Research Topic

Washington, D.C. – Retailers looking forward to consumers receiving their tax refund checks this year may be setting themselves up for disappointment. According to a new survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics, close to half (47%) of the 66% of Americans expecting a tax refund this year plan to save it.

North Bergen, N.J. – Vitamin Shoppe Inc. expects to open about 60 new stores during fiscal 2015. This plan follows a successful fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, with a net income increase of 3% to $11.6 million from $11.2 million the same period the prior year.

A lower selling, general and administrative (SG&A) rate helped boost net income. Total net sales increased 13% to $290.1 million compared to $256.4 million. Same-store sales grew 1.7% and e-commerce same-store sales rose 5.6%.

Target Corp. reportedly thinks having a range of organic products matters.

Nuremberg, Germany – Some observers have suggested the practice of consumers using their mobile devices to check prices at rival retailers while in a store, is on the wane. However, a survey of mobile phone users in 23 countries (including the U.S.) from GfK found 40% compare prices at other retailers while in a store.

Forty percent also contact a friend or family member for advice, while 36% take pictures of products that they might buy.

Fairfax, Va. – A competitive promotional environment and delivery problems had a negative impact on net income and revenues at Geeknet, parent company of online retailer ThinkGeek.com and licensed merchandise distributor ThinkGeek Solutions, during the fourth quarter and full year 2014. Net income for fourth quarter 2014 was $1 million, down 80% from net income of $5.1 million in the same period a year earlier.

Total revenue for fourth quarter 2014 was $72.4 million, a decrease of 3% from $74.3 million.

Almost 2-in-5 U.S. consumers who are walking the retail aisles with smartphone in hand are comparing prices, according to a GfK survey.

New York -- On Thursday, in a move that could shape the minimum wage debate, Walmart announced it was raising the minimum wage of its employees to $10 per house, which is significantly higher than the Federal minimum wage. The news has met with a mixed reaction.  

Here's a sampling:
 
CNBC reports that Wall Street gives Walmart a big thumbs down for the news.

Are you one of America's Top Developers, Acquirers or Third-Party Managers? Chain Store Age will release the results of the 26th Annual Top Developers and Fastest-Growing Acquirers and 3P Managers in the May 2015 issue distributed at the RECon show in Las Vegas.

The three surveys measure retail and shopping center space developed, acquired and contracted for management/leasing during the 2014 calendar year.  The top five or six companies in each category (by square footage) will be ranked in the May issue. In short:  
 

In a move that could alter political debate and improve the image of the world's largest retailer, Walmart announced that it will raise the minimum wage of its employees to as much as $10 per hour by 2016. The decision has received mixed reaction.

Here's a sampling of the analysis of Walmart's big announcement.

Boston – Nearly 300% more retailers plan to use mobile POS in the next two years, according to a special report by Boston Retail Partners (BRP).