News

J.C. Penney cuts Q1 loss; goes on offensive to ‘gain back market share’
Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. topped analysts estimates for the first quarter, reporting a smaller-than-expected loss. Declaring its intent to become the “preferred shopping choice for middle America” and gain back market share, the company also raised its outlook for the year.

Penney posted a loss of $167 million in the quarter ended May 2, compared with a net loss of $352 million in the year-ago period.
Survey: Moms prefer Amazon, Skechers, Samsung
London – Moms with kids younger than 18 are known to be discerning, and only two retailers made the list of top 10 best perceived brands among these special ladies. According to the latest Brand Index from market research firm YouGov, Amazon.com ranked number two with a score of 58.8, Skechers came in at number eight at 48.1, and Samsung nabbed the number 10 spot at 47.7.

JCPenney switching gears to growth mode

JCPenney Company cited strong financial results in the first quarter as the impetus for going on the offensive to gain back share and becoming the “preferred shopping choice for Middle America.”

JCPenney reported net sales of $2.86 billion compared to $2.80 billion in the first quarter of 2014. Same store sales increased 3.4% for the period.

The company has made inroads in recent quarters on its turnaround, and the company may finally be making progress on reconnecting with its core customers.
The monsters are due on Maple Street – courtesy of GameStop

Grapevine, Texas – It’s not something from an episode of the classic black-and-white TV series “The Twilight Zone.” Monsters are coming to a street near you, courtesy of GameStop and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
Aca-believe it: 'Pitch Perfect' fashions at Express

Express is hoping to attract fans of the hit movie “Pitch Perfect” with a new fashion line targeted to Millennials.

The retailer has partnered with Universal Pictures and Gold Circle Entertainment's “Pitch Perfect 2,” in theaters May 15, to create a dual-gender collection based on the looks seen in the film.
Tanger Factory Outlets debuts social pop-ups at grand openings

Greensboro, N.C. -- Tanger Factory Outlets is enhancing the grand opening events of its new centers with social media. The company is blending the traditional shopping experience with the excitement of social interaction though three social media activations, or pop-ups.
Sephora picks JD.com for Chinese launch

Sephora is looking to increase online sales by expanding its omnichannel capabilities in China with a new flagship store on JD.com.

Sephora says its JD.com store will be the largest cosmetics store on JD.com's platform, featuring over 1,200 items from more than 70 leading international cosmetic brands, including Dior, Guerlain, Givenchy, Benefit and Kenzoki, among dozens of others.
Private equity firm Roark Capital acquires 155-store Pet Supermarket

Sunrise, Fla. -- Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm focused on consumer brands, said that that its affiliate has acquired pet specialty retailer Pet Supermarket from Charles E. West, Jr., the company's founder. Pet Supermarket will remain headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, and continue to be led by Diane Holtz, its CEO.

Pet Supermarket operates 155 pet specialty retail stores in 11 states generating over $300 million of revenue.
Cost Plus wants shoppers thinking summer

Cost Plus World Market is looking to drive summer traffic early with a new celebrity video campaign and sweepstakes.

The retailer of furniture, décor, accessories and gourmet food for every season can enter the Summer Getaway sweepstakes at worldmarketsweepstakes.com for a chance to win one of four grand prize trips for two to Florida, Hawaii, South Carolina, New York, or New Orleans. In addition, each grand prize includes hotel accommodations and a $500 World Market gift card.
Cracker Barrel to roll out QSR seating solution

Lebanon, Tenn. - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store will roll out the QSR Partners DineTime solution at all locations nationwide, with plans to complete the installment by the end of summer 2015. DineTime offers features such as wait list management, online reservations, customer data collection, a mobile customer app and more.