Budgets/Spending/Market Size

The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas was ranked among the top 30 public undergraduate business schools in the most recent edition of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges 2013."

Retailers plan to hire an increased number of temporary workers this holiday season, according to a survey by the global consulting firm Hay Group.

"Retailers are betting that 2012 is going to be a great holiday season," said Craig Rowley, vp and global practice leader for Hay Group’s retail practice. "After four years of economic turbulence, they have figured out how to operate in an uncertain business environment and are calm and cool, knowing that they are ready, as they head into the holidays."

Orlando, Fla. -- The nation’s chain retailers lead the nation when it comes to commercial solar energy use, according to a report released Wednesday by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar Initiative advocacy group.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is set to go to court in order to block the proposed $7.25 billion settlement of a federal antitrust lawsuit over Visa and MasterCard credit card swipe fees.

Denver -- Retailers remain conservative when it comes to financial investments in mobile and tablet initiatives despite the industry buzz, according to a survey by Shop.org and Forrester Research Inc.

Philadelphia -- Tween discounter Five Below Inc. reported Tuesday a loss in the second quarter of $64.2 million due to one-time costs that were attributed mainly to dividend payments made to preferred shareholders, among others. That compares with a loss of $1.7 million in the year-ago period. However, adjusted profit of $1.2 million beat expectations and the company’s third-quarter and full-year estimates are in line with Wall Street’s forecast.

Ankeny, Iowa -- C-store operator Casey's General Stores Inc. reported Monday a profit of $39 million in the quarter ended July 31, compared with a profit of $39.4 million last year.

Results beat Wall Street expectations, although flat revenue of $1.87 billion missed forecasts of $1.93 billion in sales.

Mexico City -- Wal-Mart Stores’ Mexican arm Wal-Mart de Mexico reported Monday that same-store sales for the month of August rose 4.1%, beating analysts’ expected 2.8% increase.

The retailer, which is being investigated for bribery to expedite store openings, projects improved results for the second half of the year.
 

With the political conventions coming to an end, it’s clear now that election season is in full swing. And, while I don’t pretend to know what the long-term implications of an Obama re-election or a Romney win would mean for our economy or our country, I do think that what happens on Nov. 6 will almost certainly have an impact on our industry — particularly, shopper sentiment and ultimately holiday sales.

Philadelphia -- Three-fourths (75%) of retailers forecast an increase in holiday sales this year, according to a survey by Hay Group, a global management consultancy.

The annual Seasonal Staffing Survey report also finds that retailers have more confidence in holiday hiring plans. While 57% of retailers plan to hire seasonal workers at the same level as 2011, 36% say they will be hiring more. This stands in contrast to 2011 when just 10% planned to hire more seasonal workers than the year prior.