 | October 6, 2010 | News for the retail industry |  |  | | - NRF predicts higher holiday sales this season
Consumers are expected to spend about 2.3% more this holiday season than they did last year, according to the National Retail Federation forecast released today. The forecast is markedly brighter than last year's 0.4% increase and a 3.9% decline two years ago, amid a tanking economy. "What retailers are hoping to get this holiday season is some indication that we have reached a sustained economic recovery and the back-to-school numbers gave us some indication that we are heading in that direction, though in a modest way," said NRF CEO and President Matt Shay. The Wall Street Journal (10/6) , ABC News/Reuters (10/6)       - Merchants partner to develop Amazon Prime competitor ShopRunner
A large group of U.S. retail chains has found a way to compete head-on with Amazon by forming a cooperative to offer a subscription-based free-shipping service similar to Amazon Prime. The program, dubbed ShopRunner, charges a $79 annual fee for unlimited free two-day shipping of online purchases from a slew of name stores including Babies R Us, PetSmart and Dick's Sporting Goods. Unlike Prime, it also offers free returns. The Wall Street Journal (10/6) - Launch of revamped Gottschalks stores is postponed
Former Gottschalks CEO Joe Levy said he is delaying his plans to open a new version of the defunct regional department store under the Gottschalks by Joe Levy banner. Levy, who is also the great-nephew of the chain's founder, says finding funding for his three- or four-store venture proved tougher than he expected when he launched the effort in April. Las Vegas Sun/The Associated Press (10/4)  | At Walmart.com, Global eCommerce & VUDU, your reach and impact is well beyond the walls of our stores. With over 1,000,000 products online, we harness the versatility and convenience of the Internet to save people money so they can live better. Are you an experienced Software Architect or Engineer interested in eCommerce? Join Walmart eCommerce today! | - Retailers play up bargains this Halloween
Retailers expect to continue the Halloween discounting tradition that began three years ago, advertising lower prices on costumes, decorations and candy in an effort to boost business. Merchants including Michaels, Target and Amazon.com all are heavily marketing to newly frugal consumers intent on celebrating the holiday less expensively than they did during the boom years. The New York Times (free registration) (10/5) - Consumers to focus on discounts this holiday season
Recent surveys offer a variety of answers to how much shoppers are likely to spend on the holidays this year and how much they care about Black Friday. What's becoming clear, though, is that shoppers are likely to hunt for the deepest discounts. About 87% of consumers polled recently by Accenture said they wouldn't buy gifts this season without at least a 20% discount, and a quarter said they would hold out for half-off deals. CNBC/Consumer Nation (10/5)  | How can you control your largest source of shrink… if it can't even be seen? Learn how top retailers such as Vitamin Shoppe find, track, and stop employee theft. Our free White Paper explains key loss prevention facts and trends that you need to know, and how exception reporting—properly executed—can dramatically increase your profits and deliver big ROI! Get your copy now! | - Macy's makes magic with high-tech fitting room
Macy's has unveiled its first high-tech "magic" fitting room at its Herald Square flagship in New York, complete with a multitouch mirror and connected tablet computer that lets shoppers virtually try on outfits. Consumers can post their proposed new looks on Facebook and send pictures via e-mail before they ever actually try on the new pieces. Retailing Today (free registration) (10/5) , Display & Design Ideas (10/5)  | CrazyonDigital increases average daily orders 150%
"We believe Amazon is taking the customer buying experience to the next level of unification, and as our sales numbers show, customers love it!" Sanjay Singh, Owner and President CrazyOnDigital.com
Read more about how Fulfillment by Amazon delivers for CrazyonDigital. |
| NRF News |  | | | - NRF forecasts 2.3% holiday sales increase
After an almost flat 2009, holiday retail sales are expected to increase 2.3% this year to $447.1 billion, according to an economic forecast released by NRF today. While that growth remains slightly lower than the 10-year average holiday sales increase of 2.5%, it would be a marked improvement from both last year's 0.4% uptick and the dismal 3.9% holiday sales decline retailers experienced in 2008. Read more. - What's Hot in Retail? We've got your list
The hottest items in retail last month included a post on how Urban Outfitters' CEO sees mobile as a game-changer, customer service insights from L.L.Bean's president, and information on the biggest retail party in the last 100 years. Read more.  | - NRF hosts conference call for retail members on DOJ Visa/MasterCard settlement
The Justice Department has reached a settlement with Visa and MasterCard regarding practices that have blocked retailers from offering discounts to customers based on payment method. In light of the recent announcement, retail members are invited to join NRF General Counsel Mallory Duncan on Oct. 8 for a conference call on the implications of the settlement. Learn more. |
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - Landry's shareholders approve CEO buyout offer
Landry's Restaurants is slated to become a privately held company owned by CEO Tilman Fertitta, in a $1.4 billion buyout deal. Shareholders approved the offer Monday, capping a two-year buyout effort by Fertitta, who owns about 55% of the company he took public in 1993. At the time, Landry's operated nine eateries; today, the company owns more than 200 restaurants under several brands, as well as casinos, hotels and amusement venues. Houston Chronicle (10/5)  | |  | | The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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