Seasonal

Macy's springs into action with flower show
Macy’s is ushering in the spring promotional season by celebrating America'as vast and varied landscapes at the 2016 Macy’s Flower Show.

The show will sprout to life at five Macy’s downtown store locations nationwide, including Herald Square in New York City, Center City in Philadelphia, State Street in Chicago, Downtown Minneapolis and Union Square in San Francisco.
Pier 1 Imports sales better than expected
Customers responded favorably to holiday promotions at Pier 1 during the fourth quarter and the retailer is poised for an even better spring now that it plans a return to TV advertising.

Retail employment up

A strong report on Friday from the Labor Department shows that retail employment was up 51,100 jobs in February on the heels of a gain of 52,100 in January.

Compared with February 2015, retail jobs were up by 247,300. The numbers exclude gasoline stations, automobiles and restaurants.
Does America really need this store?

A new retail concept called The Mint Shack is the latest example of how the narrowest of consumer interests can be served with a digital presence — one that can also expand to a physical presence.

A first-of-its-kind website focused on all things mint. The Mint Shack has a simple philosophy, according to owner Scott Crillo, find the best mint products — from taste to color — and offer them under one roof at a fair price.
Winter Storm Jonas hurts revenue at Big Lots

Big Lots says harsh winter weather hurt traffic counts and revenue, but the closeout retailer still posted increases in same-store sales for the fourth quarter.

Big Lots reported income from continuing operations of $94.7 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30. Revenue dropped to $1.58 billion from $1.59 billion for the same quarter last year. Same-store sales increased 0.7%.It was the eighth consecutive quarter in which Big Lots has posted positive same-store sales.
Retail circular advertising trends, February 2016

Market Track compared retail circular advertising in February 2016 vs. February 2015 and noted trends occurring across top retail chains.

Kohl’s added four comparable circulars in February 2016, promoting mainly short duration sales like “50% Two-Day Sale,” “Doorbusters,” and “Make a Point to Shop.” They attempted to leverage their rewards program with 3X the points during the “Make a Point to Shop” sales.
Burlington Stores keeps hot streak going

Burlington Stores attracted large numbers of shoppers over the holiday season, as the off-price retailer reported a jump in sales and profit for the fourth quarter.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, the company said adjusted net income per share rose 26% to $2.31 vs. $1.83 in the prior year quarter.Revenue increased 3.5% to $1.55 billion. Same-store sales increased 2.1%.
Weather boosts sales at Big 5 Sporting Goods

Cold winter weather in the Western states helped Big 5 Sporting Goods post an increase in same-store sales and profit in the fourth quarter.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 3, the retailer said net sales increased to $275 million from net sales of $250.3 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. Same-store sales increased 0.1% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and 1.4% for the full year.
Ross Stores beats Q4 estimates; cautious about 2016

Ross Stores reported strong results for its fourth quarter. But similar to many other retailers, the off-price retailer sounded a cautious note with regards to sales and earnings for its new fiscal year.

Ross on Tuesday reported earnings per share for the fourth quarter ended January 30, 2016 of $.66, up 10% from the prior year, on net earnings that rose 6% to a better-than-expected $264 million.
Disney Springs gets big retail infusion — one with a Michael Jordan connection

The expanded Disney Springs (formerly called Downtown Disney) center in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., unveiled 30 new retail tenants that will be moving in when the project is completed.
A sparkly fourth quarter for Signet Jewelers

Signet Jewelers attracted large numbers of Christmas shoppers over the fourth quarter as the parent company of Zales, Kay and Jared posted a jump in same-store sales.

The world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry reported that for the period ended Jan. 30, same-store sales increased 4.9%. Diluted earnings per share grew over 20%. Adjusted EPS increased over 18% and ahead of the guided range.
Zappos leaps into new holiday

Most people do not get a paid holiday for “Leap Day,” Feb. 29.

Then again, most people do not work for online footwear and apparel retailer Zappos. Known for doing things a little differently, such as replacing the traditional bureaucratic management structure with decentralized “holacracy,” Zappos is taking a novel approach to Leap Day.