Events

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) has formally asked the House to approve legislation that would overturn a National Labor Relations Board(NLRB) regulation allowing what it terms “ambush” union organizing elections, saying the rule infringes on employee and employer rights and is an attempt to favor union organizing. The Senate approved the legislation earlier this month by a vote of 53-46, and the House is expected to take it up later this week.

After opening its first stores in Alabama this month, tween and teen retailer Five Below is taking Kentucky off its expansion list next, with new stores there opening this week.

"Entering Louisville is an important next step as we continue to grow our footprint across the country," said Joel Anderson, CEO of Five Below. "We're excited to serve new customers in this dynamic city. Kids and parents looking for a fun place to shop for trend-right, high quality products at a great value will surely enjoy Five Below."

Just in time for spring’s college basketball showdown, Hhgregg is offering a winning deal to customers who shop in-store or online.

The retailer is offering zero down and no-interest financing until January 2018 on qualifying purchases from now until March 28.

Indianapolis – Just in time for the annual college basketball championship tournament, Hhgregg is running an omnichannel “March Markdown” promotion. From March 16 – April 6, customers can enter up to four times per day via Facebook, online, or by sharing the Hhgregg “Acrobatic Dunk Madness” video.

Washington, D.C. – The long winter chill put a damper on consumer spending and retail sales in February. According to data from the National Retail Federation (NRF), excluding automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants, retail sales declined 0.2% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month, yet were up 3% on an unadjusted year-over-year basis.

Additional findings from NRF’s monthly retail sales analysis found that:

Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers:
• -2.3% month-to-month

Denton, Texas -- Fashion-forward retailer H&M will open a new store at Golden Triangle Mall, in Denton, Texas. The 23,000-sq.-ft. location is slated to open fall 2015, bringing its Texas store count to 15.

Golden Triangle Mall has recently undergone a redevelopment, with new entrances and facades, center court, performance area and other enhancements. The 765,000-sq.-ft. enclosed mall is owned by GTM Development, a partnership between The McHerring Group and Cencor Realty Services, and is anchored by J.C. Penney, Dillards, Macy’s and Sears.

New York -- Aeropostale Inc. decreased its loss in the fourth quarter, and reported its first adjusted operating profit in its last eight quarters. But the struggling teen apparel retailer said it is considering potentially closing approximately 50 to 75 Aeropostale stores and one P.S. Store in 2015.

Aeropostale's net loss narrowed to $13.5 million in the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31, down from $70.3 million a year earlier.

Net sales fell 11.3% to $593.8 million. Comparable sales declined 9%.

Los Angeles -- Caruso Affiliated announced the appointment of Steven Martin to senior VP, strategic alliances & entertainment. Martin will oversee client sponsorships, large-scale entertainment events, brand activations, and new business development across Caruso Affiliated’s portfolio.  He will report to chief marketing and communications officer Judy Johnson.