Events

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation expressed its support for President Obama's proposal for business tax reform, and pledged to work with the White House and Congress to win passage of legislation that would significantly lower rates in order to help retailers and other businesses create jobs.

Omni-channel, seamless customer experience, empowered consumers and mobile commerce were among the buzzwords at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & EXPO in New York City. The show attracted a record 25,000 retail executives, suppliers and consultants, the most in its 101-year history. Reflecting the global nature of retail, there were some 5,500 international participants from 78 countries.

Chesapeake, Va. -- Dollar Tree Inc. reported a higher-than-expected profit for the fourth quarter ended on Jan. 28. But the chain forecast quarterly earnings and sales below Wall Street estimates amid rising gasoline prices and increased competition from larger rivals.

For the quarter, net income rose to $187.9 million, from $162.5 million a year earlier.

Sales rose about 12.8% to $1.95 billion. Same-store sales were up 7.3%.

CINCINNATI — Macy's continues to see improved financial performance, reporting fourth-quarter sales and earnings today that exceeded management’s expectations.

The company reported fourth-quarter earnings per diluted share of $1.74, compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.59 for the fourth quarter of 2010. Sales for the quarter increased 5.5% to $8.7 billion from $8.3 billion last year. Same-store sales for the quarter increased 5.2%.

Bethlehem, Pa. -- Peeps & Co. has opened its third store, in The Shoppes at Sands, next to the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Bethlehem, Pa. The store offers an energy-filled environment immersing visitors in sight, sound and taste.

Peeps is the retail arm of candy-maker Just Born, whose brands include Peeps and Mike and Ike.

Naperville, Ill. -- OfficeMax announced that it intends to hold its annual meeting of shareholders at 2 p.m. (Central Daylight Time) on April 30.

The meeting will be held at the Hotel Arista at City Gate Centre, Naperville, Ill.
 

Ahead of Walmart's fourth-quarter sales and earnings report on Feb. 21, analysts have high expectations for the company. Reuters reported that nalysts on average expect to see the company's best U.S. sales performance in more than two years, and anticipate that Walmart's store traffic will improve.

To see more about what Reuters had to say, click here.

Toy buyers, manufacturers, retailers and others, simply curious about the latest trends, gathered this week at the massive Javitz Center in New York City to see what would be the hottest products for 2012.

Technology continues to be a popular driver of new products, as evidenced by the number of toys designed specifically to work with the iPhone or iPad. However, there was also an apparent shift toward more simple toys, perhaps reflecting the current economy and the inability of many parents to shell out $100 on a toy that will only get played with a short while.

WASHINGTON — The monthly Global Port Tracker report, released Wednesday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, said that import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to be down 6.8% in February from the same month a year ago. However, volumes should show year-over-year increases through most of the remaining first half of 2012.

NEW YORK — In honor of the 2012 Academy Awards, Tiffany & Co. has engaged the services of celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe to create a window display that highlights Hollywood glamour from the 1930s through the 1970s. 

Zoe’s windows are unveiled at Tiffany & Co. flagship stores in New York City, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore and London.