News

Best Buy Got the Most For Its Money This Black Friday
For many years, Black Friday sales promotions have defined the retail environment during the long Thanksgiving weekend. Despite evidence that Black Friday has lost some of its luster, it remains a very large shopping event and is actively contested by major retailers.

Indeed, according to the NRF, close to 102 million consumers shopped in brick-and-mortar stores over the Black Friday holiday weekend.
Big Lots narrows loss; same-store sales up for 7th straight quarter
Big Lots narrowed its loss in the third quarter as the retailer attracted more shoppers to its stores with new merchandising and marketing strategies.

For the period ended Oct. 31, Big Lots reported a loss of $1.5 million, or 3 cents a share, compared with a loss of $3.4 million, or 6 cents, a year earlier. Same-store sales increased 2.6% Revenue edged up less than a percentage point to $1.12 billion.

RetailNext: November store performance shows bright spots

Despite overall declines in several key metrics, there were some good signs for brick-and-mortar retailers during November.
What fashion retailers need to know to stay competitive

Many fashion brands today have ambitious goals to become the next industry disruptor but too few focus on the steps to achieve it. Indeed, most retailers recognize they can’t access the information they need to give their customers the experiences they desire today. Nor do they have a clear view into their inventory or order management system to deliver a complete customer journey.
Target and world’s favorite nanny team up for some magical marketing

Target Corp. is bringing back a beloved family film classic just in time for the holidays — and getting in some prime time high-profile marketing in the process.

The retailer has teamed up with ABC to show “Mary Poppins.” It's the first time in more than 13 years that the movie has been shown on television. The movie will be aired on Dec. 12, from 8 – 11 pm EST on ABC, which is owned by Disney.
RadioShack just named who as its chief creative officer?

An entertainer, actor and television personality — who also happens to be the ex-husband of recording star Mariah Carey — has been tapped as the creative head of the reborn RadioShack.

The chain announced it has hired Nick Cannon as its chief creative officer. And he won’t just be a figurehead or celebrity pitchman, according to the company.
Sales still sliding at Sears

Sears Holdings Corp. is doing a much better job at cutting costs than at stopping its sales decline.

The retailer’s total revenue in the third quarter, ended Oct. 31, fell 20% to $5.75 billion, from $7.21 billion in the year-ago period, amid store closings and divestitures and a drop in apparel and consumer electronics sales. (Sears had 1,687 stores at the end of the quarter, down from 2,249 a year earlier.)

Total same-store sales were down 8.6%. Kmart same-store sales declined 7.5%. Sears domestic same-store sales fell 9.6%.
Saks expands off-price north of the border

Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th continues to expand north of the border.
Walmart aims to go viral with holiday campaign

Walmart has kicked off one of its most omnichannel marketing campaigns ever with its Holiday Sing to Salute Military Families.

The nationwide campaign encourages the public to sing a portion of a classic holiday song while capturing it on video, and then post the video on social media channels to show support for members of the military and their families.
Lands' End still trying to turn itself around

The CEO of Lands End says the challenging retail environment and unseasonably warm weather did not help the company's turnaround plan in the third quarter.

The online apparel retailer said that for the period ended Oct. 31, net revenue was $334.4 million, compared to $373.1 million in the third quarter last year. Net income was $10.7 million, compared to $18 million in the third quarter last year.