Seasonal

WAYNE, N.J. — Lingering cold weather and soft sales in its electronics and entertainment categories caused Toys”R”Us’ net and comparable store sales for first quarter ended May 4 to dip. 

The company reported net sales of $2.4 billion, a decrease of nearly 8% from $2.6 billion for the quarter a year ago. The decline in net sales for the quarter was primarily attributable to a decrease in comparable store net sales, as well as a foreign currency translation impact of $67 million. 

NEW YORK — As part of its American Icons campaign, Macy’s will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the drive-in theater by providing customers with a free showing of “The Smurfs” in pop-up drive-ins at select Macy’s stores and existing drive-in theaters nationwide.

Home Depot has plans for a major hurricane preparedness initiative this year, but the program doesn’t begin until nearly two months after residents of storm prone areas should already have plans in place.

ABILENE, Kan. — Lingering winter weather conditions affected broad-line retailer Alco, which reported same-store sales of $112.4 million for the first quarter ended May 5, a 2.2% decrease from $115 million for the same quarter a year ago.

The company reported net sales from continuing operations for the quarter of $117.5 million, an increase of 0.9% from $116.5 million for the same quarter a year ago.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — With Father’s Day just around the corner, Family Dollar is touting its small-store format, accessible staff and assorted product offerings to draw shoppers into its stores.

The value retailer is offering greeting cards, apparel and grills, while reminding shoppers that stores carry not only grills but also charcoal, coolers, hot dogs, hamburgers and even condiments.

LEXINGTON, Mass. — Stride Rite Children's Group's first-ever multichannel loyalty program, launched in Nov. 2012, has leapt beyond the million member milestone within six months.

The company estimates that 75% of specialty store and online transactions are associated with a rewards member.

Retailers are poised to benefit from the June 14 release of The Man of Steel and the extensive licensing activity connected to the latest Superman reboot. Warner Bros. Consumer Products has launched a broad, multi-category licensing program with a variety of global licensees to support the highly anticipated film.

New York -- President Bill Clinton and Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren on Tuesday were honored as 2013 Fathers of the Year by the non-profit National Father's Day Council.

The awards were given at the group’s annual 72nd annual Father luncheon in New York City, with proceeds from the event benefitting Save the Children’s U.S. programs.

H&M is collaborating with Parisian designer Isabel Marant on a fall line, inspired by her signature style, featuring clothing and accessories for teenagers, women and for the first time, men.

The retailer will roll out the collection Nov. 14 in approximately 250 of its stores worldwide.

Retailers looking for insight into popular new products in the candy and snacks world can thank organizers of the Sweets & Snacks Expo for doing some heavy lifting.
 
A panel of experts at the 17th annual event sifted through hundreds of samples prior to the sold out trade show in Chicago and found eight worthy of the distinction of “Most Innovative New Product.”