| November 5, 2010 | News for the retail industry |  |  | | - Holiday shoppers plan small splurges
Shoppers won't be spending at pre-recession levels this season, but they do plan to favor fun purchases over necessities a bit more, according to recent survey data from NRF and BIGresearch. The knowledge that consumers may be more open to impulse purchases has reassured merchants, said National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay. However, "[r]etailers won't fully believe the economy has totally recovered until we start to see unemployment numbers stabilize and consumer confidence increase," he said. USA TODAY (11/5)       - More retailers stop reporting monthly sales figures
Abercrombie & Fitch said this week it will stop reporting sales figures on a monthly basis beginning next year, making the teen-apparel chain the latest in a growing group that includes Wal-Mart, Sears and Home Depot. Monthly same-store sales results often lead to huge stock-price swings, without providing an accurate overall picture, some experts say. TheStreet.com (11/4) - Affluent yoga fans drive growth for Lululemon
Canada's Lululemon Athletica has already garnered a legion of U.S. fans for its high-end yoga togs, and the chain sees more room for expansion. The company, which increased same-store sales 31% while competitors scrambled to stay afloat during the downturn, connects with yoga instructors and fitness professionals who drive brand awareness through word-of-mouth, an approach that works with wealthier customers willing to spend $100 on yoga pants. Financial Post (Canada)/Reuters (11/2) - Holidays bring back Bailey Banks & Biddle
The new owners of Bailey Banks & Biddle reopened five stores last month, bringing the iconic jewelry brand back in time for the holidays. The chain disappeared a year ago, after a bankruptcy by then-owner Finlay Enterprises forced a closure. The revamped stores, along with a new website, will focus on bridal jewelry. Luxist (11/4) - The serious business of window dressing
Designers David Hoey and Linda Fargo have spent 14 years building Bergdorf Goodman's reputation for turning its flagship store's windows into decadent art displays, including last year's holiday scene that featured an Alexander McQueen original among a series of staircases that took Hoey years to collect. "We take our frivolity very seriously," Hoey said. The New York Times (free registration) (11/3)  | Retailers need to maximize profits from every inch of their retail stores in order to meet heightened expectations for personalized customer service and improve the profitability of their stores. Learn more about maximizing space utilization while localizing and tailoring assortment mix, pricing, and promotions in this free white paper. |
 - Dusting off sales skills can pay off
Technology has largely replaced in-store experts as consumers move online to do pre-purchase homework, and many merchants have cut back on skilled salespeople in the belief that most customers come in knowing what they want to buy. In fact, a significant percentage of shoppers walk in confused and ready to be swayed by personnel skilled in the art of the sale. Forbes (11/3)  | Gain Critical Market and Retail Intelligence on POS. How are your competitors leveraging POS, and which systems do they rely on to advance in today's markets? Get fresh insights into today's POS priorities, technology and market trends, plus in-depth vendor comparisons from this new 55-page report from IHL Group. This outstanding value is yours at no cost. | - Fashion brands and the strength of Twitter
Fashion brands have a huge opportunity to build brand awareness and connect with more consumers by leveraging the power of Twitter, writes BNET's Lydia Dishman. Many are already figuring it out, including Kmart Design, whose team of tweeters helps fashion-conscious customers track down new designs, and Forever 21, which frequently updates daily sale information and shares style and makeup tips. BNET/Style Inc. blog (11/4)  | Reshaping Enterprise Workforce Management Software
Download this white paper to discover how Kronos has defined an entirely new generation of workforce management tools for today's tech-savvy "business consumer". Learn more about three breakthrough technologies: Instant Engagement, Guided Decisions, and Mobile Management — and how they will change the way you manage the workforce. |
| NRF News |  | | | - NRF releases new crowd control guidelines as Black Friday nears
In anticipation of the biggest shopping day of the year, NRF has released updated crowd management guidelines for the 2010 holiday season. "Planning for large crowds, especially those of Black Friday proportions, involves many dress rehearsals, a well-trained staff, and a solid and comprehensive list of priorities for all parties involved," said NRF's Senior Asset Protection Advisor, Joe LaRocca. Read more or view the guidelines. - How to cash in on weather-driven demand
As many on the East Coast were blanketed by snow (and stuck at home) in mid-December 2009, retailers were reminded to take the weather -- and its impact on sales -- more seriously. In a recent Q-and-A, Planalytics SVP Evan Gold shares his insight into how this year's expected weather conditions will impact the retail sector and how retailers can implement plans that capitalize on specific weather patterns. Read more.
 | Good pair of shoes? Or a great career?
Forgo that new pair of shoes and put your hard earned money toward finding a satisfying career. Tap into the practical advice and proven strategies of 20 of the best recruiters, coaches, columnists and experts at the fully online Career Summit 2010. The first of 13 sessions starts on 10/26. Register today! |  | |  | | | | | | |  |  Senior Attorney, Litigation | dressbarn | Sufffern, NY | | Director of E-Commerce | The Wet Seal, INC | Foothill Ranch, CA | | Compliance Manager | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | Creative Manager | Neiman Marcus/Bergdorf Goodman | Irving , TX | | Retail Marketing Director | OfficeMax, Inc | Naperville, IL | | Director, Strategic Communications and Campaign | Universal Technical Institute Inc. | Phoenix, AZ | | Division Merchandise Manager | Sears | Hoffman Estates, IL | | Senior Ecommerce Manager | Expedia | Seattle, WA | | Merchandise Planner - Emblematic Apparel and Gifts, U.S. Stores | Follett Higher Education Group | Oak Brook, IL | | Senior Merchandise Planner - Emblematic Apparel and Gifts, U.S. Stores | Follett Higher Education Group | Oak Brook, IL | | Senior Employment/Labor Counsel | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI | | Category Manager - Own Brands (Food & Consumables) | Sears | Hoffman Estates, IL | | System Analyst- SQL and Microsoft Dynamics | The Hershey Company | Hershey, PA | | | |  | |  | |
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--Sara Henderson,
Australian writer and outback station manager  |
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