Sales & Marketing

Philadelphia -- McDonald’s and Wal-Mart Stores are among the Top 20 companies in the world for leadership, taking the No. 6 and No. 8 spots respectively, according to an annual study by global management firm Hay Group. The two chains were the only retailers to make the list.

Los Angeles -- Westfield announced that its Westfield Style fashion program is launching personal styling services on demand at select Westfield centers in May. 

The focal point of the new offering is the Westfield Style Lounge, a dedicated space in the mall where professional stylists will provide free personalized style consultations for shoppers. Additionally, shoppers can get advice on demand right from their mobile phone via the new Ask A Stylist service. Shoppers e-mail a photo of their look to the on-call stylist for an instant response.

Target has done quite well for itself in California, but that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. Ironically, the state with the most extensive network of Target stores also happens to be the one identified as the worst state in which to do business, according to a recent survey.

Brampton, Ontario -- Canadian grocery chain Loblaw Cos. reported Wednesday that net income for the first quarter plummeted 22% to $128 million, compared with $156 million in the year-ago period. The country’s largest food retailer was squeezed by higher costs and heightened competition as Wal-Mart Stores continues its march into Loblaw territories.

Revenues for the quarter edged up .9% to $7.02 billion. Same-store sales dipped 0.7%.

Target turned 50 this year, and chairman, president and CEO Gregg Steinhafel weighed in on the expect more, pay less (EMPL) value proposition, his 32-year career and miscellaneous other topics in a Q&A interview with the company’s online magazine known as “A Bullseye View.” To read a transcript of his comments click here.



 

Atlanta -- Aldata announced that Raley’s Family of Fine Stores, a California-based supermarket chain, has expanded its use of Aldata Space Automation to create and maintain category- to store-specific planograms for high-volume categories, and, in turn, enable broader vendor collaboration.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is responding to a report from the Federal Reserve, which revealed that debit card swipe fees collected by the nation's largest banks have significantly dropped since reform regulations took effect last fall.

Redlands, Calif. -- Atlanta-based Arby's Restaurant Group has licensed Esri’s Business Analyst software and business data to help with corporate decision making. Arby's is using the location-based system to more accurately assess its restaurants and trade areas including growing, remodeling, and relocating restaurants.

"Esri's Business Analyst has saved our GIS analyst countless hours and has had a positive impact on the Business Development department," said Dave Conklin, senior VP business development, Arby's Restaurant Group.