Sales & Marketing

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation urged the House Judiciary Committee to support legislation that would require Internet retailers to collect sales tax the same as local merchants, saying online sellers have a price advantage that is “stifling” Main Street stores’ ability to compete.

Chicago -- Despite all of the hype surrounding mobile commerce, just 36% of chief marketing officers at retail companies have included mobile in their holiday marketing strategies this year, according to a recent BDO USA survey. And of the CMOs incorporating mobile, 84% say it accounts for less than 10% of their holiday marketing efforts. The findings are from the most recent edition of the BDO Retail Compass Survey of CMOs, which examined the opinions of 100 chief marketing officers at leading retailers located throughout the country.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters Inc. reported that its third-quarter net income increased 59%, helped by a year-ago charge. The chain posted fourth-quarter guidance that was above Wall Street expectations.

For the August-October quarter, the company said net income was $52.4 million, compared with $33 million in the same period last year. Analysts expected 26 cents per share.

Revenue rose 11% to $831.8 million, from $751.5 million last year. Analysts expected $820.3 million. Same-store sales rose 5%, as did online revenue.

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. has initiated a formal review of its creative agency of record for the U.S. general market. RadioShack reported total advertising expenses of approximately $206 million for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2010.

To help navigate the review process, RadioShack has retained the services of Select Resources International (SRI), an agency-review consulting firm based in Santa Monica, Calif.

WASHINGTON — Internet retailers have an unfair advantage over Main Street merchants when it comes to sales tax, and legislation may be the solution to help level the playing field, according to the National Retail Federation.

Irvine, Calif. -- Steadfast Cos. said that Richard Gann has been hired as chief marketing officer for Steadfast Capital Markets Group, the company’s securities and financial services division.

In the newly created role, Gann will oversee strategic marketing functions to assist in the overall positioning and growth of the Steadfast Income REIT, the company’s $1.65 billion public, non-traded real estate investment trust, as well as future alternative investment programs.
 

ALBANY, N.Y. — Trans World Entertainment has named Tom Seaver CFO, effective immediately. Seaver, a Certified Public Accountant, brings more than 20 years of experience with Albany International, a global company that develops and manufactures advanced textiles and materials.  Most recently, he held the position of VP strategic planning and previously held the position of VP finance Global PMC.

Lewisville, Texas -- Parago, a leading provider of consumer and corporate incentives, announced the launch of a promotional fulfillment service offering designed to reward and communicate to clients’ Spanish-speaking customers in their language of preference.