Sales & Marketing

Chicago -- Retail sales will rise 3% percent during November and December compared to the year-ago period, but foot traffic will decrease 2.2%, according to ShopperTrak.

ShopperTrak's holiday sales increase prediction follows 19 consecutive months of year-over-year U.S. retail sales growth. The expected increase is moderate compared with the 2010 holiday season's 4.1% sales increase over 2009.

CHICAGO — In the wake of several surveys projecting how shoppers will spend this holiday season, the latest study from ShopperTrak expects national retail sales to increase 3% during November and December, while foot traffic will drop 2.2%.

ShopperTrak said its 3% holiday sales increase prediction follows 19 consecutive months of year-over-year U.S. retail sales growth, adding that the expected increase is moderate when compared with the 2010 holiday season's 4.1% sales increase over 2009.

New York City -- Aeropostale has launched international shipping, and consumers in more than 90 countries worldwide can now purchase directly from Aeropostale.com, The site’s international expansion is being powered by FiftyOne Global Ecommerce.

Chicago -- A survey released Monday by Mintel Inspire found that bargain-hunting has become a desirable pastime among shoppers.

According to the latest data, Mintel found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. moms said they're spending more time looking for sales, discounts and coupons, compared with last year, while 28% of U.K. consumers were classified by Mintel as "bargain hunters" due to their dedication to comparing prices and reading online reviews.

Fort Myers, Fla. -- Chico's FAS said Tuesday it has completed its previously announced acquisition of direct-to-consumer women’s apparel retailer Boston Proper.

"We appreciate the hard work that the Chico's FAS and Boston Proper teams put forth to complete this transaction in near record time,” said David F. Dyer, president and CEO of Chico’s FAS. “I see it as indicative as to how well Boston Proper fits with the Chico's FAS family of brands."

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced the launch of Simply Right Baby Care, which will be part of its Simply Right health and wellness brand.

The Simply Right Baby Care line will include premium diapers, premium wipes and infant formula.

In past columns, I’ve spent time discussing how supermarkets and big-box retailers are successfully rolling out smaller stores. What hasn’t been talked about much is how that trend is starting to spread across the industry, in particular, with specialty retailers. It’s not just the big boys getting smaller any more, it’s almost everyone.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot is looking to gain a share of the popular e-reader market with the news that, beginning Sept. 25, it will offer the Amazon Kindle through its retail stores.