Research Topic

Chicago -- The new, post-recession American shopper is high maintenance, promiscuous and demands an innovative and engaging experience in-store and online. According to a new study released by Leo Burnett’s marketing services arm, Arc Worldwide.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. reported Thursday that its loss for the quarter ended Oct. 31 widened to $218 million, compared with a loss of $127 million in the year-ago period. The loss was more than analysts expected as margins fell and sales dropped, especially at the company's namesake stores.

"While Kmart improved profitability, our third-quarter results were disappointing, in large part due to lower sales of apparel and appliances at Sears," said interim CEO W. Bruce Johnson.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Oct. 30 was $4.3 million, compared with net income of $3.2 million a year earlier.

Net sales were $267.9 million, a decrease of 0.9% from $270.2 million in 2009. Same-store sales increased 0.3% for the quarter.

Albany, N.Y. -- Trans World Entertainment Corp. reported Thursday that it recorded a loss of $16.1 million in the third quarter, compared with a loss of $22.3 million a year earlier.

Total sales dropped 20% to $128.8 million. Same-store sales decreased 5%.

The company, which owns the f.y.e. (For Your Entertainment) chain of music stores, operated an average of 533 stores during the quarter, compared with 694 in the same quarter last year, a 23% decline.

 

Miami -- Retailers are continuing to invest in sustainability initiatives, even during tough economic times, according to a new report by RSR Research entitled "Lean and Green: Sustainable Practices Are Changing Retail, Benchmark 2010.”

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Thursday it will open its first four stores in Washington, D.C., as part of the retailer’s effort to increase its urban expansion stride.

Wal-Mart said it plans to open the smaller-format urban stores in Washington, D.C. in late 2012, and said it has met little resistance from the area. The retailer said its poll of 800 locals found nearly three-quarters of Washingtonians favored Wal-Mart coming to the city.