Coupons/ Rebates/ Pricing

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart Inc. reported Thursday that its net income fell to $5.7 million for the fiscal fourth quarter, down from $18.8 million last year. The chain said it was returning to its strategy of emphasizing everyday low prices after heavy coupon promotions took a toll on the retailer's financial performance during the past year.

Revenue for the quarter ended Jan. 28 was down nearly 3% to $328.1 million, from $336.7 million. Same-store sales were down 2.2%.

SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Children's Place Retail Stores is the latest retailer to report fourth-quarter sales that were negatively impacted by the unseasonably warm weather this winter. The company said that comparable-store sales for the quarter declined 2.7%, and net sales were up only slightly (0.9%) to $457.5 million from $453.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2010. 

Children's Place also reported a drop in income from continuing operations after tax from $32.7 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, to $24.2 million, or 97 cents per diluted share.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens on Tuesday announced the availability of an exclusive new offering for customers that check in at any Walgreens store nationwide through Foursquare.

The drugstore chain said customers that check in via Foursquare instantly will receive a unique scannable coupon via their smartphone, which is redeemable in the store and does not require texting, reply or other steps.


New York City -- A study released Thursday by WSL/Strategic Retail found that 52% of Americans are struggling to afford the necessities, and for many even that is a stretch.

The “How America Shops MegaTrends report, Moving On 2012,” revealed among its significant findings that the youth market, 18-34 year olds, has the highest percent of those who do not have enough money to cover their basic needs, with close to a quarter (24%) in financial turmoil.

Arlington, Va. -- A new study released by the Consumer Electronics Association found that more consumers are using their mobile devices for online transactions.

The "Mobile Commerce -- Reinventing the Way Consumers Shop" study found that 37% of mobile device owners are engaging in some form of commerce from their device. This could mean making a purchase, redeeming a coupon or gift card or searching for a coupon.

New York City -- Bloomingdale’s said Monday it has launched a new customer loyalty program called Loyallist in all U.S. retail locations and online. 

Fourth-quarter same-store sales at JCPenney declined 1.8%, and the company lost $87 million, but those details are being overlooked for the time being as execution of the transformation strategy envisioned by CEO Ron Johnson began less than a month ago.

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc.'s fourth-quarter net income plummeted 40% on higher costs and aggressive discounting during the holiday selling season.

The company reported that net income for the quarter ended Jan. 28 was $218 million, compared with $365 million a year earlier. Sales dipped to $4.28 billion in the quarter, from $4.36 billion, matching Wall Street estimates.

Wayne, N.J. – Babies “R” Us launched the Very Important Baby (V.I.B.) program, designed to allow parents an opportunity to earn a 10% bonus savings on baby essentials.

The complimentary V.I.B. card is much like a debit card and can be used toward purchases of any brand of diapers, wipes, formula and baby food at “R” Us stores nationwide. Every time money is loaded onto the card, Babies “R” Us will add 10% – up to $200 annually. 

A shopping center owner and manager is on the cutting edge of mobile marketing. DDR Corp., which owns and manages 538 value-oriented shopping centers in the United States, Puerto Rico and Brazil, is testing a service in select properties that combines physical retail assets with location-based mobile marketing.