News

Christmas spirit arrives early at Hobby Lobby
Arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby is embarking on a mission to give away millions of Christmas gifts to chidren in need this holiday season, a mission that will likely appeal to many consumers in its target market.

The retailer announced is partnering with the world's largest Christmas project of its kind, Operation Christmas Child, which is a project of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham.
Strong cost cutting, weak sales at Toys"R"Us
Toys”R”Us says a planned decrease in promotions led the retailer to report a drop in same store sales in the second quarter.

The retailer singled out declines in the baby, entertainment and seasonal categories as contributing to the comp drop as well.However new CEO Dave Brandon sounded a positive tone regarding the company’s profit potential.

Dollar General puts literacy first with $4M donation

New York -- Dollar General is giving major financial support to a cause that may appeal to many value-oriented shoppers.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced that it has awarded over $4 million to approximately 870 schools, nonprofits and literacy organizations to enhance and support youth literacy and education across the 43 states Dollar General serves.
Study: Smartphones key to online shopping

New York -- More and more consumers are browsing, creating baskets and making purchases from their smartphones, according to the latest Demandware Shopping Index.

Globally, phones accounted for 94% of the year over year increase in e-commerce traffic, 74% of the increase in basket creation and 47% of the order growth.
Report: Target tapping alternative energy for North Carolina store

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is reportedly bringing a sunny approach to energy at its store in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

According to the Fayetteville Observer, Target will install solar panels that can generate 432 KwH of electricity per year on the store’s roof. There is no firm launch date yet for the store’s solar panels, which will likely generate 15%-30% of its total electricity needs.
Rebecca Minkoff, Los Angeles
Study: Retailers can’t perform crucial marketing task

Chicago – More than half of retailers struggle to perform a crucial marketing task. According to a new study of nearly 200 retailers from Yes Lifecycle Marketing and Retail TouchPoints, 52% of retailers have difficulty identifying and engaging their best customers.
Lululemon net income slips in Q2

Vancouver – Despite a healthy increase in net revenue, net income slipped at Lululemon Athletica during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Net income dropped 2% to $47.67 million from $48.75 million, with higher costs and expenses driving down profits.

Net revenue grew 16% to $453.01 million from $390.7 million, aided by an 11% increase in total comparable sales. This encompassed a 6% increase in same-store sales and 35% increase in direct-to-consumer sales.
IBM: Email marketing offers big ROI

Armonk, N.Y. – Although email has reached the point it is often considered a “legacy” technology, email marketing efforts still provide substantial ROI.
Report: Chico’s considers private equity sale

Ft. Myers, Fla. – Chico’s FAS Inc. may be considering a sale to one of several private equity suitors.

According to Bloomberg, Chico’s has been approached by Sycamore Partners and is also in talks with other private equity groups about a possible sale.
Lane Bryant promotes size equality across channels

New York – Lane Bryant is promoting equality for women who wear larger sizes with a new omnichannel campaign.

The specialty fashion retailer’s #PlusIsEqual campaign is using channels including social, TV, print and video to urge better treatment of women sizes 14-24 in the media and by retailers.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: The Top Five Customer Engagement Mistakes

Today’s customers are firmly in charge of the buying process. The Internet allows them to research products and prices at the click of a button, and in most cases, they are better informed about what’s available in the marketplace than the associates in brick-and-mortar stores. And, the retail environment is more crowded – and less personalized – than ever before.