Sales & Marketing

Dallas -- Online menswear retailer Big Tall Direct said Friday it has partnered with TrustPilot to measure customer satisfaction.  

"By integrating TrustPilot with our existing systems, our potential consumers benefit from the shopping experience of our established consumers", said Rob Schlein, president, Big Tall Direct.

New York City -- The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index of consumer sentiment showed Friday that confidence among U.S. consumers rose more than forecast in December as Americans’ outlooks improved. 

The index rose to 67.7, a six-month high, from 64.1 at the end of November. The median estimate of 73 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News called for a reading of 65.8. The gauge averaged 89 in the five years leading up to the recession that began in December 2007 and ended in June 2009. 

ST. LOUIS — Joe McClanathan, president and CEO of the Energizer household products division, will retire in the first half of 2012, Energizer Holdings announced Friday. He will be succeeded by Alan Hoskins, VP Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East.

NEW YORK — Saks Fifth Avenue has taken its brand beyond fashion retail with the launch of its redesigned SaksPOV website. Designed to offer a point of view from Fifth Avenue, the company said, the new site will feature multimedia content, designer features, Saks brand coverage and compelling lifestyle pieces. SaksPOV launched initially in December 2010.

Abilene, Kan. -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores reported Friday that it recorded a profit of $0.1 million in the quarter ended Oct. 30, compared with a loss of $2.1 million in the year-ago period.

Sales increased 3.6% to $109.8 million, and same-store sales excluding fuel centers increased 2.7%. 

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us reported Friday an operating loss of $75 million for the quarter ended Oct. 29, compared with a loss of $62 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA was $36 million, compared with $49 million in the prior year.

Sales dipped to $2.7 billion from $2.72 billion a year earlier, and same-store sales fell 2.2% domestically and 3.9% internationally.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us' focus on the upcoming holiday shopping season was reflected in its third quarter results, which included a sales decrease. The company reported that net sales for the quarter were $2.7 billion, compared to $2.72 billion in the prior year. The company said it saw continued strength in learning and core toys, while the video game category remains a challenge.

Comparable store net sales decreased by 2.2% in the domestic segment and 3.9% in the international segment. 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that it will help make customers' "green" go further this Green Monday (Dec. 12) at Sears.com and Kmart.com.

Shoppers can take advantage of up to 70% off across popular categories available on Sears.com and Kmart.com on more than 500 deals that are as good as Cyber Monday prices, the company reported.