Marketing Tactics

Belmont, Calif. -- SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider and Staples announced a production milestone of more than 30 million kilowatt-hours of energy produced through solar installations on Staples' properties.

NEW YORK — Consumer spending slowed in October, sending a note of caution as retailers head into the holiday season. Eleven retailers missed expectations for same-store sales, while three chains beat estimates, according to a preliminary tally by Thomson Reuters. However, while the October results were not as promising as some retailers had hoped, sales for the most part rose and most chains reported results that were only slightly off from analysts’ estimates. Some analysts blamed Wall Street for underestimating how much caution is still out there.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target reported October sales growth that fell short of analysts expectations, while uncertainty remains following the recent departure of the company's CFO.

Target reported that its net retail sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 29 were $4.8 billion, an increase of 4.3% from $4.6 billion for the four weeks ended Oct. 30, 2010. On this same basis, comparable-store sales increased 3.3% in October and 4.3% in the third quarter.

New York City -- Consumer spending slowed in October, sending a note of caution as retailers head into the holiday season. Eleven retailers missed expectations for same-store sales, while three chains beat estimates, according to a preliminary tally by Thomson Reuters. However, while the October results were not as promising as some retailers had hoped, sales for the most part rose and most chains reported results that were only slightly off from analysts’ estimates. Some analysts blamed Wall Street for underestimating how much caution is still out there.

Chicago -- Commercial real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle will complete the rebrand, design and build-out of retail locations for mobile communications provider NII Holdings for its licensed Nextel brand in Latin America as part of a turnkey brand implementation strategy.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Wednesday it is offering an early previous of its Black Friday deals.

The retailer will begin previewing special deals on Wednesday, and will hold an early holiday sale beginning Nov. 5.

The Black Friday preview for specials in electronics, toys and apparel will be available to shoppers who sign up at Walmart.com or the store's Facebook page, according to the company.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters reported Wednesday that sales for the quarter ended Oct. 29 rose 11% to $832 million, compared with $752 million in the year-ago period.

Same-store sales increased 5% for the quarter, following a 1% rise for the same period last year.

By banner, American Eagle posted a 5% comp increase and Aerie comps surged 8%.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that it is making it easier for consumers to shop this holiday season with the launch of its holiday shopping site, SamsClub.com/gifts and an enhanced mobile app that together streamline on-the-go and at-home shopping.