News

Rebel flags are now a hot commodity after numerous retailers yanked Confederate-related merchandise from their stores and websites.

Wal-Mart, Sears and eBay announced their decisions Monday, and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called on legislators to remove the flag from the statehouse grounds. After doing so, sales of Confederate flags spiked on Amazon to claim first, second, and third place on the site's list of biggest sales gainers in the previous 24 hours. Prices ranged from under $2 to nearly $16 per flag.

The trajectory of gift card sales is a true testament to their importance at given points in the calendar. Smart retailers have ramped up their gift card offerings both in the store and online; and from the recipients’ point of view, we know from our consumer research that gift cards rank as the No. 1 preferred holiday gift, and have done so for the last eight years — above and beyond any other gift — because they offer customers unlimited selection, pure convenience and personal choice.

Enter promotions

Hangzhou, China – Alibaba Holding Group Inc. is reportedly planning to boost its investment in Russia. According to the China Want Times, Alibaba chairman Jack Ma said expanded e-commerce operations in Russia would be part of a broader effort called “One Belt One Road” that would electronically connect China with countries in Eastern Europe for trading.

Seattle – Nordstrom Inc. plans to open Nordstrom Rack at Waikiki Trade Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The approximately 34,000-sq.-ft., two-level store is scheduled to open in spring 2016.

The property was acquired by Coastwood Capital Group, LLC in late 2013.

New York - Macy’s, Inc. is redeeming $76 million in debt. Through its Macy’s Retail Holdings Inc. subsidiary, the company will redeem for cash the entire $76.02 million aggregate principal amount outstanding on 8.125% debt that is due 2035, on Aug. 17, 2015.

Seattle – Starbucks Corp. putting its money where its mouth is in terms of ethical and sustainable sourcing. Starbucks is making a new commitment to contribute $30 million in the next five years as part of its Global Farmer Fund program that aids sustainable farming operations.

Ann Arbor, Mich. – A no-hitter is an exciting event for baseball fans. For digitally connected baseball fans who also love pizza, no-hitters just got more exciting.

Domino’s Pizza and Major League Baseball (MLB) are extending an omnichannel partnership that provides free pizzas to the first 20,000 registered MLB.com users who visit a dedicated MLB.com/dominos page and log in. The offer is redeemable for carryout pizzas only and available for five consecutive days or until 20,000 codes are given away.

New York -- The home and lifestyle company that domestic diva Martha Stewart launched in 1997 has been acquired in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $353 million. It’s a big comedown for a company that was valued at $2 billion on the day of its initial public offering in 1999, but whose fortunes have been on the downslide for a while now.

Columbus, Ohio -- Big Lots is diversifying its multicultural outreach. The off-price retailer announced the launch of Big Lots Latino, a new Spanish language information hub for Hispanic customers. The site provides culturally relevant information including tips and ideas on home decor, beauty & health, food & recipes, and crafts.