 | November 2, 2010 | News for the retail industry |  |  | | - Borders promises to match local competitors' prices
Borders has rolled out a price-matching program aimed at bringing more budget-conscious shoppers into its stores this holiday season. The chain's stores will match lower prices offered by local competitors. Borders also offers an in-stock guarantee that promises free shipping on any item that shoppers can't find in the store. CNBC/The Associated Press (11/1)        | Introducing ATG Commerce 10. Join us on Nov. 10 for a special online event previewing ATG Commerce 10. You'll hear from online merchants, partners and industry analysts. Learn all about this new release and see a demonstration of the most significant update to the ATG Commerce platform in ten years - including the new merchant-inspired tools. Register now | - Survey shows need for new retail skill sets
Almost three-quarters of retail CEOs surveyed this week said they plan to look outside the industry to recruit the next generation of leaders. The vast majority of respondents also said retail isn't attracting the best and brightest candidates at the entry level, many of whom are attracted to "sexier" and more lucrative careers in other industries. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (11/1) - Department stores compete for key demographic
Department stores from Saks to Macy's are hosting events, offering promotions and adding exclusive lines to attract 40- and 50-something women to their stores this season. Consumers in this group did better than others during the downturn, managing to hang on to their jobs and spending ability in greater numbers, which means they're likely to be driving holiday shopping decisions this year. The Cincinnati Enquirer (11/1) - Apparel retailers anticipate happier holidays
Clothing sales are expected to rise this holiday season as shoppers shake off a bit more of their recession-era caution, but price will still be a significant factor for consumers seeking out the latest looks, experts say. "We are going to see a price-feeding frenzy among retailers," said consultant David Wolfe. The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) (11/1) - Growth of private label proves challenging
Retailers added private label lines and products at a rapid clip during the downturn, and about 55% of merchants say at least half of the products on their shelves carry their own brand names. The shift can be challenging when it comes to production and distribution, and merchants are discovering Web-based solutions to meet the challenges, including product-cycle management programs that provide a single point to communicate with all of the players in the process. InternetRetailer.com (11/1) - Toys R Us creates iPad wish list app
Toys R Us has created two versions of a new holiday iPad app, one that allows children to select the toys they want to find under the tree and another for their parents to see the wish list items and the prices that go along with them. The app then allows parents to edit the lists and e-mail them to friends and family members looking for gift ideas. InternetRetailer.com (11/1)  | No Thyme Productions sees 360% increase in online sales
"The visibility No Thyme Productions has gained through the use of Amazon is unparalleled, due to Amazon's high-traffic site." Nancy Mencke, Owner, No Thyme Productions
Read more about how Fulfillment by Amazon delivers for No Thyme Productions. |
 - Small-business owners are seen as powerful voting bloc
Small-business owners are often passionate about politics, and with optimism remaining at record lows, they are expected to be a powerful voting bloc in midterm elections. "Let's hope that Tuesday's results reflect the majority voice of our small business owners and help bring us back to growth and optimism," writes Michael Alter. Inc.com (10/30) - Tips for hiring the best hourly workers
Recruiting and retaining great hourly workers requires casting aside incorrect assumptions, such as only young workers can fill those jobs, writes Mel Kleiman, in this excerpt from "Creating the Workforce -- and Results -- You Seek." Many qualified adults are now seeking such positions, he notes. TLNT.com (10/29)  | 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 |  | | | - Macy's, Brooks Brothers, Disney, HSN execs to headline Retail's BIG Show
NRF will celebrate its 100th Annual Convention this January in New York, and executives from some of the nation's top brands will be headlining the event. Throughout the event, Jan. 9 to 12, retail's most exciting and influential speakers will take the stage, including Macy's Chairman, President and CEO Terry Lundgren; Mark Zandi, chief economist and co-founder of Moody's Economy.com; and Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSN Inc. Read more. - "Grim diagnosis" for impact of health care law
Last week, Sens. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and John Barrasso of Wyoming released an assessment on the current impact of the health care law on the American worker, employers and the economy. Why does their opinion matter? They are both medical doctors by profession, and their findings line up with NRF's concerns about the true impact of our nation's new health care policy. Read more.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - Wendy's beefs up Hispanic marketing with new ad campaign
Wendy's debuted a two-month television and radio campaign Monday aimed at reaching a greater segment of the U.S. Hispanic market. Dubbed "Sabor de Verdad" or "Real Taste," the campaign is tied to an expansion of the chain's 99-cent menu and will serve as a launching pad for a long-term campaign to create relationships with more Hispanic consumers, one of the most important demographic groups driving restaurant growth. MediaPost Communications/Marketing Daily (11/1)  | |  | | | | | | |  |  Director of E-Commerce | The Wet Seal, INC | Foothill Ranch, CA | | Creative Manager | Neiman Marcus/Bergdorf Goodman | Irving , TX | | Retail Marketing Director | OfficeMax, Inc | Naperville, IL | | Systems Analyst-Labor Applications | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Director, Strategic Communications and Campaign | Universal Technical Institute Inc. | Phoenix, AZ | | Senior Ecommerce Manager | Expedia | Seattle, WA | | Division Merchandise Manager | Sears | Hoffman Estates, IL | | Senior Director - Retail Applications | DSW, Inc. | Columbus, OH | | Merchandise Planner - Emblematic Apparel and Gifts, U.S. Stores | Follett Higher Education Group | Oak Brook, IL | | Senior Employment/Labor Counsel | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | Senior Merchandise Planner - Emblematic Apparel and Gifts, U.S. Stores | Follett Higher Education Group | Oak Brook, IL | | Category Manager - Own Brands (Food & Consumables) | Sears | Hoffman Estates, IL | | System Analyst- SQL and Microsoft Dynamics | The Hershey Company | Hershey, PA | | | |  | |  | |
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Americans plan to spend an average of $688.87 on holiday-related shopping, up from $681.83 in 2009. Source: 
