News

No sales, no crowds, no Black Friday at REI
REI has shocked the retail industry — and shoppers — with its decision to lock its doors on one of the biggest and most profitable shopping days of the year.

The retailer says it will be closed not only on Thanksgiving Day but also on Black Friday. REI.com will operate as normal on Thanksgiving. On Black Friday, REI.com will have a black takeover screen encouraging people to get outside. Customers will still be able to view product and make a purchase on Black Friday, but the order will not be processed until Saturday.
Survey: The top brand with U.S. consumers is…
Companies that are partially or entirely devoted to retailing dominate a new list of top brands among U.S. consumers.

According to a new study from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Apple is the top brand with U.S. consumers. Following are Amazon and Walmart. Other retailers in the top 10 list include Netflix, Costco and Chick-Fil-A.

But the survey also showed that Walmart and Apple rank first and third among America's least favorite brands, indicating that "brand love" can be volatile and turn quickly negative.

Twitter gets more promotional

It won’t impact retailers’ bottom line as much as the new Buy Now button, but Twitter is continuing its evolution into more of a sales-oriented digital platform.

Twitter is testing a new feature called “Promoted Moments,” which builds on its Moments offering that was launched at the beginning of October. Twitter Moments allows users to click on a special tab and view a curated list of stories considered to be the “best” on Twitter.
15th annual CGP forecast predicts 3.2% holiday growth

U.S. consumers will generate only a lackluster 3.2% year-over-year increase in holiday sales, according to the latest forecast of November-December spending.

Customer Growth Partners’ 15th Annual Holiday Forecast says retail sales for the holiday period will reach $607 billion, a new record, but the anemic 3.2% pace reflects declining median incomes for all but the top 20% of households.
Manny, Moe and Jack finally find a buyer

Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone is accelerating its growth plans in the United States by acquiring the Pep Boys auto parts chain, just as Americans are keeping their cars longer.

The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack Co. has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Bridgestone under which BSRO will acquire Pep Boys in an all-cash transaction for $15 per share, or approximately $835 million in aggregate equity value.
First look: Microsoft Manhattan flagship

Microsoft Corp. has opened its first Manhattan flagship, within blocks of its major competitor.

The new Microsoft store is located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, just several blocks away from Apple's Manhattan flagship with its famed glass cube entry. Microsoft has been planning the five-floor, 22,369-sq.-ft. store for more than six years.
FedEx expects 12% increase in holiday shipments

FedEx says a big boost in online shopping will propel its business between Black Friday and Christmas Eve at least 12.4% above 2014 levels.

FedEx expects the holiday period to include three shipment volume spikes: Cyber Monday and the first two Mondays in December.

The company said it was adding 55,000 employees for the holidays to handle the increased demand.
Study: Email marketers should play percentages

Retailers sending email promotions may want to hold off on announcing deals that offer a specific number of dollars off the listed price.

According to a new study of more than one billion marketing emails by retention marketing firm Retention Science, customers are more receptive to percent-off deals than dollar-off deals. Percent-off deals result in customers 38% more likely to click, and 47% more likely to convert when they were presented with a dollar-off offer.
Etsy brings the crafts to you

Etsy is getting crafty with its customer service offerings.

The online handmade arts & crafts marketplace is launching a home delivery pilot called Etsy ASAP in the New York market for the holidays. Patterning with on-demand delivery provider Postmates, Etsy ASAP enables same- and next-day delivery from participating sellers in New York City for a flat $20 fee.
2015 holiday retail storecast

With (believe it or not) the holiday season almost upon us, it is time once again to take part in the annual ritual of crystal ball gazing and seasonal sales forecasts.