Events

Guest appearances by Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson at Books-A-Million stores gave the retailer a modest sales lift in the third quarter.

The company said its sales increased 0.4% to $101.6 million and same store sales increased 1.6%, thanks in part to appearances by Republication presidential contender Dr. Ben Carson. However, signs of life on the top line did not translate to bottom line improvement as Books-A-Million reported a loss of $7.1 million, or 50 cents a share, that was in line with a loss from the prior year.

Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th is making progress in its plans to open up to 25 locations across Canada by 2018.

The retailer announced three new locations in Canada: Toronto Premium Outlets, Halton Hills, Ontario; Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario; and Premium Outlets Montreal, Mirabel, Quebec City.

Walmart’s foes are at it again this holiday season, looking to disparage the company with misinformation and publicity stunts that harm the workers the organization claims to help.

REI's plea asking shoppers to skip Black Friday and go outside has prompted nearly 1 million endorsements for the retailer's #OptOutside social media campaign.

What year did you attend your very first SPECS?

The evolution of physical stores took center stage at Chain Store Age's X/SPECS, held at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Formerly called Executive SPECS, the event was rebranded this year to reflect how technology is transforming the customer experience and the in-store environment.

REI's plea asking shoppers to skip Black Friday and go outside has prompted nearly 1 million endorsements for the retailer's #OptOutside social media campaign.

The Seattle-based retailer announced Monday that more than 150 other companies, nonprofit organizations and agencies that support state and national parks are also encouraging people to spend Black Friday outside. As Thanksgiving approaches, REI says it plans to recognize the hundreds of thousands of people and partner organizations that are opting to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.

The North Face puts its passion for adventure and the great outdoors front and center in its new flagship on Regent Street in London. The two-level 4,300-sq.-ft. space is designed to inspire customers to explore the world and equip them with not only the necessary gear, but also knowledge and support.

(For more photos of The North Face, London, click here.)

There is a new lifestyle publication in circulation — and it’s the product of two diverse companies.

Real estate developer Simon has joined with media company Conde Nast to produce a 98-page publication – Simon Magazine – designed to provide readers with the latest must-haves and must-dos, from fashion and beauty to dining and travel. It’s the first time Conde Nast has worked with a brand to create custom editorial content on such a wide scale.

A specialty retailer that is defined by consistent same-store increases for the past three quarters, an over-the-top televised fashion show and loyal customers who still love its in-store experience has chalked up another record quarter.

L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works, kept its winning streak going in the third quarter ended Oct. 31. Same-store sales increased 7%. Net sales rose 7% to $2.48 billion.

Net income rose 24.4% to a better-than-expected $164 million, compared to $131.8 million last year.