Target, Inc.

New York -- Only 26% of parents say they are shopping wherever the best back-to-school promotions are offered, according to a study by WSL/Strategic Retail. The finding was revealed as part of the company’s Back-to-School 2012 How America Shops trend report, which tracked what stores and categories parents are shopping.

By Craig LaRosa, [email protected]

A consumer walks into a store, tries on a pair of running shoes, and then hops online to buy them from someone else—10% to 15% cheaper. It’s called “showrooming” and it has a lot of businesses scrambling.

With the start of Back to School promotions, (and taking JCPenney out of the mix) we witnessed increase in page count that was driven mainly by significant increases in Walmart’s and Sears’ page counts.

JCPenney has been drastically altering their promotional strategy in past couple of months, however this month, the store did not promote at all, causing curiosity for many customers. (It should be noted that JCPenney did release circulars the week of July 29th that will be counted in the August report.)

SEATTLE — Zoomingo, the shopping discovery app that helps consumers find the best deals in their local stores and online, has launched a new "back to school" section that lets parents and young adults find the best deals for their back to school essentials, whether they are on the go from their smartphone or from the convenience of their home computer. The new back to school section is available both in English as well as in Spanish through a newly released Spanish language version of Zoomingo's Android application.

Arlington, Va. -- In letters sent to President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, the Retail Industry Leaders Association urged both to consider the retail industry’s prominent role in the U.S. economy as they advance their visions for the future.

The letter was signed by Gregg Steinhafel, Target chairman, president and CEO and Sandra L. Kennedy, RILA president. Steinhafel serves as chairman of the RILA board of directors. 

MINNEAPOLIS — "Hunger Game" fans will hope the "odds be ever in their favor" to get their hands on special collection keepsakes and an exclusive three-disc version of the blockbuster film. These premium items range from $349 to $999 – Target’s first-ever licensed product offering at this price point – and will be introduced one per day beginning on Aug. 18 to coincide with the DVD release.

Glen Burnie, Md. -- Jones Lang LaSalle said that it has been awarded the leasing and management of Centre at Glen Burnie, a 419,858-sq.-ft. retail center located in Glen Burnie, Md.

Developed in 1963, the Centre at Glen Burnie is 85% leased and anchored by Target, Hhgregg, Office Depot, Dick's Sporting Goods and Toys R Us.  Other tenants include Chick-fil-A, FootLocker, GNC, Payless ShoeSource, Radio Shack, Five Guys, Famous Footwear and Dots.
 

NEW YORK — Many retailers reported better-than-expected results in July as warm weather and clearance sales drew shoppers into stores. Thomson Reuters reported that three-quarters of retailers reported results beat expectations. Costco Wholesale Corp., Target Corp., Limited Brands and Gap Inc. all reported gains above expectations.