eCommerce

Total U.S. Shopper Traffic in Retail Stores and Malls for June 2013

Shopper activity slightly decreased last month, thus returning to seasonal standards after May holidays. Retail foot traffic decreased 1.3% in June compared to May 2013, a slight departure from recently reported positive month-over-month retail trends. However, foot traffic for June 2013 was relatively flat compared to the same month in 2012 — with an increase of 0.3%.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. retail and food services sales totaled $422.8 billion last month, according to new advance estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. This represents a 0.4% increase from $421.2 billion in the prior month, and a more substantial 5.7% increase from $399.9 billion in the same month last year.

San Diego -- Fixtures Living, which specializes in premium lifestyle products for the home, is changing its name to "PIRCH." The official switchover occurs on Aug. 29.

STAMFORD, Conn. — GE Capital Retail Bank’s second annual Major Purchase Shopper Study has found that a growing number of consumers extensively research and compare prices and financing offers before making major purchases.

New York -- Canadian grocery giant Loblaw Cos. will test a new retail concept called Nutshell Live Life Well, a freestanding brand targeted to health-conscious shoppers, the Financial Post reported. The move comes as Whole Foods Market eyes greater expansion in Canada.

The first Nutshell will open this fall in downtown Toronto. It will feature a broad assortment of prepared, fresh and packaged foods, a prescription pharmacy, natural health and beauty products, vitamins and supplements.

Twinkies fans devastated by the news that their Hostess snack cake was to be no more have been waiting for its comeback Monday, July 15. Walmart wants those folks to know that they don't need to wait until Monday to treat themselves.

“Twinkies Watch” is officially on at the retailer. Starting today, the new Hostess Twinkies will be available at select Walmart stores nationwide. All domestic U.S. stores will be fully stocked by 12:01 a.m. Sunday, July 14, and stores in Hawaii and Alaska in the coming weeks.
 

Deerfield, Ill. – Walgreens is integrating its QuickPrints one-hour photo printing technology with the LifePics photo printing network. This means that LifePics users can now order photos through the LifePic mobile app, website or LifePic partner, and have them printed in an hour at any Walgreens store.

"With our more than 8,000 locations, we look forward to expanding printing options and services for this category," said Jasbir Patel, senior director of photo, daily living and omni-channel for Walgreens.

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. on Friday released a statement in which it said that its balance sheet continues to be strong, with total liquidity of $820 million at the end of the first quarter. The chain released the statement the day after a report said the retailer was considering hiring a financial adviser.