Seasonal

In the month of August, there was an overall 2% decline in pages and 5% decline in inserts per market versus 2010.

Lowes was one of the retailers who slowed promotional activity in 2011, by entirely pulling out two weeks of 2-page inserts and by decreasing their page-per-flyer count by an average of 4 pages.

Charlotte, N.C. -- CNL Crosland Commercial Real Estate announced the upcoming opening of The Country’s Best Yogurt (TCBY) at two Charlotte N.C. shopping centers – Town Center Plaza (2,100 sq. ft.) and Quail Corners (1,700 sq. ft.).

The stores will open their doors this winter.

TCBY has six self-serve stores in the Charlotte area, all owned by Samuel Batt. The Quail Corners’ location represents the first tenant announcement for the under-redevelopment center, which is anchored by Harris Teeter and Rite Aid. 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores will introduce a holiday layaway plan effective Oct. 17 through Dec. 16. The program has a minimum layaway purchase of $50, and requires a 10% down payment. If the program is successful, Wal-Mart said it may extend it throughout the year.

When Wal-Mart phased out its previous layaway offer in September 2006, such programs had fallen out of popularity. But Sears and some merchants brought back layaways as the recession cut into spending.

New York City -- Speaking at the Goldman Sachs 18th Annual Global Retailing Conference in New York City, Myron Ullman III, chairman and CEO of J.C. Penney Co., expressed confidence that the chain is well positioned for the holiday selling season. However, he noted that uncertain economic conditions have caused the chain to pull back on its expectations.

Ullman noted that customers are still purchasing promotionally priced items along with full-priced goods.

 

Algonquin, Ill. -- Oak Brook, Ill.-based Inland Real Estate Corp. said Wednesday that Niko’s Lodge has leased the space formerly occupied by Barley House at Algonquin Commons in Algonquin, Ill.

Niko’s Lodge, a wilderness-themed steak and seafood restaurant, will open in the 8,824-sq.-ft. space in late October. This will be the restaurant’s second location.

DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark, maker of the limited-edition jeans diaper, has introduced camouflage diapers to its Little Movers line, available exclusively at Walmart. 

New York City -- The third annual Fashion’s Night Out -- created by Vogue editor Anna Wintour -- is set to kick off on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. Although the shopping extravaganza has spread to more than 100 U.S. cities as well as select cities abroad, its nexus remains in New York City. More than 1,000 Big Apple merchants and designers are participating in the event, which is the kickoff to the city’s Fashion Week industry gathering.

Philadelphia -- According to a survey released Tuesday by global management consultancy Hay Group, 68% of retailers expect holiday sales to increase this year. However, hiring plans remain conservative, with 67% of retailers hiring at the same level as last year and 25% hiring fewer seasonal workers.