Corporate Governance

Chicago -- Results of a survey released Wednesday by BDO USA found that chief marketing officers at leading U.S. retailers expect a modest 2.9% increase in total holiday sales this year.

Princeton, N.J. -- Digital and interactive agency Rosetta said Wednesday it has teamed with appliance and electronics retailer Hhgregg to launch a mobile e-commerce site to complement the re-designed Hhgregg.com website.

Hhgregg said it began working with Rosetta in early 2011 to develop an e-commerce platform that would provide the same high level of customer service as is provided in-store and to enable the company to compete more effectively with national multichannel retailers.

Chicago -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Wednesday that it has launched an iPad app prototype for its retail leasing team to support the 98 million-sq.-ft. nationwide retail portfolio it manages. 

Taking over an existing retail space can be a good move, as long as you have all the facts from the get-go, especially with regard to the floor. Lee Eliseian, president of Independent Floor Testing & Inspection, offers the following tips to prevent flooring issues from arising:

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart has launched new applications for the iPhone and iPad designed to give its customers tools to plan their weekly shopping trips, as well as a new way to access Walmart both in-store and online.
 

New York City -- Voters in the state of Washington on Tuesday approved a plan to privatize liquor sales, siding with Costco Wholesale Corp. in the costliest initiative campaign in state history, the Associated Press reported. The measure will end Washington's state-run liquor system, which was formed in the 1930s in the aftermath of Prohibition.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela's and US Dataworks announced the introduction of PayItFast for accepting Cabela's Club Visa card payments in all Cabela's U.S. stores.

Cincinnati -- Macy's net income surged in the third quarter amid strong sales. The retailer on Wednesday also raised its full-year profit outlook and announced plans to build two new stores in New York and one in California.

Macy's earned $139 million for the three months ended Oct. 29, up from $10 million, in the same period last year. Revenue increased 4.1% to $5.85 billion. Same-store sales rose 4%.

When it comes to Black Friday, you’re either in or you’re out. If you’re like me, the whirlwind of retail chaos that swirls around shopping centers the Friday after Thanksgiving can feel a bit overwhelming. The sales and deep discounts are tempting, but wading through crowds and fighting for parking spaces is not my idea of a “happy” holiday. But I have plenty of friends and family – and I’m sure you do too – who look forward to Black Friday with the anticipatory excitement of kids on Christmas Eve.

Quincy, Mass. -- The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. will open a new format focused on expanded selection, health and wellness, and convenience on Nov. 18, in Chelmsford, Mass. The 72,000 sq. ft. “next evolution” supermarket will include such amenities an in-store nutritionist, a supervised child play area, free Wi-Fi Internet access, curbside pick-up and innovative in-store shopping tools.