| February 22, 2012 | News for the retail industry |  |  | |
- Major U.S. retailers report healthy holiday sales
Retailers including Macy's, Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Saks all reported higher fourth-quarter sales on Tuesday. The healthy holiday results may reflect a shift in shopping patterns, with some retailers gaining share at the expense of others, rather than overall growth in consumer spending, some executives say. "I don't think the pie has gotten much bigger in the last year. I think we're just getting a bigger piece of it," said Macy's Chairman and CEO Terry Lundgren. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (2/21), The Wall Street Journal (2/22)       | Learn Customer Engagement Best Practices from Aberdeen!
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 | Industry Watch |  |  | | - Saks CEO: Wealthy shoppers aren't bargain hunting
Wealthy consumers increasingly are willing to pay full price again, says Saks Fifth Avenue CEO Steve Sadove. Affluent shoppers also helped lead the upscale department store to a 20% increase in online sales in the fourth quarter. CNBC (2/21) - REI promotes marketing, merchandising executives
Outdoor gear retailer REI has promoted former senior vice president of merchandising Angela Owen to the post of marketing senior vice president, to replace Tom Vogl. The company named REI private brands vice president Lee Fromson as the new merchandising senior vice president. Retailing Today (free registration) (2/21)  |  |  | | How to turn money you already spend into points you can use:
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  - Survey: More taxpayers plan to save refunds this year
About 44% of U.S. consumers who expect tax refunds this year say they'll put at least part of the check into savings this year, the highest number since NRF began asking the question nine years ago. "After a rocky few years, consumers are now more vigilant about how they spend their money and the importance of preparing for future financial stability," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. CNNMoney.com (2/22) - 7 trends retailers can use to boost business
Several emerging retail trends may help small retailers boost sales this year, according to a new industry report from Colliers International. This list includes the exponential growth of e-commerce and mobile retail, the rise in the number of shoppers opting for experience over price and the increase in limited-time offers that spur a sense of urgency. Inc.com (2/21) - How falling crop prices can help retailers
Prices for corn, wheat and cotton are expected to decline this year, a shift that may mean good things for supermarket chains and apparel retailers in 2012. Supermarkets may get a double benefit, analysts say, as lower costs bring higher margins and make shoppers more willing to trade up to organic and premium products. Reuters (2/21) - Retail industry sees changes at the top
Executive changes have been underway at several U.S. retailers, including the departure of Urban Outfitters CEO Glen Senk and Brendan Hoffman's move from Lord & Taylor to Bon-Ton Stores. Such shifts are cyclical, says Kirk Palmer of executive search firm Kirk Palmer & Associates. "If we look over a 15-year period, maybe once every five years, you'll get a higher percentage of these changes." Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (2/21)  | 10 Principles for Building an Effective Human Capital Plan
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 - Retailers bank on holograms, robots to help cut costs
Customers at The Bay's Toronto flagship are now greeted by Anna, a lifelike virtual employee prompted by sensors to speak when customers approach. Anna is one of several new digital and automated tech tools merchants are testing out as they look to cut labor costs; some, including Gap and Staples, have begun using robots in their warehouses. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (2/21) - Nordstrom Rack launches ads in Words With Friends
Nordstrom Rack has launched mobile banner ads in the popular social game Words With Friends, a move designed to attract aspirational shoppers to the upscale chain's outlet stores. "Gaming app inventory can bring value to a luxury brand, but a brand must chose the right game – one that matches the quality and audience of the luxury brand," said Medialets marketing director Elena Perez. Luxury Daily (2/21)  | Business Analytics: Optimizing Your Operations
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 - Can small bricks-and-mortar businesses compete with massive online merchants?
