 | April 14, 2011 | News for the retail industry |  |  | |
- Consumers spent more in March, much of it at the pump
Consumer spending rose 0.4% in March, much of that stemming from higher gas prices that had drivers paying more at the pump, according to a Commerce Department report released Wednesday. Excluding gas, shoppers spent 0.1% more in March, a sign that consumers' confidence is tempered with caution. "While current indicators point to a more confident consumer, increasing gas prices and a cramped job market could hamper consumer spending during the upcoming summer months, a key time of year for retailers," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. TIME/The Associated Press (4/13), The Wall Street Journal (4/14), American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (4/13)       - Wal-Mart to cut electronics space in favor of fashions
Wal-Mart plans to make its consumer electronics departments smaller to devote more space to clothing, a move that reflects a decline in sales of flat-screen TVs and other electronics, the company said this week. "You don't need as much space in that area with products shrinking and purchases going online, and electronics has narrow profit margins. Floor space is a scarce commodity," said Craig Johnson, president of consulting firm Customer Growth Partners. Bloomberg (4/12) - Company schools would-be Wal-Mart vendors in the art of the discount deal: Consumer-product vendors have long known that getting their wares on Wal-Mart shelves can be a tricky and sometimes drawn-out process. In 2006, a group of former employees formed 8th & Walton, a company that now offers about 80 classes for Wal-Mart vendors looking to add shelf space for new products and boost sales of their wares at Wal-Mart. Portfolio.com/Reuters (4/13)
- Home Depot's charitable arm to improve veterans' housing
The Home Depot Foundation will shift much of its charitable giving from organizations that build new homes for low-income people to focus on improving housing for military veterans. The philanthropic arm of the home-improvement retailer said it plans to contribute $30 million during the next three years to organizations that rehabilitate housing for veterans. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (4/13)  | Prevent employee theft in distribution centers
Brijot's Loss Prevention solution can be easily integrated into your existing security procedures. Personnel in your warehouses or DC's can screen for concealed items with fast throughput scanners and you are able to protect your assets without worrying about employee health or privacy concerns. | - Baby formula proves the biggest ticket for retail thieves
Organized retail theft of baby formula has become such a problem that retailers often have to keep the product under lock and key and lawmakers are considering federal legislation that would make the crime subject to racketeering laws. "Grocery chains will tell you that formula is targeted so often that in some cases they have locked it up, moved it behind the cash register, strategically put it on the floor and in some cases, they put a limited supply on the shelves," said NRF's Joe LaRocca ABC News (4/13) - Report: Consumers shifted clothes shopping to specialty stores
Specialty apparel stores picked up market share from mass merchants as shoppers focused more on value-priced fashion in the 12-months ended Feb. 28, according to a new report from The NPD Group. Specialty stores commanded 32.4% of the overall apparel market, up from 31.1% in the previous 12-month period, while mass merchants saw their share drop from 21.4% to 19.8%. "Consumers are looking for fashion again, and looks that feel and look right, and are willing to pay a little more for it," said NPD analyst Marshal Cohen. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (4/13) - Are consumers better prepared for high fuel costs now?
