Research Topic

New York City -- Shopping-center sales in November and December are expected to increase 2.2% relative to the same period a year ago, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers. In 2010, the holiday season posted a 5% gain following two back-to-back declines during the 2007-09 recession.

The organization has forecast that U.S. holiday sales in 2011 will post a moderate 3% gain, down from 2.1% last year.
 

Westlake Village, Calif. -- In a survey released Tuesday by J.D. Power and Associates, which polled customers about their expectations of their pharmacists, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Health Mart, Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy, Publix and Target rank highest in pharmacy customer satisfaction in their respective segments.

Chicago -- A survey released Monday by Mintel Inspire found that bargain-hunting has become a desirable pastime among shoppers.

According to the latest data, Mintel found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. moms said they're spending more time looking for sales, discounts and coupons, compared with last year, while 28% of U.K. consumers were classified by Mintel as "bargain hunters" due to their dedication to comparing prices and reading online reviews.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has announced a major year-long campaign to help support the retail industry and the jobs it helps create. A centerpiece of the campaign – which will include lobbying, grassroots, advertising, social media, earned media and more – is www.RetailMeansJobs.com, an interactive web site and action center designed to encourage engagement on behalf of the retail community’s agenda.

New York City -- Holiday retail hiring is expected to be flat or even slightly lower compared with last year, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas’ annual holiday hiring forecast.

The outplacement consulting firm said 627,000 seasonal retail jobs were created from October through December in 2010. The total was up 27% from 2009, and nearly double the 26-year low that occurred in 2008.

CHICAGO — Searching for the best bargains has become pastime among shoppers, according to research conducted by Mintel Inspire.

According to the latest data, Mintel found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. moms said they're spending more time looking for sales, discounts and coupons, compared with last year; while 28% of U.K. consumers were classified by Mintel as "bargain hunters" due to their dedication to comparing prices and reading online reviews.

Exclusive arrangements with celebrities can be a good thing, as long as the right celebrity is involved. Target appeared to pick a winner last year when it tied up with Food Network celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis to launch an exclusive line. Now, Consumer Reports has confirmed that at least one of the key items in the line tastes really good.

Washington, D.C. -- Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is beginning to see cautious increases over last year again, ending a summer-long downturn as retailers prepare for the holiday season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.