News

NRF: Shoppers pulling back on Valentine’s Day spending
After a decade-long increase, Valentine’s Day sales may be less rosy this year. U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average $136.57, down from last year’s record-high $146.84. Total spending is expected to reach $18.2 billion, down from $19.7 billion last year, which was also a record, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, which surveyed 7,591 consumers about their Valentine’s Day plans.
New Sam’s Club CEO sets forth three goals on day one
John Furner, who began his new role as president and CEO of Sam’s Club Wednesday, will focus on three big areas: people, product and digital. Regarding people: “We need to engage everyone, at all levels of the company, in the fight we’re in. We need to put our members first and have everyone pulling in the same direction,” Furner stated in a blogged interview currently on Walmart’s website.

Retailers unite to stop border adjustable tax

Retailers, trade organizations and business leaders are teaming up and taking steps to stop the border adjustable tax proposal. The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) joined more than 120 other trade associations and businesses to launch “Americans for Affordable Products,” a national campaign aimed at ending the border adjustable tax. The tariff, which is a component of the tax reform proposal under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives, would impose a 20% tax on all imported goods.
Commentary: Employers Have Opportunity with Big Labor
Walmart takes direct aim at Amazon Prime’s free shipping

Walmart just upped the ante in the home shipping war against its rival, Amazon. The chain is ending its ShippingPass program, a fee-based, two-day delivery service, in favor of a free two-day shipping program. Shoppers can now order from more than two million items, and have merchandise shipped to their homes or stores without a membership fee.
Athleta debuts its first Fair Trade Certified styles

Athleta’s latest line will provide a premium to the female workforce that created it. The athleisure brand’s spring collection was manufactured in a factory certified by Fair Trade USA, an organization dedicated to creating social and economic opportunities for factory workers globally. For a product to earn Fair Trade certification, it must originate from a facility that operates according to the rigorous social, environmental and economic standards set in place by Fair Trade USA.
Report: Mobile investments paying off

Retailers are vying for time on their customers’ mobile devices — before, during and after a purchase. And their efforts are working.
Luxury retailer tops Q2 estimates

Despite a volatile global retail environment, Coach increased sales and profits for its fiscal second quarter. The luxury handbag and accessories retailer reported revenue of $1.32 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, up 4% from $1.27 billion last year. The retailer’s net income was $200 million, up from $170 million in 2015.
Fred’s remains committed to buy divested Rite Aid locations

Fred’s Pharmacy confirmed its agreement to purchase divested stores remains in effect following Monday’s news that Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid extended the deadline for their potential merger agreement.
Consumer Reviews: How to Avoid Legal, PR Headaches

According to a 2015 Nielsen study, two-thirds of consumers trust consumer opinions over company advertising and rely on peer review sites for insights and advice. However, these sites can cause huge headaches for well-intentioned retailers that incentivize consumers to post glowing reviews or find themselves on the wrong side of a revenge or competitor-sponsored post. When not conducted correctly, these efforts can harm brands and further consumer mistrust.