| March 29, 2012 | News for the retail industry |  |  | |
- Supreme Court to rule in June on health care mandate
Insurance companies, businesses and families would feel a ripple effect if the Supreme Court rules in June that the health-insurance mandate included in the Obama Administration's health care law is unconstitutional, especially if justices rule that throwing out the mandate means repealing the entire law. "If the clock went back and health-care reform was gone, we could live with that," said NRF vice president Neil Trautwein. The Wall Street Journal (3/28)       | Predict what customers want and how to delight them.
Discover the power of analytics.
When customers visit your website or store to make a purchase, they leave valuable clues to how you can build a longer, more profitable relationship with them. Join us online to hear how retailers are using analytics to increase profitability. REGISTER NOW. | - Home Depot launches "Spring Black Friday" promotion
Spurred by the mild winter and early spring, Home Depot will roll out its "Spring Black Friday" promotions around the country today instead of debuting the specials region-by-region as it has in past years. Unlike other retail segments that celebrate their holidays in December, spring is the busiest time of the year for home-improvement retailers. CNBC (3/28) - Belk's merchandising, branding investments pay off
Belk's five-year plan to invest $600 million to reinvigorate the business is already resulting in higher sales, largely due to using science-based methods to select the merchandise mix for the regional chain's 303 stores and branding efforts under the new "Modern. Southern. Style." tagline, said CEO Tim Belk. The initiative also includes increased IT and ad spending, as well as store expansions and remodels in the coming years. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (3/28)  | Strategies to Increase Email Response Rates
A recent study conducted by researcher, Hornstein & Associates found that companies using BoldChat’s email management technology achieve more than 2x the response rates experienced by other etailers not employing BoldChat. Dramatically improve your email management strategies, download this report now. |
 - Retailers: High gas prices aren't stopping shoppers
Retailers and mall operators say rising gas prices aren't keeping consumers out of the stores, despite recent survey results to the contrary. Bargain-hunting consumers still are driving to outlet malls in search of a deal, says Steven Tanger, CEO of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers. Saks is seeing similar trends among wealthy shoppers, said CEO Steve Sadove. CNBC (3/28)  | Transforming spreadsheets: planning, budgeting and forecasting for midsize companies
A spreadsheet-based approach to performance management won't meet the challenges facing growing midsize businesses. You need confidence in the information you're using for critical decision-making. Read this white paper to see how IBM® Cognos® Express can transform the spreadsheet-only process. |
 - The slow evolution of supermarket checkouts
Despite industry buzz about RFID tags that scan items as shoppers put them in carts, most stores still have old-fashioned checkout lanes. However, some have created a single line that leads to multiple registers, and more stores are adopting technology allowing smartphones to scan groceries. "Most consumers would rather have a competent cashier and bagger than any new technology," said industry expert Phil Lempert. "But what people do trust and value is their smartphone, and that's an easy next step for the industry." Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (3/28)  | Small-business owners can seize opportunities to help reduce their taxes, lower their expenses and reinvest in their businesses this tax season. This free white paper brought to you by American Express OPEN, will help you learn how to navigate changes in tax legislation, leverage often overlooked deductions and strategize for the coming years. SmartBrief readers: Download your 2012 Small Business Tax Strategy white paper now. |
 - Boutiques bank on one-of-a-kind brands
Independent boutiques are mimicking chains including Target and H&M, which have been attracting shoppers with a growing number of affordable-yet-exclusive designer lines. Shops including Ma Petite Shoe and Gian Marco are teaming with designers to offer custom-made items shoppers can't find anywhere else. The Sun (Baltimore) (3/28)  | 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! |
| NRF News |  |  | | - NRF Supply Chain Summit speakers discuss issues impacting regulation, responsibility and management
Attendees of NRF's Global Supply Chain Summit, May 6 to 8 in Atlanta, will learn from experienced leaders and retail experts about meeting the complex challenges of supply chain management. Rajan Penkar, SVP and president of supply chain for Sears Holdings Corp., will headline the event and discuss supply chain implications of an integrated retail model. Alison Levine, adjunct professor at the U.S. Military Academy, will share the importance of taking risks and developing teams prepared for the unpredictable. And Kirk Lippold, commander of the USS Cole, will emphasize the importance of leadership and accountability in the crux of a difficult situation. Learn more and register.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - Chick-fil-A to roll out D.C. food truck
A Chick-fil-A franchisee will launch the chain's first food truck next month, to serve fans in Washington, D.C., where the quickservice chain has only one traditional location. About 6% of quickservice chains and 4% of fast-casual concepts operate food trucks, which experts say can build the brand in underserved markets but likely won't work in areas where the eatery already operates multiple units. CNBC (3/28) | |  | | Position Title | Company Name | Location | | VP Retail Merchandising | Little Switzerland | St. Thomas, USVI, USA Virgin Islands | | Planner | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, FL | | Director, Store Environment & Merchandise Planning | Harbor Freight Tools | Calabasas, CA | | Director of Advertising Production | The Bon Ton Stores, Inc. | Milwaukee, WI | | Business Analyst-Supply Chain | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Systems Analyst | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Merchandise Planner | Kohl's Department Stores | Menomonee Falls, WI | | Merchandise Buyer - Multiple Categories | Kohl's Department Stores | Milwaukee/Menomonee Falls, WI | | Corporate Recruiter | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | Director of Online Marketing | The Men's Wearhouse | San Francisco, CA | | Project Manager | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ | | Director, Online Marketing | Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. | Columbus, OH | | Cosmetics Buyer (Experience Required) | Kohl's Department Stores | Milwaukee, WI | | E-Commerce Merchant | Kohl's Department Stores | Milwaukee / Menomonee Falls, WI | | Merchandise Planner | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | Visual Manager | Saks Fifth Avenue | Huntington Station, NY | | Director of Operations | Spencer Gifts | Egg Harbor Township, NJ | | Buyer | Smithsonian Museum Retail | Washington, DC | | eCommerce Web Analytics & Planner Manager | Bealls Florida | Bradenton, FL | | Manager of Store Communication | American Eagle Outfitters | Pittsburgh, PA | | Buyer, Petites | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, FL | | Vice President - General Manager | Saks Fifth Avenue | Stamford, CT | | Meat/Seafood Team Leader | Meijer | Cincinnati, OH | | Meat/Seafood Team Leader | Meijer | Westerville, OH | | Buyer - Youth, Girls | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | | Click here to view more job listings. | | |
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Though frustratingly unpredictable, retailers must do their best to forecast their seasonal sales with the changes of the seasons. Last week, NRF's Dan Butler met with The Weather Channel's Chief Meteorologist Chris Warren to discuss how the unseasonably warm winter helped the retail industry get an early start on rolling out spring fashions, and how the record heat could lead to record sales. 
Four in 10 Americans celebrating Easter will shop at department stores for gifts and other holiday merchandise -- the highest in the survey's history. Source: 
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