Sales & Marketing

Atlanta -- A report released Tuesday by First Data Corp. found that, despite tough comps and a late Easter, March 2011 same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations showed a steady uptick.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Finish Line announced that Donald Gualdoni has been appointed VP business development and corporate strategy, effective April 14.

New York City -- Walmart is bringing back 8,500 products to the shelves of its U.S. stores and launching a new advertising campaign in a bid to end declining same-stores sales.

Seattle -- Nordstrom opened the doors to its new store in Newark, Del., on Friday.

The 123,000-sq.-ft. store, at Christiana Mall, is the first Nordstrom store in Delaware and will offer a well-edited selection of quality, luxury and designer fashion brands for women, men and children.

"We're thrilled to be opening a store at the Christiana Mall," said Terisha Johnson, store manager. "We look forward to serving the community and providing exceptional shopping experiences for our customers."

Tarrytown, N.Y. -- DLC Management Corp. announced that it has named two new members to its leasing team.

Fred Battisti, Jr. joined the company on Feb. 21 as a leasing representative in DLC’s Tarrytown, N.Y., headquarters. He is responsible for leasing several properties in the Midwest and Northeast regions, primarily focused on the Ohio area at this time.

Prior to joining DLC, Battisti was with The Cafaro Co. as a Commercial Leasing Representative.

A whole lot of uncertainty now hangs over Target’s April same-store sales expectations, as Walmart this week began a major advertising offensive to regain customers and restore sales at its U.S. division.

New York City -- Despite showing no signs of spending less in recent months, a new Deloitte survey found that nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americans believe higher prices could slow their spending in the months ahead. Deloitte's study also revealed that mobile and social connections are helping shoppers make savvier buying decisions in the wake of the recession.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- With pricing studies, such as this one, revealing little difference between Walmart and Target, Walmart is looking to distinguish itself from the competition. The retailer announced that it is reinvigorating its price leadership promise, bringing back products its customers have asked for and simplifying its ad match policy.