19, 2010
 With the enactment of a Value Added Tax, a family of four with an income of $70,000 would pay $2,400 in VAT taxes annually, a 100% increase over their current federal income tax payment. Source: NRF report compiled by Ernst & Young - Manufacturing execs: Should you sell direct?
As more manufacturers decide to compete online and sell direct to consumers, challenges such as marketing conflicts, process changes, and technology strains arise. Join a STORES Knowledge Series webinar on Oct. 21 to learn how this approach impacts traditional retail partnerships and the technical challenges manufacturers should consider before jumping into the Internet retailing space. Learn more.
- Remodeled Starbucks serves a taste of the chain's future
Beer and wine are on tap at a newly remodeled Starbucks store in Seattle, as the company tests new features on its home turf. The shop's new decor features muted colors and distinctive touches designed to give it the feel of a neighborhood cafe rather than immediately screaming "Starbucks." The new concept focuses on sustainability, getting customers in the door in the evenings and an updated menu. USA TODAY (10/18)  | Good pair of shoes? Or a great career?
Forgo that new pair of shoes and put your hard earned money toward finding a satisfying career. Tap into the practical advice and proven strategies of 20 of the best recruiters, coaches, columnists and experts at the fully online Career Summit 2010. The first of 13 sessions starts on 10/26. Register today! | | Career Track | | | |
 | |  | | | | | | |  |  Inventory Control Analyst | Castle Megastore Group | Tempe, AZ | | Key Account Manager- Internet | Chanel Inc | New York, NY | | Branch Head, Field Operations | Headquarters Marine Corps/Marine Corps Exchanges | Quantico, VA | | Merchandising Branch Head | Headquarters Marine Corps/Marine Corps Exchanges | Quantico, VA | | Senior Marketing Manager-Customer Experience | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Division Merchandise Manager | Sears | Hoffman Estates, IL | | Human Resources Manager | Neiman Marcus | Dallas, TX | | Senior Planner | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Product Development Foods Associate | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | Merchandise Planner - Emblematic Apparel and Gifts, U.S. Stores | Follett Higher Education Group | Oak Brook, IL | | Foods Product Development Associate Sourcing Manager | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | Foods Product Development Sourcing Manager | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | Senior Merchandise Planner - Emblematic Apparel and Gifts, U.S. Stores | Follett Higher Education Group | Oak Brook, IL | | Director of Stores | Confidential | Los Angeles, CA | | Senior Retail Marketing Manager | Cabela's | Sidney, NE | | Inventory Accountant - Intermediate | Follett Higher Education Group | Oak Brook, IL | | Head of eCommerce Operations | Crate and Barrel | Northbrook, IL | | Manager of Associate Relations | Chico's FAS, Inc. | Fort Myers, FL | | Controller | Pacific Gateway Concessions | South San Francisco, CA | | Buyer/Merchant (Foods Merchandising) | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | Branch Head Logistics & Communication | Headquarters Marine Corps/Marine Corps Exchanges | Quantico, VA | | Website Analyst | Follett Higher Education Group | Oak Brook, IL | | Category Manager - Own Brands (Food & Consumables) | Sears | Hoffman Estates, IL | | | |  | |  | |
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