Coupons/ Rebates/ Pricing

HINGHAM, Mass. — Talbots' fourth-quarter loss widened to $53.2 million, or 77 cents per share, from last year’s loss from continuing operations of $2.8 million, or 4 cents per share. 

Fiscal year 2011 loss from continuing operations was $111.8 million, or $1.62 per share, compared with last year’s income from continuing operations of $7.6 million, or 11 cents per share. 

The Canadian consumer is a value conscious, “tough nut to crack,” who is already well-served by existing retailers, according to Diane Briesebois, president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada, a trade association founded in 1963 that represents retailers that operate more than 45,000 stores and account for 85% of Canadian retail sales.

San Francisco -- A new study released Thursday by MarketTools found that 63% of shoppers say they have changed their shopping habits in the past six months, with the majority reporting changes to seek more value.

According to the study, to save money on grocery bills, respondents reported that they buy items with coupons (80%); buy store brands instead of name brands (62%); use store loyalty cards that offer discounts (62%); buy items only when they are on sale (58%); and buy more large-sized products (43%).

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bi-Lo and Coca-Cola have partnered with the USO to support its Operation Phone Home program, which connects troops deployed overseas with their families back home through, among other things, a private phone network. For every rotisserie meal bundle sold at all Bi-Lo stores, Coca-Cola will donate $1 to OPH, which buys troops about 20 minutes of talk time.

If you’re like me and watch more TV than you should, you’ve probably seen the unusual new Target commercials with the hot air balloon. These “Color Changes Everything” spots feature a troupe of lively individuals landing in a hot air balloon (which, when seen from above, sports a gigantic version of the distinctive Target bullseye logo) and cavorting through an urban setting in acrobatic fashion, magically transforming the clothing, accessories and household goods of the people they encounter into stuff that is brighter, hipper and generally cooler and more fun.

Atlanta -- A report released Tuesday by First Data Corp., which tracks same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations, found that warm weather and spring promotions boosted discretionary spending in March.

According to First Data’s March 2012 SpendTrend report, year-over-year dollar volume growth was 8.7% in March, compared with February’s 8.9% growth.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion has launched its Hunger Has a Cure Campaign to support Feeding America's network of local food banks. The two-week campaign, which allows customers to donate in $1 or $3 increments at the register, runs through April 17. Customers may also donate any other amount of their choice.

PLESANTON, Calif. — Safeway has partnered with singer/songwriter Avril Lavigne for a new, exclusive video to support its annual Support for People with Disabilities fundraising campaign to benefit Easter Seals, Special Olympics and an array of organizations that help people with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives.

AMSTERDAM — Staples has launched a new loyalty program for its customers in France.  According to the company Staples Fidélité makes it easy for all Staples online customers to save on essential office products. 

J.C. Penney is in the very beginning of its transformation. But the first component of the strategy — a new pricing model that jettisoned hundreds of promotions in favor a three-tier model — in already in place. And not surprisingly, experts are weighing in.