Retail

New York -- Improvements in housing and labor probably helped boost U.S. consumer spending last month. A Bloomberg survey of 59 economists in advance of the official Commerce Department July spending figures on Aug. 30 indicates purchases of goods and services increased 0.3% last month after a 0.5% increase in June.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General is teaming up with Procter & Gamble to honor the nation’s schools and teachers as part of the company’s Every Day Heroes program.

Through its “Success Starts Here” national marketing campaign, including an advertorial in Better Homes & Gardens, the program recognized Boone County High School in Florence, Ky., and one of its teachers, Kimberly Shearer.

Columbus, Ohio – The board of directors of Big Lots, Inc. has retained director Russell Solt. Solt will also continue to serve as chairman of the compensation committee, which is composed entirely of independent non-executive directors.

An acquaintance recently had an experience at Starbucks that shows the negative impact that not providing a seamless omni-channel customer experience can produce. The fact that Starbucks generally offers a superior customer experience and is a leader in omni-channel commerce and promotions demonstrates that no retailer is immune to slipping up in this crucial aspect of the holistic customer service offering.

How many calories in that iced tea at the counter?

Boston -- Brian Kilcourse, managing partner for Retail Systems Research, took some time out at the Orgill Fall Market Friday to deliver a primer on mobile technology as a driving force in the contemporary retail environment.
 
The seminar, titled "The New Rules of Retail: How Today's Consumer is Changing the Game," positioned mobile technology as a harbinger of a giant "reset" in retail comparable to the Industrial Revolution and onset of the Information Age.
 

New York -- Starbucks Coffee Co. does not to plan to follow in the footsteps of some other companies that are cutting health insurance benefits or reducing employees working hours in anticipation of the U.S. Affordable Care Act, Reuters reported.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Crate and Barrel will carry three exclusive collections by Italian designer, architect, art director and interior designer Paola Navone. The first of three collections will be available online through crateandbarrel.com and in select stores Sept. 9, and in all locations by Sept. 13.

The first collection will consist of more than 140 items across multiple categories, including tabletop, textiles, decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, dining tables and seating. 

New York -- Tommy Bahama has selected the Hybris commerce platform to improve its omni-channel commerce capabilities. The apparel retailer has seen growth in it online commerce throughout the past few years. Tommy Bahama also offers in-store kiosks, where shoppers can access a commerce channel that enables an "endless aisle" of available products — allowing shoppers to access out-of-stock or online-exclusive items directly in-store.