Consumers who weathered sticker shock at the pump when prices broke the $3 barrier and stayed there in 2008 may be more prepared this time around, with middle- and upper-income consumers likely to absorb the higher prices with few changes to their shopping habits, say some industry experts. For lower income consumers, the estimated $750 more they'll spend on gas this year may mean a continuation of the recession-era rivalry between discount chains and dollar stores. CNBC (4/13)  | Akamai - The Right Partner with the Right Solution
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 | Retail Technology |  | | | - Simple is better when it comes to in-store mobile devices
 Rather than getting overwhelmed by the plethora of new mobile gadgets, retailers can make the most of the new technology by starting with an evaluation of the solutions mobile technology can bring to specific problems, say some retail IT experts. For example, stores looking to speed checkouts during busy times could arm associates with mobile devices to cash out customers whose purchases aren't complicated. StorefrontBacktalk (4/11)  | Business Gold Rewards Card® from American Express OPEN has unlimited Membership Rewards® points potential:
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  - Be ready for higher inflation -- or not
Although Federal Reserve officials have made it clear that they do not anticipate raising interest rates to head off inflation, not all business owners are sure the central bankers have it right. To hedge your bets, experts recommend keeping inventories lean while maintaining tight controls on hiring and overhead. "It's about constantly reviewing your costs and structure. It's back to the basics," consultant Jay Silver says. The Wall Street Journal (4/12), Crain's New York Business (4/8)  | The Print Big Save Big Sale. Save up to 55% on all banners. Affordable, custom-made signs, banners, posters and displays from FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers℠. Get your message out in a big way with everything from full-color banners to photo-quality posters, to yard signs, auto magnets and more. Offer ends 5/15. |
| NRF News | | | | - Senate aide newest addition to NRF lobbying team
Veteran Senate staffer Beth Provenzano has been hired to serve as NRF's Senior Director for Federal Government Relations, a new position directing engagement with senators and staff. Provenzano joins NRF from the Office of the Secretary of the Senate and is the latest in a string of hires following the implementation of NRF's new strategic plan which focuses on increased policy advocacy, communications and grassroots engagement. Read more. - NRF SmartStat: April 14, 2011
 Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) for March increased 3.9% unadjusted from the same time last year. Source: NRF. - NRF says Senate privacy bill will "over-regulate" Main Street
Broad privacy legislation introduced in the Senate this week could subject consumers to a blizzard of privacy notices that would do little to prevent identity theft or address other serious privacy concerns, according to NRF. "We appreciate senators' interest in privacy but they should focus on genuine problems rather than over-regulating Main Street businesses," NRF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Mallory Duncan said. Read more.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - McDonald's goes global with local-sourcing strategy
Claims that McDonald's beef and other ingredients are locally sourced are popping up on marketing materials in more of the chain's markets, including restaurants in Canada that advertises "100% pure Canadian beef in every bite," of its newly launched Angus Third Pounder line. The company touts similar local sourcing efforts in several other markets including Australia, New Zealand and the U.K., but stops short in the U.S. where a portion of its beef is imported. BurgerBusiness.com (4/12) | Career Track | | | |  | |  | | | | | | Director of Store Operations | Five Below, Inc. | Philadelphia, PA | | Flagship Store Manager | MacKenzie-Childs | New York, NY | | Assistant Buyer | Headquarters Marine Corps/MWR & Business Operations | Quantico, VA | | Business Analyst-Merchandising | Headquarters Marine Corps/MWR & Business Operations | Quantico, VA | | Fixtures & Equipment Project Manager | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Sr. Manager Recruiting | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Senior Corporate Internal Auditor | PetSmart, Inc. | Phoenix, AZ | | Retail Store Manager | Kitty Hawk Kites/Kitty Hawk Surf Company | Rodanthe, NC | | Director of Customer Loyalty | Aeropostale | New York, NY | | Senior Marketing Manager | Stage Stores, Inc. | Houston, TX | | Divisional Merchandise Manager- 2 positions available/Softlines and Consumables | Headquarters Marine Corps, MWR & Business Operations | Quantico, VA | | Learning Solutions Manager - Southeast Region | Petsmart, Inc | Multiple Locations, United States | | Learning Solutions Manager - Northeast Region | Petsmart, Inc | Multiple Locations, United States | | Energy Manager | Tractor Supply Company | Brentwood, TN | | Inventory Manager | Tractor Supply Company | Brentwood, TN | | Marketing Manager Coupon Team | Target | Minneapolis, MN | | Senior Manager, Site Planning | Target | 55402, MN | | Business Process Consultant Target.com | Target | Minneapolis, MN | | Director of Campaign Analysis | Chico's FAS, Inc. | Fort Myers, FL | | | |  | |  |
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