Seasonal

Kohl’s and Toys"R"Us are among the first retailers to announce their holiday hiring plans this year, and the numbers are more or less the same as last year for both companies.

Toys”R”Us plans to hire 40,000 employees at its stores and distribution centers throughout the country (about 5,000 less than last year). The retailer also plans to allow seasonal workers the opportunity to take on significantly more hours than in previous years, while also continuing to provide extra hours to current employees.

Lower gas prices are not significantly altering consumer behavior, according to the latest Consumer Fuels Survey results released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

Although drivers report that the national median gas price fell 25 cents per gallon in the past month and 60 cents per gallon since July, only 22% of consumers say that they will drive more over the coming month and only 15% say that they will spend more on other non-fuels items in the coming month.

Effectively meeting the customer’s impulse to buy the moment it occurs is a crucial part of retail success.

Specialty fashion retailer Nicole Miller is meeting that impulse not only when it occurs, but where it occurs.

Nicole Miller is using the PowaTag mobile platform to allow customers to make digital purchases directly from social media and email promotions, as well as from its e-commerce site.

Virtually all U.S. consumers will do at least some holiday shopping online this year.

According to the new Consumer Pulse survey from Rubicon Project, more than one-third of shoppers anticipate conducting the majority of their shopping online.

Consumers who conduct most of their holiday shopping online plan to spend 20% more than consumers who plan to do the majority of their shopping in-store. Amazon.com is the top holiday shopping destination, followed by Walmart and Target.  

Retailers that depend on Disney products for a big chunk of sales are in for a treat compliments of the company’s new “Star Darlings” line.

Arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby is embarking on a mission to give away millions of Christmas gifts to chidren in need this holiday season, a mission that will likely appeal to many consumers in its target market.

The retailer announced is partnering with the world's largest Christmas project of its kind, Operation Christmas Child, which is a project of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham.

As the first major retailer to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, Macy's partering with three Latino celebrities on special in-store events.

Macy’s says it will bring together Mario Lopez, Don Omar and Angel Merino, who have influenced pop culture through their music, lifestyle and beauty expertise, as three Latino influyentes to share their inspiring stories with customers in live candid conversations.

Indianapolis – Retail real estate firm Simon has announced the location for its Tulsa Premium Outlets.

The project will be built in the city of Jenks, Oklahoma. The first phase of the development will be approximately 325,000 sq. ft. and feature 80 to 90 stores. Construction in Jenks is scheduled to start in spring 2016 with an opening in summer 2017.

New York -- The storefront of Century 21 Department Stores’ flagship in lower Manhattan has been given a stunning makeover to honor the city and in remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attack.

The off-price retailer has partnered once again with internally famous street artist Thierry Guetta (commonly referred to as Mr. Brainwash), who has painted a vibrant mural on a 65-sq.-ft. by 225-sq.-ft. wall on the flagship’s façade. The store is in the financial district and close to where the World Trade Center once stood.   

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Kmart is making getting an advance jump on holiday purchases a little easier this year.

Company executives told Reuters the retailer started letting customers make no-down-payment layaway purchases for holiday items the week of Aug. 31.