News

Specialty retailer shines with record sales and earnings
A specialty retailer that is defined by consistent same-store increases for the past three quarters, an over-the-top televised fashion show and loyal customers who still love its in-store experience has chalked up another record quarter.

L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works, kept its winning streak going in the third quarter ended Oct. 31. Same-store sales increased 7%. Net sales rose 7% to $2.48 billion.

Net income rose 24.4% to a better-than-expected $164 million, compared to $131.8 million last year.
Weak traffic trend hits Kirkland's
The CEO of Kirkland's blamed disappointing third quarter sales on traffic problems that he expects to persist into the fourth quarter despite the busy holiday season ahead.

This retailer needs more shopping centers

Amid growing sales and surging profits, specialty retailer Cato is finding its expansion efforts being held back by the availability of suitable shopping centers.
Holidays not looking so happy for Best Buy

More robust omnichannel capabilities have Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly confident about his company’s ability to execute during the holidays, but his views on overall demand for consumer electronics are another matter.

Best Buy said it expects weak demand for consumer electronics in the fourth quarter and forecast flat same-store sales at domestic locations following a 0.5% third quarter comp increase that was aided by an 18% online increase.
Shoppers can't get enough of lotion and lingerie

How many retailers have boasted of record sales and earnings in the third quarter? So far the answer is only one (hint: It hosts a bra and panty show on national television every fall).
Holidays not look so happy for Best Buy

More robust omnichannel capabilities have Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly confident about his company’s ability to execute during the holidays, but his views on overall demand for consumer electronics are another matter.
5 myths about digital gift cards

Digital gift cards are less risky than retailers think, and that’s not the only common piece of online fraud “wisdom” that is false.
Holiday shoppers want a seamless experience

Retailers looking to satisfy customers this holiday season need to be sure all channels are aligned and working properly.
Gap CEO focused on future with Q3 over

A steep profit decline and deteriorating sales at two of Gap Inc.’s three flagship formats in the third quarter have CEO Art Peck looking ahead to what he expects to be better times.
Martha Stewart makes a move for Etsy's target market

Martha Stewart has taken her American Made store out of eBay and announced a new partnership with Amazon.com.
Employees give Starbucks high marks in a key area

Starbucks is the number one retailer employer in the United States when it comes to fostering a happy workplace.

That’s according to a survey by CareerBliss, which analyzed the key factors that impact workplace happiness. Ace Hardware, Ikea, Apple and Barnes & Noble round out the CareerBliss top five.

“The employee reviews on CareerBliss rank Starbucks as the number one retail employer in the United States when it comes to employee happiness,” said Heidi Golledge, co-founder of CareerBliss.
Online retail fraud attempts up 30% in past year

Retailers are advised to brace for a higher level of fraud online and across all channels this holiday season.

That’s according to ACI Worldwide, which based its recommendation on new benchmark data from millions of transactions from large global retailers. The company noted that fraud rates by volume have increased by 30%, compared to 2014 as consumers shop with more devices online and card issuers are slower to shut down accounts after fraudulent activity.