Events

ShopperTrak: Holiday sales to rise 2.4%

Price-conscious consumers looking for a good deal are expected to fuel a sales surge on Black Friday, but not enough to lift overall holiday sales higher than last year, according to ShopperTrak.

The analytics firm predicts that Black Friday 2015 will surpass Black Friday 2014 due to the shopper who is motivated by sales and exhibits a growing tendency toward shopping earlier. In addition, an early Hanukkah, which begins 10 days sooner this year than last, will generate November sales at the expense of December.
Tanger Outlets announces grand opening of newest outlets
Southaven, Miss. -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and Poag Shopping Centers will celebrate the Grand Opening of Tanger Outlets Southaven located in Southaven, Mississippi, on Nov. 20.

The Center will feature over 70 brand name and designer outlet retailers including: Ann Taylor, Gap factory outlet, White House | Black Market, Banana Republic, Columbia Sportswear Company, J.Crew, Loft, Under Armour, Skechers, Pandora, Carter's, Tommy Hilfiger and more.

Shoppers not spending, shifting online

Consumers’ intentions often differ materially from their behavior and retailers better hope that is the case this year or it won’t be a happy holiday, according to the latest consumer research from the National Retail Federation.
Target Bullseye: Q&A on Tech Start-Up Accelerator Program

Target on Monday officially opened the application process for its new startup accelerator program, created in partnership with Techstars and led by Target EIR (entrepreneur-in-residence) West Stringfellow. The retailer posted a Q&A with Stringfellow, who forged Target’s partnership with Techstars, on its Bullseye blog.

Here are highlights:
Prime Day? Alibaba prepares for something bigger

For anyone who thought Amazon’s July “Prime Day” event was the biggest shopping day of the year, check out Alibaba’s upcoming “Global Shopping Festi
Target starts up accelerator application process

Start-ups looking to revolutionize retail have a significant new opportunity for support.
Retail and CPG marketing made easier

Aside from some massively complex challenges, retailer and consumer packaged goods marketers have never had it so good, according to Bob Fair, president of marketing applications
Technology summit comes to Walmart’s back yard

Northwest Arkansas isn’t the first place that comes to mind when the phrase “hotbed of start-up activity” is uttered, but organizers of a first-of-its-kind technology summit are looking to change that perception.

On November 10, more than 800 people are expected to gather at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers, Ark., for the Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit, an event organized by the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Arkansas Council.
Target is looking for an accelerator

Start-ups looking to revolutionize retail have a significant new opportunity for support.
RetailNext: Holiday sales expected to climb only 2.8%

A sluggish economic recovery will prevent sales from rising more than 2.8% this holiday season, according to analytics firm RetailNext.

Last week, the National Retail Federation estimated a 3.7% increase in holiday sales, slightly less than last year. Deloitte also called for a 3.5% to 4% increase. This week the International Council of Shopping Centers predicted a 3.3% increase.

RetailNext's forecast for U.S. retail stores this holiday season (November – December) includes:
Confirmation: The Third Wave of Physical Retail

Please click here to preview the report.
Lush, London

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics has opened its largest store in the world — a 9,500-sq.-ft. flagship on London’s busy Oxford Street. The three-story flagship is a veritable beauty wonderland, complete with an in-store spa. It’s also a delight for the senses, calling out at every step for customers to touch, feel, and smell the products.