Strategy

Keeping up with smarter consumers
By Andy Monshaw, [email protected]

Today's consumers are more informed, influential and decisive than ever before. They demand more from their retailers, both face-to-face and virtually. Those retailers that don’t get it right, risk losing not only their business, but also their endorsement -- with friends, family, and a whole host of online followers. Small to midsize retailers, especially, feel the pressure to find new ways to forge lasting relationships with customers.
Starbucks makes progress in cup recycling goal
Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Co. and International Paper, with Mississippi River Pulp, LLC, have completed a six-week pilot project that -- for the first time -- proved Starbucks used paper cups can be recycled into new paper cups. This advancement brings Starbucks one step closer to its goal of ensuring 100% of its cups are reusable or recyclable by 2015.

Detection at the Point of Sale
Jo-Ann profit up in Q3, to accelerate openings and remodels in fiscal 2012

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Stores reported net income for its fiscal 2011 third quarter ended Oct. 30, of $29.1 million, up from $24.1 million in the year ago period. The retailer also raised its full-year outlook.

Net sales for the third quarter increased 5.1% to $535.3 million, from $509.1 million last year. Same-store sales increased 4.1%.

Chairman and CEO Darrell Webb said the chain was encouraged by the results in its new and remodeled stores, and was increasing its plan for both new store openings and remodel projects in fiscal 2012.
Focus on: Assortment Planning
Pier I sales up 10.2% in November

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports said on Thursday that its same-store sales rose 10.2% for the quarter ended Nov. 27, a little better than it had expected when it made a prediction last month.

Third-quarter total revenue rose 8.3% to $354 million.

President and CEO Alex W. Smith said strong results in September and October carried into November and the Thanksgiving weekend. Pier 1 stores got more visitors who spent more money, compared with the same period last year, Smith said.
Technology and the Store: The Shoppers’ Perspective
Lowe’s says it is reaching out to customers with service efforts

Mooresville, N.C. Lowe's CEO Robert Niblock hammered on the concepts of customer service and value during the company's 2010 Analyst & Investor Conference yesterday in Mooresville.

"At the core of our mission is the belief that we can grow by focusing on opportunities we have with existing customers," said Niblock, who added that the company must adapt to continue to be successful.
Jo-Ann Fabrics opens at Austin Town Center

Austin, Minn. -- Centro Properties Group said Tuesday that Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts has opened a 15,000-sq.-ft. store at Austin Town Center, in Austin, Minn.

Austin Town Center is owned by Centro Properties Group, based in New York City.
Wine & Spirits opens at Ivyridge

Philadelphia -- Centro Properties Group announced Tuesday that Wine & Spirits has opened a 6,800-sq.-ft. store at Ivyridge, in Philadelphia.

Centro Properties Group, based in New York City, is the owner of Ivyridge.

Keeping up with smarter consumers

Starbucks makes progress in cup recycling goal

Detection at the Point of Sale

Jo-Ann profit up in Q3, to accelerate openings and remodels in fiscal 2012

Focus on: Assortment Planning

Pier I sales up 10.2% in November

Technology and the Store: The Shoppers’ Perspective

Lowe’s says it is reaching out to customers with service efforts

Jo-Ann Fabrics opens at Austin Town Center

Wine & Spirits opens at Ivyridge