Mass Merchant

Orlando, Fla. -- The nation’s chain retailers lead the nation when it comes to commercial solar energy use, according to a report released Wednesday by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar Initiative advocacy group.

Atlanta -- First Data Corp. reported Wednesday that consumers responded well to back-to-school and summer clearance sales in August, prompting an increase in August same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations.

The overall drop in number of circulars continued this month, with a six percent decrease in the number of inserts being released to the market among selected retailers.  

The overall number of pages per market remained the same with a marginal increase compared to previous year. Walmart had the largest increase in pages per market with a larger focus on “Back to School” with 5 circulars with a prominent “Back to School” theme.  

Thorofare, N.J. -- Supply chain solution-provider Checkpoint Systems said Wednesday it has been chosen by Tesco to implement a global EAS program to improve on-shelf availability of products, open merchandising and the consumer shopping experience.

With the political conventions coming to an end, it’s clear now that election season is in full swing. And, while I don’t pretend to know what the long-term implications of an Obama re-election or a Romney win would mean for our economy or our country, I do think that what happens on Nov. 6 will almost certainly have an impact on our industry — particularly, shopper sentiment and ultimately holiday sales.

New York -- The Men’s Wearhouse will make its outlet center debut in the fourth quarter, opening five stores under the Men’s Wearhouse Outlet banner, management said during the company’s recent earnings call with investors. The stores will be located in outlet centers across the United States.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us chairman and CEO, Jerry Storch, is making the rounds this week, as his company prepares for the holiday and questions remain on the status of it's IPO.

New York -- Michael Francis, who was ousted as president of J.C. Penney Co. in June, is going to Gap Inc., according to Ad Age.

Francis will serve as a marketing creative advisor for Gap, and join the chain in the advisory role on Sept. 16, the report said.