Marketing

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation said Thursday that it has upwardly revised its holiday forecast, now expecting holiday sales to rise 3.8% this year to a record $469.1 billion. 

NRF’s initial forecast, announced on October 6, called for anticipated sales growth of 2.8%. While a 3.8% sales increase is considerably above the 10-year average sales increase of 2.6%, it is still lower than the 5.2% increase the retail industry saw last year, said NRF.

CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. reported Thursday that it lost $54.5 million in the fiscal quarter, narrowed from a loss of $81.5 million a year earlier. The chain has trimmed its projected loss for fiscal 2012 based on the results.

Revenue rose almost 2% to $6.31 billion, compared with $6.2 billion in the year-ago period and surpassing Wall Street’s expected $6.29 billion in revenue. Same-store sales increased 2%. 

Rite Aid is upping its store improvement spending and has focused efforts on building its Wellness Plus rewards program.

New York -- Tiffany & Co.  announced that Stephane Lafay has been appointed to the newly-created position of group VP - Asia-Pacific Region and President - Tiffany Japan. 

Lafay, 46, joined Tiffany in 2009 as president of Tiffany’s Japan organization. A search is underway for a managing director of Japan who will report to Lafay. 

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Tuesday named Al Duran to the role of president of the company's Denver division. He replaces Scott Grimmett, who is leaving Safeway for an opportunity with a noncompeting food retailer, the company stated.

"Al's results-oriented leadership style and experience on both the retail and the marketing side of our business will serve him well in his new assignment," Safeway chairman, president and CEO Steve Burd said. "He is also a Colorado native and knows that market well."

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 both proved positive for Stater Bros., the regional supermarket chain announced Tuesday.

For the fourth quarter ended Sept. 25, the retailer saw a 5% increase in sales to $941.9 million, compared with the year-ago period. For the 52-week fiscal year, sales rose 2.4% to $3.7 billion, the company said. Same-store sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal year experienced a 5% and 2.5% jump in same-store sales, respectively.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl's announced that it has expanded its partnership with Vera Wang Group to launch a new, exclusive line of junior's clothing that will be available in stores and online beginning August 2012.

The Princes Vera Wang collection will include premium apparel and jewelry at a great value, the company said. Additional categories may be added over time. 

Wal-Mart Stores' Mexican subsidiary, Walmex, is now part of the Mexican Stock Exchange's newly created Sustainable Index, the company reported. 

Minneapolis -- Christopher & Banks Corp. said Wednesday it has named Joel N. Waller as president for a one-year term, effective immediately. He will report to Larry Barenbaum, CEO.

Waller, who is charged with revitalizing the business and putting the company back on track to profitability, was most recently a consultant to various retail companies, including AM Retail Group, Inc./Wilsons Leather. He served as CEO of Wet Seal from 2005 to 2008, and as chairman and CEO of Wilsons Leather before that.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. said Wednesday that it has expanded its partnership with Vera Wang Group to launch Princess Vera Wang, a junior collection that will be sold exclusively by Kohl’s beginning August 2012.

The line will be available both in-store and online.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. said Wednesday it has appointed Al Duran to president of the company's Denver Division. He replaces Scott Grimmett, who is leaving Safeway for another opportunity.

Duran joined Safeway's Denver Division in 1979, and worked his way through the company's ranks including senior retail operations and marketing positions in the Safeway's Phoenix and Dominick's divisions. He joined Safeway's corporate team in 2009 as VP retail initiatives.