| March 8, 2012 | News for the retail industry |  |  | |
- How post-purchase price drops can turn off customers
Customers love bargains, but sales that come after they've already paid full price can make them angry and less likely to return, say researchers from Kellogg School of Management and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "When you look at this segment of customers, what you see is that a substantial portion just stop buying," said Kellogg professor Eric Anderson. BusinessNewsDaily.com (3/7)       | The Business Case for Mobile and Tablet Shopping
Is mobility an out-of-reach luxury or could it really improve your business? Get the facts! Aberdeen’s Analyst Insight examines the impact of mobile solutions on retail transactions, customer expectations, and important profit opportunities. This research – a $399 value- is yours free! Download your copy here! |
 - CEO: Cost-cutting plans to boost American Eagle's profits
Higher material and production costs cut into American Eagle Outfitters' profit margins last year, but a strong start to spring sales and changes to sourcing and merchandising strategies are expected to beef up margins this year, said new CEO Robert Hanson. A key piece of the new strategy will be buying fashions to sell out each season to avoid deep end-of-season discounting. Reuters (3/7), Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (3/7) - Old Navy banks on extra-long TV spots
Old Navy has prepped the latest in the new generation of extra long commercials. Challenging the length of minute-busting spots by Chipotle, GM, and Cartier's road-blocked 3 1/2 minute spot, the Gap Inc. brand is launching a two-minute infomercial-style commercial to premier on Universal NBC's E! network shows. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model) (3/7)  | Leveraging Cloud Security to Weather Threatening Storms
Web attacks and retribution campaigns are on the rise, and they have become more frequent, more random and more extreme. This paper assesses the current cyber threat environment and discusses the use of distributed cloud services as an effective means to protect against evolving, modern-day IT threats. |
 - Will merchants win with lower cotton prices?
Retailers faced stiff resistance from consumers when they tried to raise prices in response to increasing cotton prices last year. Now, with cotton selling for less than half of last year's high, merchants are likely to lower prices to spur sales rather than recoup last year's losses. The Wall Street Journal (3/6) - Retailers shift from basics to fashion to boost fall sales
Retailers have spent several seasons helping budget-conscious shoppers put together wardrobes of basics, but this fall many expect to return to high fashion and trendy looks to boost sales and set themselves apart from the competition, industry experts say. "I think smart retailers who are trying to find a way to capture the consumer's dollar know that fashion is where they have the best opportunity," said The Tobe Report's Catherine Moellering. CNBC (3/7)  | Concerns regarding leadership capacity and development have been heightened recently by increasing globalization, business complexity, and the impending retirement of vast numbers of seasoned leaders. Taleo and DDI explore best practices in addressing the challenge to develop and acquire emerging leaders in this white paper. |
  | Hiring exceptional talent is critical to the success of your business. Whether it’s the executive who offers visionary leadership, or the sales professional who won’t settle for less than 100%, a business needs great people to thrive. This guide provides best practices for securing the top talent you need to drive business results. |
 - More tips for dealing with rising fuel costs
Gas prices are surging, but there are a number of ways to mitigate the cost to your business. You can consider buying vehicles that give better gas mileage, avoid traveling at rush hour and raise your rates. "If you decide to add a fuel surcharge, be sure to clearly communicate the new charges to your customers, give them advance notice as best you can, and tell them why you're doing it," said Connie Certusi of Sage Small Business Accounting Solutions. The Huffington Post (3/6)  | Kettle Foods reduces reporting cycle from 8 weeks to just 3 weeks
An antiquated reporting system and lack of data insight can stop growth in even a strong company. Read the white paper to learn how: Kettle Foods used Inca Software, a Logicalis Company, and IBM Cognos Express to slash reporting time, enable fast amendment of reports and centralize data. |
| NRF News |  |  | | - "Participate or abdicate": Social networking isn't going anywhere
The numbers don't lie. There are 800 million people on Facebook talking about brands. Pinterest, the newest social media sensation, is reportedly attracting 11.7 million users a month. But when traditional ROI metrics have not been modeled for social networks, why should retailers create a social media strategy? In a recent article, the editors at STORES narrowed down their top five reasons why social media resonates with consumers better than interruption-based advertising, and explains why it has become part of the cultural fabric of retail. Read the full article. - KPMG global retail director talks trends for 2012
With cost-containing initiatives out for retail executives in 2012, many will look toward investing in strategies that will optimize their online and mobile platforms to increase sales and customer satisfaction. In a new post on Retail's BIG Blog, KPMG's Global Head of Retail Mark Larson discusses retailers' most important initiatives for 2012 and top themes in NRF Foundation's recently released "Retail Horizons: Benchmarks for 2011, Forecasts for 2012" report. Read more.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - Next-gen McDonald's franchisees find new recipes for success
The rising number of next-generation McDonald's franchisees are devising new ideas to boost sales at the quickservice chain, including meeting growing demands for healthier meals and instituting more sustainable practices. Premium Angus burgers, free Wi-Fi, picture-based ordering and credit card capabilities have all been attributed to the new generation of owners. The Wall Street Journal (3/8) - Panera to boost ad spend amid growing fast-casual rivalry
Panera Bread will spend 26% more on advertising this year and launch its first national cable TV ad as it works to fend off a growing number of fast-casual concepts looking to grab more of its market share. "A lot of people think, if you do nothing, you will stay at zero. But the reality is, if you do nothing, you'll be at a negative," said Chairman Ron Shaich. The Wall Street Journal (3/7) | |  | | Position Title | Company Name | Location | | Planner | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, FL | | Business Analyst | QuantiSense | Atlanta, GA | | Implementation Consultant | QuantiSense | Atlanta, GA | | Email Marketing Manager | Golfsmith | Austin, TX | | Director, Store Environment & Merchandise Planning | Harbor Freight Tools | Calabasas, CA | | Vice President of Human Resources | Teavana | Atlanta, GA | | Buyer, Petites | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, FL | | Talent Acquisition Manager - Stores | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | Director, Online Marketing | Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. | Columbus, OH | | Visual Merchandiser Manager | Castle Megastore Group | Tempe, AZ | | AVP - Marketing | West Marine | Watsonville, CA | | Senior Manager, Manhattan WMS Applications | PEAPOD | Lake Zurich, IL | | Merchandise Planner | The Bon Ton Stores | Milwaukee, WI | | Direct Marketing Manager | RadioShack | Fort Worth, TX | | Category Manager (Consumables/Home Division) | Navy Exchange Service Command | Virginia Beach, VA | | Director of Operations | Spencer Gifts | Egg Harbor Township, NJ | | Merchandise Planner | Kohl's Department Stores | Menomonee Falls, WI | | Merchandise Buyer | Kohl's Department Stores | Milwaukee/Menomonee Falls, WI | | Assistant General Manager of Merchandising (AGMM) | Saks Fifth Avenue | Atlanta, GA | | Merchandise Planner | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis | Spencer Gifts | Egg Harbor Township, NJ | | Demand Planner | Staples, Inc. | Framingham, MA | | Global Insights Manager | Burt's Bees | Durham, NC | | Designer - Footwear/Girlcare | Tween Brands Service Co. | New Albany, OH | | | Click here to view more job listings. | | |
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