Small retailers face a difficult problem: Shoppers come to browse and then use their newfound knowledge to buy online, writes Rhonda Abrams. One retailer, Kepler's Books in Menlo Park, Calif., has brainstormed ways to address that issue, such as by working with vendors and offering unique services that can't be duplicated online. "Many large retailers know that they have to give shoppers an 'experience,' and small retailers may have to experiment with this concept as well," Abrams writes. USA TODAY (2/16) - Why social responsibility is good for business
Corporate social responsibility is not just about making a good impression but benefits businesses by spurring innovation, cutting costs, and getting customers and employees excited about the products and brand. Social responsibility also is linked to sustainability and long-term success, an idea that Unilever CEO Geoff McDonald understands. Forbes/The CSR Blog (2/21)  | Consumer Insights Your Brand Needs to Know: Latest Trends in Behavioral Advertising
Learn what brand managers, advertisers, as well as networks, agencies, and publishers need to know about consumer survey insights into behavioral ad serving, also known as interest-based advertising. Learn more today! |
| NRF News | | | | - Consumers quick to file taxes, save refunds in 2012
Although two-thirds of American taxpayers are expecting some of their hard-earned money back from Uncle Sam this year, more are planning to save a portion of the extra cash. According to NRF's Tax Returns Consumer Survey conducted by BIGinsight, 4 in 10 Americans of those expecting money back will put some of their tax refund in savings, the most in the survey's nine-year history. "After a rocky few years, consumers are now more vigilant about how they spend their money and the importance of preparing for future financial stability," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. Read the release. - Retailers: Join NRF's march on Capitol Hill
Swipe fee reform. Sales tax fairness. NRF's Retail Means Jobs campaign. These were only three advocacy efforts for NRF in 2011 -- and now is the time to continue the push in Washington for more policy changes for the retail industry. Gather with more than 100 prominent retailers at NRF's 77th Annual Washington Leadership Conference May 15 to 16 to address issues critical to the growth of the retail industry and economic recovery. Learn more.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - How Starbucks CEO aims to help U.S. create jobs
 Too many Americans are coping with long-term unemployment and the drop in self-esteem that comes with the ongoing struggle, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz says. The coffee giant created its fundraising initiative to fund small-business loans because the government isn't getting the job done, he said. "There should be a singular focus on job creation and ... getting banks to loan to small business." FastCasual.com (2/20), CNN/State of the Union blog (2/19) | |  | | Position Title | Company Name | Location | | Email Marketing Manager | Golfsmith | Austin, TX | | Buyer, Petites | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, FL | | Vice President of Human Resources | Teavana | Atlanta, GA | | Buyer (Missy & Special Size Separates) | Navy Exchange Service Command | Virginia Beach, VA | | Direct Marketing Manager | RadioShack | Fort Worth, TX | | Vice President Real Estate | Pier 1 Imports | Fort Worth, TX | | Selling Manager, Women's Shoes - NYC Store | Saks Fifth Avenue - NYC Store | New York, NY | | Retail Communications and Operations Manager | Hanna Andersson LLC | Portland, OR | | DVP Spirit Halloween Marketing, Licensing & Creative Services | Spirit Halloween | Egg Harbor Township, NJ | | Sr. Director, Store Planning and Construction | Spencer Gifts/Spirit Halloween | Egg Harbor Township, NJ | | Assistant General Manager of Merchandising (AGMM) | Saks Fifth Avenue | Hackensack, NJ | | Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis | Spencer Gifts | Egg Harbor Township, NJ | | IS Director of Operations | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Merchandise Planner | The Bon Ton Stores | Milwaukee, WI | | Buyer | Jeans Warehouse | Los Angeles, CA | | Merchandise Planner | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | National Advertising Sales Manager | Intent Media | New York City , NY | | Maintenance Associate | Rooms To Go | Charlotte, NC | | The North Face: Customer Relationship Management Manager | The North Face | San Leandro, CA | | VP Customer Strategy | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | Corporate Recruiter - Merchandising and Retail | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | Store Director - In Training | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | Corporate Counsel | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | AVP - Marketing | West Marine | Watsonville, CA | | Senior Manager, Manhattan WMS Applications | PEAPOD | Lake Zurich, IL | | | Click here to view more job listings. | | |
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