| March 21, 2012 | News for the retail industry |  |  | |
- Easter spending is expected to hop up 11% this year
Americans are expected to spend an average of $145.28 for Easter candy, decoration, clothing and other items this year, an 11% increase from 2011, for total spending of $16.8 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. "Though the price of gas is on everyone's mind, Easter is one of the few holidays some consumers are willing to stretch their budgets, especially because many children look forward to treats and new outfits on Easter morning," said President and CEO Matthew Shay. Drug Store News (3/20), MediaPost Communications/Marketing Daily (3/20)       | 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! |
 - Burlington Coat Factory names new merchandising chief
Burlington Coat Factory has named former TJX Cos. executive Paul Metcalf as its new executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, starting next month. The 477-store chain aims to diversify to attract more suburban shoppers without alienating its core of loyal customers, Metcalf said. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (3/20) - Kroger: One company with many names and variations
Kroger, the nation's largest supermarket chain, is far from homogeneous, with a dozen banners and with stores that vary depending on the market. "I think they are trying to take those best practices that they have learned, like their fuel-discount programs, and extend those assets to those other brands," said Neil Stern, senior partner at McMillan Doolittle, who noted that Kroger has grown by acquiring established grocery chains. Supermarket News (3/19)  | American Public University offers quality, online education to help develop employees and leadership. With more than 100 career-relevant, certificate and degree programs, the tools for talent development, retention and maximization of corporate tuition benefits are at your fingertips. To learn more, visit us at StudyAtAPU.com/Solutions. | - Will millennials change the face of retail?
Post-college poverty may now be the norm as millennials struggle to find jobs and cope with large amounts of college debt, a trend that's worrying retailers who cater to the younger generation, as well as those who depend on consumers who trade up to higher-end brands as they get older. Retail industry experts also say that consumers who come of age during tight times may hang onto the lessons of thrift long after they've attained financial security. Forbes (3/20) - The importance of being omni-channel
Art has to trump science when it comes to retail, but technology is playing an increasingly important role as merchants work to make their goods available through multiple sales channels, Saks CEO Stephen Sadove said during a panel discussion Tuesday. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (3/20) - Local and national food retailers expand in N.C.
Several supermarket chains are searching for locations or planning to open in the Wilmington, N.C., area. Local chain Carolina Farmin' plans at least one more store this year. Whole Foods Market and Lowes Food Stores have stores near completion. Trader Joe's submitted a plan. ALDI reportedly is looking for a site. Harris Teeter is adding 7,500 square feet to a store. Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.) (3/20)  | 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. |
 - Toshiba Tec develops scanner that recognizes food
The Object Recognition Scanner from Toshiba Tec may change the way perishable food is purchased, since it uses a camera, not bar codes, to identify products. It will save time at checkout, said Toshiba employee Keiichi Hasegawa, because staffers won't have to look up and use codes for the purchases. Forbes (3/20) - 22% of 2-D bar code use in print comes from retail advertising
The retail and technology sectors were most frequently making use of 2-D bar codes in print ads, per a Competitrack study. Some advertisers have made barcodes such as the dominant QR code a regular feature of print ads, with Oppenheimer Funds, for example, using them in 85% of its ads. eMarketer (3/21)  | 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. |
 - 6 tips to create an effective store design
Poorly designed store spaces can contribute to a merchant's downfall, but that can be avoided with advance planning, says consultant Jerry Birnbach. He and others offer tips for avoiding the pitfalls, starting with thoroughly inspecting a facility before you commit to it. Entrepreneur online (3/20)  | Flash sales, a hot trend that can increase your revenue.
With Amazon Webstore you can launch a flash sale microsite, without investing in expensive hardware or infrastructure. Our dedicated sales team is ready to help you launch your flash sale site today, learn more now. |
| NRF News |  |  | | - Pro-growth, bipartisan budget could reduce corporate tax rate for retailers
A month after President Obama proposed "broadening the base" and reducing the corporate tax rate to from 35 to 28%, the House Budget Committee has proposed a budget containing a tax reform section that would reduce the corporate tax rate to 25%. "This proposal is further evidence that both sides of the political aisle, both chambers of Congress and both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue all agree that the time for comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform has come," NRF Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French said. Read the full release. - NRF names Ellen Davis SVP and executive director of the NRF Foundation
A visible spokesperson and asset to the NRF communications department since 2002, Ellen Davis has been named SVP and executive director of the NRF Foundation. In her new role, Davis will use her strategic communications background to restructure the foundation to more closely align with NRF's strategic plan through the organization's multimillion-dollar Retail Means Jobs campaign. "The decision to create a new vision for the NRF Foundation follows a year of significant financial investments by NRF to increase the power of our government relations and communications activities. Ellen is the perfect candidate to re-imagine the possibilities for our Foundation," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. Read the full release.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - McDonald's tests phase-out of foam cups
McDonald's has launched a pilot project to test the feasibility of phasing out polystyrene beverage cups, replacing them with double-walled paper coffee cups at about 2,000 U.S. restaurants. The move comes in response to a shareholder resolution by environmental group As You Sow, which received strong shareholder support. GreenBiz.com (3/21) | |  | | Position Title | Company Name | Location | | Planner | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, FL | | Business Analyst | QuantiSense | Atlanta, GA | | Implementation Consultant | QuantiSense | Atlanta, GA | | Director, Store Environment & Merchandise Planning | Harbor Freight Tools | Calabasas, CA | | Director of Advertising Production | The Bon Ton Stores, Inc. | Milwaukee, WI | | eCommerce Web Analytics & Planner Manager | Bealls Florida | Bradenton, FL | | Manager of Store Communication | American Eagle Outfitters | Pittsburgh, PA | | Vice President - General Manager | Saks Fifth Avenue | Stamford, CT | | Merchandise Planning & Analytics Manager | Coast Guard Community Services Command | Chesapeake, VA | | Direct Marketing Manager | RadioShack | Fort Worth, TX | | Director, Online Marketing | Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. | Columbus, OH | | Director of Operations | Spencer Gifts | Egg Harbor Township, NJ | | Global Insights Manager | Burt's Bees | Durham, NC | | Designer - Footwear/Girlcare | Tween Brands Service Co. | New Albany, OH | | Merchandise Planner | Kohl's Department Stores | Menomonee Falls, WI | | Merchandise Buyer | Kohl's Department Stores | Milwaukee/Menomonee Falls, WI | | Director of Store Initiatives | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | VP eCommerce | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | Merchandise Planner | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | Buyer, Petites | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, FL | | Buyer | Smithsonian Museum Retail | Washington, DC | | Meat/Seafood Team Leader | Meijer | Cincinnati, OH | | Meat/Seafood Team Leader | Meijer | Westerville, OH | | | Click here to view more job listings. | | |
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QVC will gain a foothold in China with the acquisition of a 49% stake in China National Radio's home shopping channel. QVC already operates internationally and generates about one-third of its sales in Europe and Japan. 
This Easter, Americans will spend an average of $145.28 on spring apparel, candy and other holiday themed goods, an 11% increase from last year. Source: 
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