Seasonal

Weather outlook bodes well for Easter sales
Businesses throughout North America can expect above normal temperatures in most markets over the Easter weekend (March 25-27), according to Planalytics.

The strongest warmth compared to normal will be along the West Coast and from the Plains to the East Coast. The Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions can expect intermittent showers leading up to the Easter holiday.
Michaels shares optimistic outlook after 2015 success
New store expansion and expectations for same-store sales growth are in store for Michaels Companies in 2016, according to CEO Chuck Rubin.

Rubin sounded an optimistic tone about Michaels’ future following the release of fourth quarter results he characterized as “strong” and attributed to an improved shopping experience, increased customer communications and trend right holiday assortments.

Neiman Marcus comps decline for 2nd straight quarter

Neiman Marcus posted declines in revenue and same-store sales on the same day that the company losta 25-year veteran who had been responsible for in-store visual design.
Rite Aid kicks off annual Children's Miracle Network fundraiser

Rite Aid's 22nd annual Miracle Balloon campaign for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is now underway, the company announced Monday. From now through April 30, Rite Aid customers can support their local children's hospital by purchasing $1 paper Miracle Balloons at any Rite Aid store.
The Finish Line is mad (and social) about hoops

The “March Madness” college basketball tournament will no doubt a major trending topic on social media for the next few weeks, and sporting goods retailer The Finish Line Inc. is joining the craziness.

The Finish Line is offering customers two opportunities to digitally celebrate March Madness games this year. The retailer is offering a Finish Line Bracket Challenge for its Winner’s Circle loyalty program members with a top prize of $5,000, as well as the #CallYourShot social campaign that will last the duration of the tournament.
Hibbett Sports strikes out in Q4

Weather related closures and tax refund delays hit Hibbett Sports hard in the fourth quarter, as the retailer posted a drop in same store sales.
Retail doldrums drag down The Buckle

Sales at teen retailer The Buckle slowed down over the holiday quarter, as a steep decline in comps negatively affected revenue.
Genesco tops $3 billion mark in 2015

Specialty retailer Genesco surpassed a significant sales milestone last year, but the operator of nearly 2,700 stores faced some self-imposed profitability challenges as it posit
Strong e-commerce sales not enough to save Stein Mart in Q4

Fourth quarter profits at Stein Mart were cut in half as the company relied on heavy promotional activity to clear inventory and eke out a 1% same-store sales increase.
AutoZone races to get ready for spring

AutoZone is hiring more than 10,000 employees for its busiest selling season of the year.

The retailer and leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories says it will hire more than the new full and part-time employees nationwide through April to ensure its more than 5,100 U.S. stores are staffed and ready to provide great service.
Star power helps boost sales at Express Inc.

Buoyed by strong holiday sales, Express reported impressive results for its fourth quarter as the company’s turnaround remained on track. The chain issued an upbeat earnings forecast for the full year.

The specialty retailer reported better-than-expected net income of $56.1 million, or 67 cents per share compared to $41.8 million, or 49 cents per share, in the year-ago period.
Physical stores big winner with gift cards

When it comes to redeeming their holiday gift cards, consumers overwhelming prefer brick-and-mortar stores.

According to a survey by the International Council of Shopping Centers, 77% of consumers who received gift cards planned to redeem them in a physical store.