Retail

Stored value gift cards have become a staple item in many retailers' holiday assortments. Last year the NRF estimated U.S. consumers would spend close to $29 billion on gift cards during the holiday shopping season, and there is no reason to think the trend is slowing down.

Small beginnings can lead to big things. That’s certainly true in the case of Pep Boys, which was founded in 1921 by four Navy buddies who pooled together $800 to open an auto parts store in Philadelphia. Today, with some 750 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico, the Philadelphia-based company is one of the nation’s leading auto supply and service providers.

Glen Carbon, Ill. — A new 136,000-sq.-ft. Sam’s Club will host a grand opening on Thursday in Glen Carbon, Ill. A number of local businesses will be on hand for the grand opening to showcase their products. They include The Billy Goat Chip Company, Excel Bottling Co., Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Café, Zettie’s Confections and Swiss Meat & Sausage Co.

NEW YORK — Multichannel retailer Delia’s, which markets primarily to teen girls, continues facing challenges in traffic trends as it wrapped up the second quarter ended Aug. 3 with total revenue of $33.2 million, a 16.7% drop from $39.8 million in the year-ago quarter.

San Francisco -- Levi’s announced several management changes in an effort to drive innovative product and consumer engagement campaigns around the globe.

Jennifer Sey, the current senior VP of e-commerce, will become the global chief marketing officer for the Levi’s brand.

Delivering a superior mobile experience is a top holiday priority

Retailers can expect mobile devices to impact sales and play a greater role in buying decisions this holiday than last. Mobile as a percentage of site traffic on Black Friday shot up to 24% in 2012 from 14.3% the previous year. Sales over smartphones and devices on Black Friday rose to 16% in 2012, up from 9.8% in 2011.

Whatever happened to the customer? It’s a question I’ve been asking myself more and more lately, and one that more than a few national brands should be working harder to answer. At a time when retail is evolving in exciting ways, one of the most disappointing trends over the last several years is a conspicuous (and costly) lack of focus on the customer.

PARK CITY, Utah — Skullcandy has appointed Heidi O'Neill, who is VP and GM of women’s training and fitness at Nike, to the company's board of directors.