Seasonal

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us will again give its loyalty rewards members 10% back on holiday purchases.

The offer, whereby members of the chain’s rewards club get 10% back in “R Us” dollars for each dollar spent on qualifying purchases, is available from Oct. 30 through Christmas Eve. The promotional dollars will be sent to customers via email in January and can be used on future in-store purchases.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it has donated $5 million to the Smithsonian Institution to support the construction of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C.

The NMAAHC was established in 2003 by Congress, making it the 19th Smithsonian Institution museum. It will be the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, art, history and culture.

New York City -- Coach said Tuesday its first quarter profit increased 14% on strong demand for its products at home and abroad. Its results beat expectations and reflected the continuing strength of the luxury market.

Coach reported net income of $215 million for the three months ended Oct. 1, up from $188.9 million in the year-age period.

Revenue rose 15% to $1.05 billion, from $912 million a year ago. Same-store sales were up 9.2% in North America.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us announced it will once again offer 10% back on purchases made by new and current members of its loyalty program, Rewards“R”Us, this holiday season. Beginning Sunday, Oct. 30 through Christmas Eve, Rewards“R”Us members can earn 10% back in “R”Us Dollars for every dollar spent on qualifying purchases. “R”Us Dollars earned will be delivered to members via e-mail in January and can be used toward savings on future in-store purchases, the company said.

New York City -- Apple brands dominate the youth market, and account for the top rankings in computers, tablets and mobile phones, according to the 2012 Harris Poll Youth EquiTrend study by Harris Interactive. The annual study tracks the brands that Americans aged 13 to 24 prefer. It estimates that

With young Americans expected to spend $211 billion in 2012, knowing which brands they favor will help corporate America prepare for the upcoming holiday season, according to the survey.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced it will offer free shipping on Sears.com for orders qualified orders totaling more than $99, and on Kmart.com for orders more than $49. The chain is also offering free same-day store pick-up services.

The free shipping offer will begin on Oct. 30 and run through Dec. 19.

 

One thing retailers learn, some of them the hard way, is to take no competitor lightly. Consider the case of Dollar General and a toy promotion it is running for the holidays.