Loyalty Marketing

Amazon lead the pack in the retail field on Fortune’s “Most Admired Companies” list. The e-commerce juggernaut was third ranked overall (behind Apple and Google) for, among other reasons, its efficient customer service and leadership under CEO Jeff Bezos.

Nordstrom captured the number 16 spot for generating buzz for its first full-line retail store in Manhattan, well before its planned open date in 2018 and for its successful clearance brand, Nordstrom Rack.

New York -- Consumer confidence rebounded in February, reversing three straight months of declines, according to The Conference Board, a private research group. The Conference Board’s closely-watched Consumer Confidence Index stands at 69.6, up from 58.4 in January. Economists had expected 60.5, according to research firm FactSet.

It was the highest reading since November’s 71.5 metric.  

CHICAGO — The latest research from SymphonyIRI Group’s Times & Trends, “2012 CPG Year in Review: Finding the New Normal,” reveals that budget restraints are still causing consumers to remain frugal in 2013, despite signs of economic recovery. 

Little Rock, Ark. -- Dillard’s Inc. posted fourth-quarter net income of $161.4 million, up 14% over the year-ago period. It also reported its 10th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth.

Chicago -- Shoppers will reduce the number of channels they visit and remain intensely focused on value in 2013, according to the latest research from SymphonyIRI Group.

According to Symphony’s “2012 CPG Year in Review: Finding the New Normal,” consumers are still attempting to ease budgetary strains and are embracing a wide variety of money-saving strategies.

Brian Michon was named chief technology officer at Cartera Commerce, a Boston-based provider of card-based marketing solutions for merchants, banks and loyalty programs.

In his new role at Cartera, Michon, a former vp of engineering at Intuit, is expected to drive Cartera’s card-linked offer technology strategy and lead the company’s development, operations and solution delivery teams.

DALLAS — Zale Corp. reported that revenues for its second quarter rose 1.1% to $7 million from $664 million last year.

“The growth achieved in the quarter was driven by our exclusive, branded collections. Further expanding these products and supporting them with compelling marketing and training is an important part of our growth strategy,” commented Theo Killion, CEO.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2013, comparable-store sales increased 2.8%. This increase follows a 5.8% rise in the same period last year. 

CHICAGO — Retail executives are moderating their expectations for 2013 following uneven sales in December and January, according to a new survey of CFOs by professional services form BDO USA.