Seasonal

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in December 2012 versus December 2013 and noted trends occurring across top retail chains. Last year, Home Depot did not run any circular promotions for the month of December and instead chose to coast on Web and email promotions. These electronic offers featured 50%-off promotions, as well as one-day-only sales. Although this online-only behavior was not repeated, Web and email remained Home Depot’s main focus: a short circular with a four day duration was run on Dec. 1 with a Cyber Monday theme.

Indianapolis -- For the third fiscal quarter of 2014, Hhgregg estimates net sales to be approximately $707.1 million, a decrease of approximately 11.6% as compared to net sales of $799.6 million reported for the third fiscal quarter of 2013.

Hhgregg cited poor performance in the consumer electronics and wireless categories for preliminary third quarter results which came in below its expectations. Hhgregg now expects its full fiscal year performance to miss previously stated guidance.

For the third fiscal quarter of 2014, Hhgregg estimates net sales to be approximately $707.1 million, a decrease of approximately 11.6% as compared to net sales of $799.6 million reported for the third fiscal quarter of 2013.

In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Kleenex brand is partnering with fashion industry icon Isaac Mizrahi to produce four new designs to the Kleenex Expressions line of products.

"We're thrilled to be partnering with such an inspirational designer and we are excited about his creative contribution to our brand's portfolio," Anna Elledge, Kleenex brand manager, said. "Our teams have worked together to select the final collection to commemorate the Kleenex brand anniversary, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate this 90-year milestone."

Seattle — Starbucks is introducing Starbucks gift cards at select locations in mainland China. Starbucks cards can be purchased in three design themes, including Thank You, Kind Regards and Happy Lunar New Year.

“The Lunar New Year is a time when family and friends gather to meet, connect and share stories,” said Belinda Wong, president, Starbucks China. [All of the cards] can be used at our stores in mainland China year-round.”

San Francisco — In-store holiday sales during December 2013 are expected to come out ahead of in-store holiday sales during the same month in the previous year. Retail analytics provider Euclid analyzed nearly 25 million domestic shopping sessions during December, revealing that shopper traffic and window conversion improved as heavy promotions kept holiday shoppers coming.

Fewer sales of flu shots and prescription drugs at Rite Aid led to same-store script count decreases. However, the company reported increases in net and same-store sales for December.

In-store holiday sales during December 2013 are expected to come out ahead of in-store holiday sales during the same month in the previous year. Retail analytics provider Euclid analyzed nearly 25 million domestic shopping sessions during December, revealing that shopper traffic and window conversion improved as heavy promotions kept holiday shoppers coming.

The holiday saw the launch of major consoles, and multichannel videogame retailer GameStop is looking to capitalize by declaring 2014 to be the “Year of Gaming.”

The retailer is offering select items, including console bundles, games and consumer electronics, on sale hoping to lure gamers who didn’t get everything they wanted during the holiday or are looking to use holiday gift cards. The sale runs from now through Sunday, Jan. 5.

Chelsea Handler has teamed up with 7UP Ten to challenge Americans to stop depriving themselves of the things they love in the new year.

The bestselling author and host of late-night TV show, “Chelsea Lately,” and the soda line are launching a series of videos that consumers can view and share with friends.