Hhgregg highlights helpful staff in new ad campaign

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June 1, 2011 News for the retail industry   Industry Watch    Buyout firm KKR to acquire Academy Sports Kohlberg, Kravis & Roberts has announced a deal to acquire a majority stake in the 131-store, Texas-based sporting-goods retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors, for an undisclosed amount. KKR's other retail holdings include stakes in Dollar General, Toys R Us and Pets at Home. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)/Dow Jones Newswires (5/31), Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (5/31) Japan's power shortage to boost Uniqlo's summer sales Uniqlo expects sales of lighter apparel to rise in Japan as summer's heat sets in and power shortages caused by the damaged nuclear reactor results in less air conditioning. The Japanese government has launched a "Super Cool Biz" campaign aimed at convincing normally buttoned-down workers to switch to Hawaiian shirts, sandals and lighter-weight pants. The Sun (Baltimore)/Reuters (5/31), The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (5/31) Hhgregg highlights helpful staff in new ad campaign Consumer electronics retailer Hhgregg has launched its first national brand and advertising campaign with the slogan "We Help." The TV ads, which convey the idea that the company's sales force helps consumers navigate the sometimes complicated shoals of cutting-edge gizmos and gadgets, are running on cable and broadcast channels in Hhgregg markets such as Alabama, Delaware, Florida and New Jersey. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (5/31) Target, Big Lots look north to Canada Both Target and Big Lots announced they will expand into Canada and other retailers are expected to follow, as Canada is seen as a less-crowded retail field, with enough similarities to the U.S. to make major changes unnecessary. Target said it has found 105 sites for stores in Canada; Big Lots intends to acquire Liquidation World, a Canada-based closeout merchandiser. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)/Dow Jones Newswires (5/27)   Other News U.K.'s Debenhams eyes partnership with U.S. Sears stores Telegraph (London) (5/31) Gap makes plans for first outlet store in Italy Display & Design Ideas (5/31) Costco CFO discusses price increases Supermarket News (5/30) FedEx SmartPost Returns is an ideal way for businesses with over 100 daily returns to provide a convenient returns method for low-weight residential packages. It's a cost-effective, reliable solution that utilizes the strength of the FedEx® network and the U.S. Postal Service®. Learn more. The U.S. Postal Service and USPS are registered trademarks of the United States Postal Service   Retail trends    May retail sales could reflect pinch at the pump Higher gas prices may have fueled a softening of same-store sales growth at U.S. retailers last month, according to Thomson Reuters, which is predicting an increase of 5.3% compared to 8.9% in April. "High fuel prices affect shopping behavior. The longer those fuel prices persist, it's more likely to affect the household budget as well," said Kantar senior economist Frank Badillo. Chicago Tribune/Reuters (5/31) Pay raises for China's workers mean higher U.S. retail prices Wages are rising rapidly for factory workers in China and throughout Asia, leading to higher prices for the goods they're turning out. Supplier Li & Fung says the shift has resulted in a 15% increase in costs, Gap recently reported that higher costs are likely to eat into profits, and luxury bag brand Coach said it plans to shift a substantial portion of its manufacturing to less-pricey labor markets. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (5/31) Father's Day spending set to rise to a record $11.1 billion Consumers are expected to spend an average of $106.49 on Father's Day gifts and celebrations this year, up from $94.32 last year and closing in on Mother's Day spending, according to a new survey from NRF. "Spending on Dad has taken a backseat for the past few years, but some kids and wives are planning to make up for lost time this Father's Day," said NRF CEO Matthew Shay. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (5/31) Get the Information That Leads to Higher Sales Learn how a 0.1 percent increase in employee engagement generated more than $100,000 in one store's income when you download the white paper HR and Payroll - Achieving Accountability, Transparency in Retail. A unified HR and payroll system gives you high-quality data you can use to serve customers better.   