 | June 9, 2011 | News for the retail industry |  |  | |
- Senate declines to delay swipe-fee reform
The Senate sided with retail interests on Wednesday when it rejected a measure that would have delayed implementation of a plan to cut bank fees on debit-card transactions, which is set to take effect on July 21. It's a win for the retail and restaurant industries, which have been fighting a push-back by banks since Congress passed the reform bill last year. "With the economy still trying to gain momentum and consumers facing skyrocketing costs for necessities like food and fuel, this badly reform needed will help ensure our nation's economic recovery. It will prevent more than a billion dollars a month from being pocketed by big banks and, in turn, allow retailers to hold down prices for consumers," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. The Washington Post (6/8), Nation's Restaurant News (free registration) (6/8), InternetRetailer.com (6/8), Yahoo!/The Associated Press (6/8), San Francisco Chronicle/Bloomberg (6/9)        | Utilize the Zurich Enterprise Risk Management Healthcheck assessment tool to get a better understanding of your current ERM strategy with recommendations for improvement. Sign up for FREE access today! |
 - Gap brings global lessons to U.S. stores
Gap has seen success with international stores that are newer, sleeker and feature more fashion-forward merchandise than the chain carries at home, and the chain plans to add more international flavor to its U.S. stores in the coming months, CEO Glenn Murphy said this week. "We see the international team having a much bigger say in not only how our brands operate in global markets but how they operate in the U.S." Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (6/9) - Gap taps Diane von Furstenberg for new children's line: Designer Diane von Furstenberg will design a new clothing line for GapKids and babyGap. The signature line will be heavy on print and bright colors and is set to go on sale next spring. The Monterey County Herald (Calif.)/The Associated Press (6/8)
- In a switch, Old Navy targets young men
Old Navy is singling out young men for the first time, launching ads that take a comical look at slick and corporatized male fashion. The male market is "a big piece of business, and it's time to speak directly to [men] and not just through his girlfriend, wife or sister," said Amy Curtis-McIntyre, senior vice president of marketing for Old Navy. Camp & King developed the campaign, which includes online social and gaming elements. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model) (6/8)  | 5 Ways to Maximize the Value of Your E-Commerce Video
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 | Retail trends |  | | | - Luxury retailers push to ease visa process for China's spenders
Chinese consumers make up a strong and growing segment of luxury shoppers, and many of them spend their money abroad rather than at home. Last year, 38% of Chinese tourists went to Europe but only 13% visited the U.S., largely because getting a visa is a complicated and lengthy process. Now, luxury brands including Polo Ralph Lauren and Saks are part of a growing push to convince the U.S. government to ease the visa process and get the wait time down to 10 days. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (6/9) - Retailers set their sites on high-quality locations
As retailers cautiously move back into expansion mode, they're seeking out more urban sites in Class A retail centers, commercial real estate experts say. The trend is sparking rent increases in areas of high demand while less-desirable properties are still struggling to recover from the recession. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (6/9)  | The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN
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  - Software company takes Microsoft 3D camera shopping
Facecake Marketing Technologies' Swivel is a virtual fitting room that uses Microsoft's Kinect 3D camera as a more affordable way to let online shoppers virtually try on clothing and accessories. Earlier cameras cost companies up to $2,000, making development of new virtual shopping apps cost-prohibitive. "It's crazy that the Kinect camera is $150 and I can get one at Best Buy," said Facecake Vice President Tom Chamberlin. Bloomberg Businessweek (6/7)  | Pitney Bowes — Business Transformation Study
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 | Main Street | | | | - Candidate attitude is more important than skills, survey finds
Most employers -- 96% -- said they would hire someone who lacked necessary skills but had the right attitude over someone with the right skills but the wrong attitude, a survey found. Employers say the top "essential" qualities were commitment, honesty, trustworthiness, adaptability, accountability and loyalty. Telegraph (London) (5/31)
| NRF News | | | | - NRF leads retail to victory as swipe fee amendment rejected
In a big win for retailers and consumers, yesterday's Senate vote on an amendment to delay swipe fee reform failed to reach the 60 votes needed to survive. NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay commented, "This is a landmark victory for American consumers that will give them the break from skyrocketing swipe fees that they have been seeking for years." Read more.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - Five Guys and the mission to make a better burger
Five Guys Burgers & Fries hasn't veered from its mission since it launched as an early player in the "better burger" trend in 1986, a fact founder and CEO Jerry Murrell says is one key to the chain's success. Five guys began franchising in 2002, and has kept a consistent look, feel and menu while expanding to 800 North American stores. TheStreet.com (6/8) - Au Bon Pain rolls out cafe remodeling plan in NYC
As a part of a plan to expand the 318-unit chain, Au Bon Pain is remodeling its cafes, starting with those in New York City. Staff and facilities will get an upgrade, with new layouts in the dining areas and fresh attire featuring orange aprons for the team members. New menu items include an extended bakery and beverage list, as well as special soup and sandwich combinations. FastCasual.com (6/8)  | |  | | | | |  |  Associate Buyer | Dreams Retail | Northbrook, IL | | Retail Sales Director | BoConcept USA, Inc. | Bayonne, NJ | | Senior Vice President, Communities & Networks and Executive Director | Shop.org | Washington, DC | | District Manager NY/ NJ | Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH | New York, NY | | Sales Associate - Stylist - Concierge | Saks Fifth Avenue | New York, NY | | Retail Training & Development Manager | Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers | Columbus, GA | | Vice President, Real Estate | Earls Restaurant Ltd | Vancouver, Canada | | Senior Manager Retail Marketing | The Timberland Company | Stratham , NH | | Financial Analyst III | PetSmart, Inc. | Phoenix, AZ | | Licensed Product Manager | Harley-Davidson | Milwaukee, WI | | Director of Retail | Wisteria | Dallas, TX | | Merchandise Buyer | Five Below, Inc. | Philadelphia, PA | | Entry Level Culinary Full Time | Wegmans Food Markets | Bridgewater , NJ | | Entry Level Culinary Part Time | Wegmans Food Markets | Ocean , NJ | | Cook III Full-Time Customer Service | Wegmans Food Markets | Bridgewater, NJ | | Fashion Buyer | Target | Minneapolis, MN | | Retail Marketing Manager | L.L.BEAN | Freeport, ME | | Merchandise Planning Administrator | Headquarters Marine Corps, MCCS | Quantico, VA | | Purchasing Buyer, National Accounts | Bed Bath & Beyond | Union, NJ | | Manager General Merchandise #792BR | Harley-Davidson | Milwaukee, WI | | | |  | |  |
| SmartQuote | | | |  | The great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearances, as though they were realities, and are often even more influenced by the things that seem than by those that are."
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