  | September 30, 2011 | News for the retail industry |  |  | |
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  - Economists: Consumer spending won't rescue U.S. economy
Consumer spending fell 2.8% in 2009 and 2% last year, according to Labor Department figures, and the trend isn't likely to reverse itself soon, economists say. Consumer demand, which comprises about 70% of the U.S. economy, is in a holding pattern as households work to get out of debt and rebuild their savings. CNBC (9/29)       | Business Analytics: Optimizing Your Operations
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 - How mobile will drive retail's future
Mobile technology is changing the way consumers around the world shop, and global retailers need to change with the times, said executives at an industry conference in Berlin this week. Brick-and-mortar retail isn't going away, but merchants need to find ways to both use mobile to their advantage and differentiate themselves with exclusive lines shoppers can't find in other stores or online. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (9/29) - Neiman Marcus launches first Foursquare contest
Neiman Marcus has issued its first challenge to Foursquare users, as part of the upscale department store's Shoe & Handbag Event on Saturday. Each store will hide 15 Nancy Gonzalez clutch bags through the store and challenge shoppers to find them by unlocking clues using Foursquare. Retailing Today (free registration) (9/29)  | Who are this year’s leaders in POS?
The results of IHL’s extensive market research on POS are now in! This exclusive, 50-page report provides everything you need to know about conditions in the softgoods market, store system trends, plus complete details on the top five suppliers in each Tier. Now, gain these key competitive insights at no cost! |
 | Policy & Government Affairs | |  | | |  | - Industries band together to push for easier visa rules
Trade groups including NRF have formed a coalition that's likely to spend millions to convince leaders to relax the strict visa regulations that keep wealthy tourists from India, Brazil, China and other companies from spending their money in the U.S. Deep partisan divisions in Congress make it much tougher to get legislation passed, said NRF's David French. National Journal (9/30) - Bank of America to charge $5 monthly debit-card fee
Bank of America said this week it will begin charging a $5 monthly fee to most of its debit-card holders early next year, in response to new federal caps on the fees banks can charge merchants on debit-card transactions. "Every time Congress takes a step to protect consumers, the banks use it as an excuse to raise fees. Just as merchants and consumers are about to get some relief, they're doing it again," said NRF general counsel Mallory Duncan. United Press International (9/29)  | How will IM, video, telephony and other elements of UC change in the coming year? This set of products provides a consistent unified user interface and experience and is poised to become more widespread in the enterprise. Get insight from Focus Experts as they share their predictions for Unified Communications in this free guide. |
| NRF News | | | | - Merchants, consumers to save billions as swipe fee regulations take effect this weekend
Regulations cutting debit card swipe fees in half will take effect this weekend, saving merchants and their customers billions of dollars. "Retailers across the nation are developing a wide range of innovative ways to pass these savings along to their customers with lower prices and better value," NRF General Counsel Mallory Duncan said. "Change won't come overnight, but consumers will definitely benefit. Reducing these fees will put billions of dollars back into the Main Street economy, helping American families stretch their paychecks and ultimately preserving and creating local jobs to keep America on the road to recovery." Read more. - NRF SmartStat: Sept. 30, 2011
 The total U.S. GDP impact of retail is $2.5 trillion annually. Source: NRF. - A White House insider shares insights on health reform
Retail HR executives with questions about health reform shouldn't miss this opportunity to hear the latest developments on health care policy straight from the Obama administration. Elizabeth Fowler, special assistant to the President for Healthcare and Economic Policy at the National Economic Council, will discuss the latest developments in health care reform and share insights into the debate at the upcoming NRF Human Resources Executives Summit, Oct. 11-13 in Dallas. Registration is complimentary for NRF retail members and $595 for non-members. Learn more.
| Chain Restaurant News | | | | - Sizzler maps out Chicago comeback
Sizzler steakhouse aims to open 18 Chicago-area eateries during the next five years, marking a return to the market as part of a national turnaround effort by the struggling casual chain. Sizzler operates 179 restaurants down from about 700 at its peak. Crain's Chicago Business (9/29) | |  | | Position Title | Company Name | Location | | Director of Planning and Allocation | LittleMissMatched | New York, NY | | Merchandise Manager | Party City | Rockaway, NJ | | Payroll Manager | Party City | Rockaway, NJ | | Shopper Marketing and Retail Promotions Director | Two West Inc. | Nationwide, United States | | Vice President, Business Development | Confidential | Akron, OH | | Associate Merchant - Direct Import | OFFICE DEPOT | Boca Raton, FL | | Asset Protection Associate | Saks Fifth Avenue | Stamford, CT | | Store Manager-Luxury Retail-San Diego | Tourneau LLC | San Jose, CA | | Contract Recruiter - Merchandising | Burlington Coat Factory | Burlington, NJ | | Permanent and Seasonal, FT and PT Sales Associates - Saks Fifth Avenue Career Day - Indianapolis, IN | Saks Fifth Avenue | Indianapolis, IN | | Assistant Store Manager-Luxury Retail-San Jose | Tourneau LLC | San Jose, CA | | Commercial Sales Analyst | TAG Heuer | Springfield, NJ | | Sales Associate - Assistant Store Manager - Personal Shopper - Stylists - Visual Merchandisers | Saks Fifth Avenue | Boston, MA | | FIFTH AVENUE CLUB DIRECTOR | SAKS FIFTH AVENUE | BAL HARBOUR, FL | | ASSET PROTECTION ASSOCIATE | SAKS FIFTH AVENUE | BAL HARBOUR, FL | | Sales Associates - Beauty Specialists - Career Fair - Beachwood, OH | Saks Fifth Avenue | Beachwood, OH | | Vice President of Distribution and Logistics | Sleep Experts | Dallas, TX | | Location Director - Home Delivery Organic and Natural Food | Suburban Organics | Ottsville, PA | | Fashion Buyer | Target | Minneapolis, MN | | Senior Wine Buyer | Total Wine & More | Potomac, MD | | SALES ASSOCIATES | SAKS FIFTH AVENUE | NEW YORK, NY | | SALES ASSOCIATES | SAKS FIFTH AVENUE | GREENWICH, CT | | Sales Associate Career Day at South Coast Plaza | Saks Fifth Avenue | Costa Mesa, CA | | Regional Director | Francesca's Collections | Philadelphia, PA | | SALES ASSOCIATE | SAKS FIFTH AVENUE | Hackensack, NJ | | | Click here to view more job listings. | | |
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