Retail

SEATTLE — Online shoe retailer, OnlineShoes.com, announced that four in-vogue fashion bloggers will each design a pair of customized 993 Running Shoes by New Balance, and readers will vote on who did it best.  At the end of voting, the winning design will go into production and be sold by OnlineShoes.com as limited-edition footwear. Voters can also enter for a chance to win a pair of custom New Balance running shoes. The contest runs from Tuesday, April 9 through Friday, April 19, 2013.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association said Monday via a written letter to the House Ways and Means Committee that all corporate tax preferences need to be “put on the table” so that politics can be neutralized and progress can be made.

Dallas -- Tuesday Morning Corp. said total sales for the third quarter ended March 31 increased 3.1% to $178.1 million, from $172.7 million in the year-ago period.

Same-store sales rose 2.8%, boosted by increases in average transaction value and customer traffic.
 
For the nine-month period ended March 31, revenue at stores open at least a year increased 3.7% and total sales rose 3.2% to $636.2 million, from $616.4 million.

The company plans to release its full third-quarter results on April 25.

NEW YORK — Myron E. (Mike) Ullman has rejoined Penney as CEO, effective immediately, replacing Ron Johnson, who is leaving the company. Ullman, who served as CEO of Penney until late 2011, has also been elected to the board of directors.

Johnson’s departure was not all that unexpected given the chain’s mounting losses and sales declines. But it was still a stunning reversal of fortune for the former golden boy of Apple, who left the tech giant amid great fanfare for the top job at Penney.

By Brad LaRock, [email protected]

If the 2012 holiday retail season proved anything, it’s this: the smart merchant gets the sale. Retailers have to plan strategically, segment their customer base, and think like today’s super connected shopper.

San Bernardino, Calif. -- Stater Bros. announced Monday the construction start to its newest and most modern supermarket, slated to open in the Redlands Village Shopping Center — a grocery-anchored center being developed by Upland, Calif.-based Lewis Retail Centers in San Bernardino, Calif.

The 44,000-sq.-ft. store will replace a nearby store that is half that size. The larger format will allow wider aisles, outdoor seating and a variety of departments and amenities, and is slated to open in September.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Global work wear brand Dickies has launched Shop and Compare, the newest online tool that allows users to compare products side by side, saving time for on-the-go shoppers.

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- JDA Software Group announced that Bob Evans Farms will deploy a JDA workforce management solution (formerly RedPrairie WFM) in approximately 565 Bob Evans restaurants.

Bob Evans selected JDA to help improve forecasting and scheduling of labor, drive proper placement of staff throughout the course of the day and provide exceptional service to every customer.