Strategy

Kronos Retail Labor Index hits three-year high
Chelmsford, Mass. -- A report released Thursday by Kronos Inc. found that hiring in the retail sector continues to make marked improvements. The Kronos Retail Labor Index, which analyzes the current state of the demand and supply sides of the labor market within the U.S. retail sector, rose to 4.2% in November 2011, from a downwardly revised 3.5% in October. This was the highest reading since October 2008 and the second reading of 4% or higher in the last three months.
Guess Q3 profit dips 4% as tax rate increases
Los Angeles -- Guess Inc. said Wednesday that profit for the quarter ended Oct. 29 fell 4% as the clothing company's tax rate increased. The chain reported net income of $66.3 million, compared with $69.1 million in the year-ago period. The company's effective tax rate rose to 32.3% during the quarter from 29.1% a year earlier. As a result, the incomes taxes Guess paid rose 5% to $31.9 million.

Did Walmart early openings ding Target comps?

Target previously acknowledged that the return of layaway at Walmart impacted its early-season toy sales, and now comes another interesting revelation in Target’s November sales release.
Costco comps up 6% at U.S. clubs

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — The nation’s leading warehouse club operator maintained its momentum in November by posting a 6% increase in same-store sales at U.S. clubs excluding the beneficial effect of higher year-over-year gas prices.
Wal-Mart unveils first social networking app

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Wednesday it has debuted a social networking application, calling it Shopycat.

The app uses Facebook data to recommend gifts to consumers, on the company's Facebook page. It is one of the first products to roll out of @Walmartlabs, a unit of the company charged with developing social-networking and mobile technologies for the retailer.
Oakley selects 7thonline planning and assortment solution

New York City -- Cross-channel merchandise planning and assortment solution provider 7thonline said Thursday that sports brand Oakley has selected 7thonline Merchandise and Assortment Management to increase the productivity of its inventory and merchandising process.

The solution includes merchandise financial planning, visual and analytical assortment planning, in-season OTB management and forecasting, and embedded business intelligence, based on powerful optimization engines.
Rue21 Q3 profit rises 22%

Warrendale, Pa. -- Rue21 Inc. reported Wednesday that its third-quarter profit surged 22% to $8.7 million, from $7.1 million a year earlier, as the apparel retailer opened dozens of new stores during the period.

Revenue climbed 19% to $194.8 million, but missed Wall Street’s expected $197.3 million in revenue. The company opened 30 stores during the quarter and expanded eight into its "Rue21 etc!" format.
NEW names conference co-chairs

CHICAGO — Eva Kohn of Valassis Inc. and Subriana Pierce of Supervalu were named co-chairs of the Network of Executive Women CPG Retail Diversity Forum 2012 scheduled for March 6 to 8 in Dallas. The NEW Diversity Forum, formerly the Multicultural Workforce Conference, is the consumer products and retail industry’s leading diversity and inclusion event.
Target comps light in November

MINNEAPOLIS — Target reported November same-store sales increased 1.8%, which was toward the low end of the company’s guidance that called for an increase in the low to mid single-digit range.
Signage Challenged by Regulatory Issues

By Bill Dundas, International Sign Association

Kronos Retail Labor Index hits three-year high

Guess Q3 profit dips 4% as tax rate increases

Did Walmart early openings ding Target comps?

Costco comps up 6% at U.S. clubs

Wal-Mart unveils first social networking app

Oakley selects 7thonline planning and assortment solution

Rue21 Q3 profit rises 22%

NEW names conference co-chairs

Target comps light in November

Signage Challenged by Regulatory Issues