| July 21, 2011 | News for the retail industry |  |  | |
- Reinventing the department store for a digital age
Former Apple retail executive Ron Johnson faces a tall order when he takes the CEO reins at J.C. Penney on Nov. 1, as he works to reinvent the traditional department store for a digital age, according to this story, which details the challenges Penney and other traditional department stores face. "Department stores have control over their futures to the extent that they can create multi-channel experiences," says Wharton marketing professor Peter Fader. Knowledge@Wharton (7/20)      - Kmart puts style in the spotlight
Kmart is taking the emphasis off name brands and the latest looks and putting it on individuality, in a new clothing campaign that will feature non-actors wearing self-styled Kmart ensembles from the chain's fall 2011 collections. Dubbed "Money can't buy style," the campaign was created in collaboration with Peterson Milla Hooks. Retailing Today (free registration) (7/20)  | 7 Ways to Leverage Social Commerce on Your Site
Social commerce has a lot of buzz, but many retailers are still seeking proven success strategies that lead to ROI. Learn how leveraging tools such as social identity can improve checkout rates and increase sales. Download Now! | - NRF: Retailers prepare for flat back-to-school season
 Back-to-school sales are likely to be flat this year compared to last year, according to an NRF survey released today, but retailers are adjusting and finding ways to remain profitable. Department stores have figured out a way to make themselves more relevant with private-label offerings, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay says in this CNBC interview, which offers further insight into the forecast. CNBC (7/21), CNBC/Consumer Nation blog (7/21) - Retailers partner with Michelle Obama to target "food deserts"
Grocery chains are joining first lady Michelle Obama in her fight against "food deserts," promising to open or expand stores in communities where people do not have easy access to fresh, nutritious food. Wal-Mart Stores, Walgreen and SUPERVALU are among companies vowing to take action. USA TODAY (7/20)  | Turning Online Shopper Uncertainty into a New Source of Sales and Profits. Eliminating consumer uncertainty is a challenge for all online merchants. The question is, how can you address shoppers' concerns and increase sales and profits in the process? Download the buySAFE white paper to learn more NOW! |
 - JOOR provides a link between designers and small boutiques
Online marketplace JOOR connects small boutiques with name fashion brands including Diane von Furstenberg and Theory, allowing shop owners to easily browse and buy new styles to stock their stores. The site, which launched last year, also serves as a way for designers to meet and sell to new retailer clients. InternetRetailer.com (7/19)  | Learn about the top insurance risks manufacturers face today with Zurich's Virtual Consulting tool. Sign up for FREE access today! |
 - 5 easy ways to make workers more passionate, engaged
Treating employees like stakeholders will make them more passionate about their work and more focused on the success of the company, writes Paul Spiegelman. He provides several low-cost examples of ways to engage workers, such as scheduling fun activities and being transparent with company information. Inc.com (7/18)  | The business phone system market is constantly changing. Vendors are battling for your business with expanded feature sets and competitive pricing. How do you know which system is right for your enterprise-class business? Focus Experts have just completed a comprehensive guide for 2011 to help you assess your needs and choose a phone system that fits. |
 | Policy & Government Affairs |  |  | | - NRF's chain restaurant council opposes union election changes
NRF's National Council of Chain Restaurants has voiced opposition to the National Labor Relations Board's proposed changes to the union election process that it says would prove costly to businesses and employees. "Unions weren't able to get the Employee Free Choice Act through Congress, so they're using administrative procedures at the NLRB to turn as much of the bill into law as possible," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. Nation's Restaurant News (free registration) (7/20)
| NRF News | | | | - NRF survey finds back-to-school spending expected to be flat this year
NRF's 2011 Back-to-School and Back-to-College surveys found that the state of the economy has left many shoppers hesitant to purchase and more willing to make do with last year's backpacks, pencils and glue sticks. According to research released today, back-to-school spending is expected to be flat this year, and parents are asking kids to scour their closets before heading out to buy anything new. Read more. - Retail's next 10 years: "Turbulent, uncertain and complex"
In the midst of changing consumer preferences and demographics, retailers need to make investment decisions now to help them serve future markets. As consumer values and behaviors continue to evolve, a new peer-reviewed white paper in NRF's Retail Reference Center predicts how shoppers' attitudes and patterns of consumption will change over the next decade. Read more.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - McDonald's plans its biggest eatery for 2012 Olympics
McDonald's will open a two-story, 9,843-square-foot restaurant with a kitchen that's four times the size of the ones at its typical stores, as the official restaurant of the 2012 Olympics in London. The company expects to serve 1.75 million meals during next summer's Games, at four eateries that will be set up for the event and taken down afterward. BurgerBusiness.com (7/20)  | |  | | | | |  |  Merchant Opportunities | Kohl's | Milwaukee, WI | | New Account Sales Representative | One Step Retail Solutions | Nationwide, United States | | Sales & Education Executive | Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics | Nationwide, United States | | Business Analyst | Five Below, Inc. | Philadelphia, PA | | District Manager | Five Below, Inc. | Philadelphia, PA | | IS Manager Store & DC Support | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Loss Prevention Exception Reporting Manager | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, Florida, FL | | Manager Replenishment & Allocations | Five Below | Philadelphia, PA | | Department Manager - Designer - Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago | Saks Fifth Avenue | Chicago, IL | | Senior Retail Marketing Advertising Manager | Cabela's | Sidney, NE | | Planogram Specialist | Headquarters Marine Corps | Quantico, VA | | Buyer-Young Men's and Men's Collections | Headquarters Marine Corps | Quantico, VA | | Sales Associate | UNIQLO | Manhattan, NY | | IT Opportunities | Belk Inc. | Charlotte, NC | | Manager of Human Resources | Chico's FAS, Inc. | Ft. Myers, FL | | Manager, Product Training | Samsung Electronics America, Inc | Ridgefield Park, NJ | | Fashion Buyer | Target | Minneapolis, MN | | Store Manager - Bealls | Bealls | Orlando, FL | | Saks Fifth Avenue - Sales Associate - Career Day July 21st | Saks Fifth Avenue | Boston, MA | | Applications Manager-Distribution & Transportation | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Career Event - Charleston, SC | Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH | Charleston, SC | | VP Divisional Merchandise Manager - Men's | Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH | New York, NY | | | |  | |  |
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Combined back-to-school and back-to-college sales are expected to reach $68 billion this year. Source: 
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