Consumer Attitudes & Behavior

New York -- Dressbarn, a subsidiary of Ascena Retail Group Inc., has launched a social and interactive campaign, called Share Your (MOM)ent, for Mother's Day. The campaign's integrated web and mobile site was designed and developed by Manhattan-based agency Conversation.

The campaign encourages consumers to upload a photo, video or written memory of anyone who has ever given them a warm and fuzzy mom-like feeling, and to share it with others via social networks and a customizable e-card.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets experienced a jump in its net income and operating income during the first quarter ended March 31, the retailer said.

NEW YORK — Several apparel retailers, including Limited Brands, Zumiez and Ross Stores, posted better-than-expected sales in April. It was widely expected that an earlier Easter, which pushed demand into March, and cool weather would hurt sales.

Limited Brands, parent of Victoria’s Secret, reported a 7% rise in same-store sales for April, beating estimates.

Credit card trends at Target hit a new high, or low, depending on one’s perspective. Either way, it’s a good thing.

New York -- Macy's Inc., Target Corp., Kohl’s, Saks and Costco’s Wholesale Corp. all reported results that fell short of expectations in April. An early Easter, which helped fuel March results, high gas prices, cool weather and renewed worries about the economy contributed to the decline, according to many analysts.

Westlake Village, Calif. -- Academy Sports + Outdoors ranks highest in customer satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Sporting Goods Retailer Satisfaction Report. The inaugural report measures the overall sporting goods retailer customer satisfaction experience by examining five key factors: staff, cost, facility, merchandise and sales/promotions.

Cindy Davis, Walmart’s EVP global customer insights and analytics, is set to headline the second annual SHOP conference next week presented by MARS Advertising and the Center for Retailing Excellence in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.

April same-store sales at Target increased 1.1% and helped the company achieve a 5.3% first-quarter comps increase that was the highest in six years. How much of the performance was due to record warm weather versus good execution of a solid strategy against the back drop of an improved economy is debatable.