Main Street    5 tips for creating a rewards program that works Rewards programs can help build a base of repeat customers, but a successful one requires a little finesse, SmartBrief's Sam Taute writes. Make sure your rewards strategy is specific to your company's needs, offer customer benefits that are well within reach and market the program in several channels. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership (6/1) Savvy PR moves help turn around struggling bag maker Go Gaga bag creator Jill Cartwright was seeing small but steady success online and in boutiques for her ergonomic tote bags aimed at parents who often find themselves lugging way too much stuff, until a deal with a major national retail chain fell through. Rather than giving in, she hired an experienced publicist who helped raise the brand's profile and created a lower-priced line suitable for chain stores. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/You're the Boss blog (5/31) Ad Compliance Best Practices Kit — Stay ahead of consumer concern and government regulation with TRUSTe. Gain an overview of what Behavioral Advertising (OBA) is, why it is important, and what your options are. Insights from the FTC, DAA, TRUSTe, Forbes, Publisher's Clearing House and more. Register Now.   Sponsored Content    How To Make Today's Obsession With Content Serve Your Brand John Jantsch 7 Leadership Lessons From NBA Coach Avery Johnson Lou Dubois Use Government Contracting To Propel Your Business To The Next Level Anita Campbell 5 Ways To Make Time For Long-Term Projects Julie Rains What To Do When Your Superstar Suddenly Leaves Mike Periu   NRF News  Kroger, The Home Depot, Sears lend a helping hand in Joplin As a result of the massive tornado in Joplin two weeks ago, hundreds of retailers of all sizes experienced a tremendous amount of damage to facilities and store associates' personal lives. As the small Missouri town struggles to recover, retail brands like Kroger, The Home Depot and Sears have stepped up to provide food, water, clothing, shelter and financial aid to those in need. Local business leaders say 345 of 347 businesses have pledged to rebuild in Joplin, and city officials are actively exploring long-term recovery options. Read more. NRF SmartStat: June 1, 2011 Swipe fee reform is 50 days away! Show your support in one click by "liking" reform on Facebook.   NRF searches for SVP of Communities and Networks Well-known recruiter Harry Joiner has signed on to head up NRF's search for a new senior vice president of communities and executive director of Shop.org. This dual role is not for the faint of heart  -- the ideal candidate will be able to provide leadership, management and coordination for all NRF communities including ARTS, the CIO Council and Loss Prevention. In a recent blog post, Joiner talks about why he is managing the search pro bono, and offers insight on qualities this person will possess. Read more. Learn more about NRF -> Join NRF  |  Govt Relations  |  NRF Events  |  STORES  |  NRF Foundation   Chain Restaurant News  Papaya King pushes westward with Hollywood hot dog stand Iconic New York hot dog joint Papaya King opened up its first West Coast location in Hollywood last week, drawing a crowd of curious frankfurter fans eager to see how the 80-year-old East Coast brand stacks up against local favorite Pinks Hot Dogs, which boasts lines out the door even in the wee hours of the morning. Papaya King, which operates two eateries in New York, has plans for further expansion in the West. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (5/31) Other News Tim Hortons coffee sales to send 14,000 kids to camp QSRWeb.com (5/31) Divisional Merchandise Manager, Consumables Headquarters Marine Corps, MCCS Quantico, VA Senior Vice President, Communities & Networks and Executive Director Shop.org Washington, DC Director of Real Estate Teavana Atlanta, GA Vice President, Real Estate Earls Restaurant Ltd Vancouver, Canada Learning Solutions Manager - Southwest (Training Manager) Petsmart Southern California , CA Director of Retail Wisteria Dallas, TX Planogram Specialist AAFES Dallas, TX Fashion Buyer Target Minneapolis, MN 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 Senior Merchandise Planning Administrator Headquarters Marine Corps, MCCS Quantico, VA Retail Marketing Manager L.L.BEAN Freeport, ME Purchasing Buyer, National Accounts Bed Bath & Beyond Union, NJ   SmartQuote  Beware of over-great pleasure in being popular or even beloved." --Margaret Fuller, journalist and women's rights advocate   This SmartBrief was created for cpgbrokers.data@blogger.com   Subscriber Tools       Update account information | Change e-mail address | Unsubscribe | Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy Grab our News Widget Publish your Press Release   Advertise Associate Publisher:  Susan W. 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