  | April 11, 2011 | News for the retail industry |  |  | |
- Macy's boosts service training
Macy's is back in growth mode with new training programs that include longer training sessions for new associates and seasonal refresher courses aimed at improving the chain's reputation for service. The curriculum has shifted from teaching staff to stick to scripted greetings and comments to making more natural connections with shoppers. "Customers were telling us, 'Stop saying everything is 'outstanding,'" said Kristen Cox, group vice president of selling effectiveness and store communications. The Wall Street Journal (4/11)       - Urban Outfitters targets global markets
Urban Outfitters has booked double-digit growth each year since going public in 1993, a feat in recent years as rivals struggled to survive the recession. Despite slowing sales and unexpected markdowns during the recent holiday season, the company known for its hip twists on youth culture remains in growth mode, with plans to open its first BHLDN bridal store, 14 Free People locations and about 40 new namesake and Anthropologie stores in international markets. The retailer sees its future growth coming largely from entering new global markets and creating additional brands. The Philadelphia Inquirer (4/10) - Trustee objects to Borders plan for $8 million in bonuses
The Office of the U.S. Trustee filed an objection to Borders Group's plan to pay more than $8 million in bonuses to high-level employees before the company finalizes a plan of reorganization. The bookseller is working to address the agency's concerns. The bonuses are meant as retention pay to keep key employees on board as the company reorganizes, a spokeswoman said. The Wall Street Journal (4/8)  | Iconic Kids Play Amenity Boosts Shopper Traffic
"We decided to honor many of the icons in our community," says GGP's Florence Mall Senior General Manager Greg Comte, who believes the new play amenity is boosting mall traffic. "We knew we had to do something special and this seems to be a real crowd-pleaser." MORE | | Retail trends |  | | | - Higher gas prices have consumers flocking to discounters' pumps
Chains including Costco, Wal-Mart and BJ's Wholesale Club are seeing fuel sales rise as higher prices send consumers seeking cheaper gas options, but they're also likely to see sales inside the stores suffer as shoppers tighten spending in other areas, industry experts say. "Although we would rather have lower gas prices and more spending in the store, we do see a pickup in traffic to our gas stations and a small pickup in memberships," said Richard Galanti, CFO of Costco, which has seen gas sales rise 30% in the current quarter. The Wall Street Journal (4/11) - Lundgren and Hilfiger share tales of retail's risks and rewards
Taking risks such as turning down the security of a position with an established company to strike out on your own can bring big rewards, designer Tommy Hilfiger told University of Arizona retailing students last week. UA alum and Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren shared his own post-graduation story: he surprised even himself when he passed up a bigger paycheck to take a job at Bullock's, which later became part of Macy's. "All I wanted was a new car, but I surprised myself. You have to go where it's a good fit for you," he said. Arizona Daily Star (Tucson) (4/9) - Variety is the spice of spring shoe collections
Bright colors, wedge heels, animal prints and espadrilles are among the hot shoe styles as women step into spring, but the season's variety offers something for almost everyone, retail fashion buyers and trend experts say. "I can't remember a time when we have seen so many spring shoe options. And we are seeing them in every heel height -- from flat to sky-high," said Nordstrom fashion director Gregg Andrews. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (4/8)  | The Plum Card®
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  - Experts advise merchants to keep QR content valuable
As mobile shopping gains in popularity, retailers from Macy's to Best Buy to Sephora are experimenting with quick-response codes that smartphone users can scan to access websites, promotions, product information and style-focused content. Experts advise merchants to pay particular attention to providing relevant and useful content when crafting QR campaigns. "You better get something good. I'm talking about an exclusive discount," said Chris Mason, co-founder of mobile commerce company Branding Brand. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (4/10) - Smartphone app simplifies grocery shopping
Tim Stanford and Kate Cass have developed a free application for iPhones that allows users to scan the bar codes of products in their pantry to easily develop shopping lists. The app can organise the lists into aisles that align with the supermarket layout. "The idea for the application was born when Kate's husband suggested he do the weekly shop," said Stanford. "Upon his return Kate found she had all kinds of weird and wonderful things, not to mention the things he forgot ... forcing her to go back to the shops. Something so frustrating that we all can relate to." The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (4/8)  | Akamai - The Right Partner with the Right Solution
Are you failing to to satisfy user expectations for an outstanding online shopping experience? Do you need to accelerate your dynamic content? Do you strive to be a retailer that pushes the envelope with site technology and offerings? Learn why the Akamai Dynamic Site Accelerator is the right solution for those issues and more. |
 - Tragedies highlight need for workplace violence training
 Twelve people died and another 16 were wounded in three retail shooting incidents between Thursday night and Saturday morning. The most recent incidents highlight the need to train employees in the proper handling of in-store shooting situations and other incidents of violence, using programs provided by National Retail Federation and the Department of Homeland Security, writes Joe LaRocca, senior asset protection advisor for NRF, which will host a session on the subject at its Loss Prevention Conference in June. NRF Blog (4/11)  | Health care reform got you down? Learn more from UnitedHealthcare on how the federal changes to medical benefits will affect you and your employees. This comprehensive guide highlights incentives for enrollment and a timeline of important dates and deadlines. Don't let them pass you by—Learn more here! |
 | Hot Topics | | | | Top five news stories selected by NRF SmartBrief readers in the past week. - Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.
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| NRF News | | | | - RFID: It's only as good as the associates who know how to use it
The use of radio-frequency identification in retail can mean improved efficiency in tracking products and increased levels of asset visibility. But do your associates know how to apply and evaluate RFID data? NRF University wired, NRF Foundation's e-learning platform, now offers an interactive course on RFID essentials, which highlights the technology basics, data sharing, application examples and implementation -- the perfect training for retail associates in IT, finance, operations, engineering or sales. Learn more.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - P.F. Chang's plans to open in 7 Canadian markets
P.F. Chang's has signed a deal with restaurant-management company Interaction Asian Restaurants to begin opening restaurants in seven Canadian markets next year. Scottsdale, Ariz., P.F. Chang's China Bistro, which operates its namesake casual Chinese chain as well as the quickservice concept Pei Wei Asian Diner, also plans to add more than 12 new U.S. eateries this year and up to 10 international units. Bloomberg Businessweek/The Associated Press (4/8) | Career Track | | | |  | |  | | | | |  |  Internal IT Auditor II | Dollar General | Goodlettsville, TN | | Senior Manager, Retail Operations | Total Wine | Potomac, MD | | Vice President of Supply Chain & Replenishment | Total Wine | Potomac, MD | | Flagship Store Manager | MacKenzie-Childs | New York, NY | | Marketing Manager Coupon Team | Target | Minneapolis, MN | | Senior Manager, Site Planning | Target | 55402, MN | | Assistant Buyer | Headquarters Marine Corps/MWR & Business Operations | Quantico, VA | | Business Process Consultant Target.com | Target | Minneapolis, MN | | 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 | | 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 | | Senior Marketing Manager | Stage Stores, Inc. | Houston, TX | | Director of Customer Loyalty | Aeropostale | New York, NY | | Energy Manager | Tractor Supply Company | Brentwood, TN | | Inventory Manager | Tractor Supply Company | Brentwood, TN | | | |  | |  |
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Total spending on Easter-related merchandise is expected to reach $14.6 billion. Source: 
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