Sales & Marketing

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Marketing communications firm Duffy & Shanley has been hired by Staples to manage its 2010 public relations efforts for the holiday shopping season. 

For the last two years, Duffy & Shanley said it has worked with Staples on its holiday marketing and public relations efforts in some capacity.

WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation announced that it has urged the Senate to support legislation extending Bush era tax cuts that is scheduled for a procedural vote today, saying the measure would help preserve and create jobs.

WAYNE, N.J. - Toys“R”Us reported that net sales for the third quarter were $2.7 billion, an increase of 1.9% compared with prior year, due to new locations including Toys“R”Us Express stores as well as comparable-store net sales growth of 2.3% in the domestic segment and a foreign currency translation benefit of $17 million. These increases were partially offset by a decline of 2.9% in comparable-store net sales in the international segment.

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Office Depot hasannounced a new partnership with the National Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance (National IPA), enabling Office Depot to provide another cooperative purchasing vehicle for thousands of government agencies nationwide.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Sports Authority has announced a partnership with ShopRunner (http://www.shoprunner.com), a members-only online shopping program that offers consumers unlimited, free two-day shipping with no minimum order size, and free shipping on returns, across a wide selection of retailers.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Borders Group reported that sales for the third quarter were $470.9 million, which is a decrease of 17.6% from the same period a year ago. On a comparable-store sales basis, sales declined 12.6%, driven primarily by the adult trade category, according to the company. Sales were also negatively impacted by Borders.com, which saw a third quarter decrease of 8.6% over the prior year to $12.5 million.

NEW YORK - Gracious Home, a home goods retailer with stores in New York City's Upper West and Upper East side neighborhoods, as well as online at gracioushome.com, was acquired by Americas Retail Flagship Fund LLC. The company under its prior ownership had filed for bankruptcy protection in August.

NEW YORK - Macy's announced that it was found to be the number one department store retailer in the United States, according to a survey of international visitors by Mandala Research.