Sales & Marketing

Changes in foreign exchange rates had a negative impact on Costco’s comparable store sales for the fourth quarter ended Sept. 1, but the wholesaler still reported increases in both its U.S. and international markets.

The company’s comparable sales for the quarter increased 5%. U.S. comparable store sales increased 5% for the quarter, while international comparable store sales increased 4%.

Winnipeg, Manitoba -- Canadian denim company Silver Jeans Co. said it will open its "loft" concept store at Glendale Galleria on Nov. 2 in Glendale, Calif.

"We put a lot of work into making sure the store environment represents our brand," says Michael Silver, CEO, Silver Jeans Co. “We've created an environment that has a comfortable modern feeling but also lets our guests know that we're a historic brand with a rich 92-year history."

Washington, D.C. -- Some two-thirds of Americans say they support the Federal e-Fairness legislation calling for collection of online sales tax at the time of purchase.

A national poll conducted by the International Council of Shopping Centers found that a majority of Americans feel it would be far easier to pay sales or use tax on online purchases at the time-of-purchase. The poll also showed an increase in support among voters for federal legislation that would restore basic free market principles for brick-and-mortar retailers.

 New York — YogaWorks has begun construction on its first location in Brooklyn. The new studio will encompass 5,800 sq. ft. in the new Brooklyn Heights Plaza on Joralemen Street. Set to open next spring, this will mark YogaWorks 28th location. It will include two large, lofty studios with 13 ft. ceilings. One studio will feature a specially designed lyengar yoga wall, spa-like locker rooms complete with showers and towel service plus a lifestyle boutique and tea bar.

Purchase, N.Y. -- MasterCard has partnered with Wired magazine to offer a one-touch shopping experience, right from their iOS device. This “in-content purchasing” concept allows readers to buy the products they are reading about right from the pages of editorial or ads.

MasterCard has teamed up with Wired magazine to offer a one-touch shopping experience, right from its iOS device. This “in-content purchasing” concept allows consumers to buy the products they are reading about directly from advertising or editorial content, without ever leaving the page itself.

By Doug Brown

With the use of smartphones and other mobile devices continuing to grow, more and more merchants are looking for a way to capitalize on a communication device that many people never put down. And, as the leaders in this area are finding, mobile loyalty and payment incentive programs possess many benefits for chain stores.

Tie mobile and incentives together

New York -- American Express Serve announced a free nationwide cash load network and the addition of new money management capabilities to its full-service reloadable prepaid account. The new features enable Serve customers to load cash for free at more Than 14,000 participating CVS/pharmacy and 7-Eleven stores

The new features include: direct deposit, bill pay, mobile check capture, and personal financial management tools. These enhancements are designed to meet the needs of the nearly 70 million Americans underserved by traditional financial services.