Events

New York -- The International Council of Shopping Centers forecasts a 4.0% increase in sales during the November-December holiday shopping period, the strongest gain in three years, amid positive economic signals. Total holiday shopping sales at shopping centers is estimated to be $488.6 billion in the same period.

Leading payment technology and services company First Data has launched First Data Salutes, a company-wide military engagement strategy aimed at helping the veteran-owned business community and service members and their families who are making the transition to civilian careers.

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) expects sales in November and December (excluding autos, gas and restaurant sales) to increase a healthy 4% to $616.9 billion, higher than 2013’s actual 3% increase during that same time frame. This would mark the first time since 2011 that holiday sales would increase more than 4%.

Holiday sales are projected to grow at their fastest level in years, rising 4.1% to nearly $617 billion after a 3.1% increase last year, according to an annual forecast released by the National Retail Federation.

Continued softness in mall traffic and lower-than-expected sales from its September fashion show have prompted Christopher & Banks to cut its sales forecast for the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

Walgreens is conducting a developer contest to encourage integration of its Balance Rewards application program interface (API), which allows users of other apps to earn Balance Rewards loyalty program points for making healthy choices. Rewards points can be redeemed for merchandise in-store or online.
 

New York -- Uniqlo celebrate the opening of its store at Roosevelt Field, Garden City, New York, on Oct. 3.

The Roosevelt Field store is the retailer’s ninth store in the state of New York, and its 32nd in the United States.

Uniqlo currently more than 1,400 stores in 16 markets worldwide. The company is a brand of Japan’s Fast Retailing Co, whose brands also include Comptoir des Cotonniers, GU, Helmut Lang, J Brand, Princesse tam.tam, Theory.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens is conducting a developer contest to encourage integration of its Balance Rewards application program interface (API). It allows users of other apps to earn Balance Rewards loyalty program points for making healthy choices, with rewards points redeemed for merchandise in-store or online.