News

Staples offers shoppers expert back-to-school help
Staples is coming to the rescue of consumers with long school supply lists by creating an inventive new way to attract these shoppers.

The retailer has created a panel of experts called the Back to School Council to offer advice to teachers, parents and students on how to get prepared for the next school year.

From the latest products and technology to cost-saving deals and easy ways to get ready for the school year, the council will offer up advice through their blogs and social media channels.

The experts are:
HSN nibbles on sponge cake for its 38th birthday
HSN is celebrating its 38th year as a direct-to-consumer content retailer by having a party in Margaritaville.

HSN's fast-growing Margaritaville brand will launch on HSN on July 3 with an assortment of exclusive and curated products that capture the escapism of island living. Viewers can enjoy "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere" Margaritaville programming highlighting the branded merchandise that introduces the island mindset to every home.

Tech Guest Viewpoint: Providing a seamless customer experience

It is no secret that the retail landscape has – and is – rapidly evolving, in large part due to the explosive growth of mobile. While it is certainly common now for retailers to have an online presence, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all catering to the complex needs of today’s shoppers.
REI targets nature lovers in 2 new cities

Sporting goods retailers are going to face increased competition in Cleveland and Philadelphia as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved outdoorsy stores comes to town.
Merger costs take toll on Family Dollar Q3 profits

Matthews, N.C. – The pending merger with Dollar Tree Inc. took a toll on Family Dollar’s profits in the third quarter.

Expenses related to the merger drove Family Dollar’s net income down 1.5% to $79.9 million from $81.1 million the year-ago period, below Wall Street expectations.
Costs hinder earnings at Family Dollar

Family Dollar had a dip in profit in the third quarter as the company reported higher costs ahead of its planned merger with Dollar Tree.

Family Dollar Stores Inc. reported a profit of $79.9 million, or 70 cents a share, for the third quarter ended May 30, down from $81.1 million, or 71 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding restructuring- and merger-related charges, the company’s profit was 74 cents a share, compared with 85 cents a year earlier. Net sales rose 2.60% to $2.73 billion.
Spotlight on three retailers who credit their business to eBay

San Jose, Calif. – Many consumers assume eBay is simply a place to sell or buy used merchandise. However, the online commerce platform is actually robust enough to support a thriving retail business selling new goods.
P&G veteran joins QVC finance team

QVC has named a Procter & Gamble veteran as its next business planning and analysis chief, as the company looks tomaximize efficiencies and organizational synergy.
Sears Canada CEO out after less than a year

Sears Canada Inc. is looking for its fourth CEO in a little over two years as the company seeks to return to profitability.

Sears said Ronald D. Boire will be departing from his position as president and CEO of the company at the end of the summer to pursue an opportunity in the United States. On the same day, Barnes & Noble announced that opportunity is CEO of that company's retail business.

Sears Canada said that Brandon G. Stranzl, chairman of the board of the corporation, has been named executive chairman effective immediately.
Another unexpected way IoT will affect retail

The explosive growth of device connectivity, wireless technology, cloud computing and advanced analytics has driven the Internet of Things (IoT) from vision to reality. Devices with embedded sensors are enabling advanced, automated communications for retail businesses and customers. These connected devices are driving deeper engagement, providing new experiences and opportunities, creating new revenue opportunities and enabling better business insight.