News

Jeffersonville, Ind. - The key to repeat customers is personalized communication from brands after purchases. According to a new survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers from multichannel customer engagement solutions provider Accent Marketing Services LLC, 86% of consumers say it’s important to have a positive experience after making a purchase.

Key findings in the report also include:

• Nearly half of consumers interact with brands after a purchase.

Atlanta – The Home Depot's fifth annual Spring Black Friday starts April 3. For the next 11 days, prices on hundreds of spring products will be significantly reduced, including a variety of live goods, soils, mulches and lawn care supplies; outdoor power tools; gardening products; patio and grills.

"This spring and every season, The Home Depot aims to bring the latest tools to market to make the to-do list easier and simpler," said Dana Hudson, The Home Depot senior merchant.

New York -- Liberty Media Corp. has entered into agreements to reduce its stake in Barnes & Noble. Liberty Media informed Barnes & Noble that while Liberty has sold the majority of its shares to qualified institutional buyers, it will retain approximately 10% of its initial $204 million investment, which could be converted to a 17% ownership stake.

Sydney, Australia -- Multi-brand retailer Atlantic Brands is using Lyris’ digital marketing platform to boost sales and customer engagement for its Australian division. With Lyris, Atlantic Brands plans to increase repeat purchases and overall revenues by gleaning customer insights from online and offline activity.

New York -- The Knot has released The Knot Wedding Planner App for iPhone. With two clicks, a couple can find a venue, read reviews, check availability and source the entire team responsible for the wedding, from planner to florist and photographer.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Sears Holdings with a 2014 Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. Sears Holdings, an Energy Star partner since 1998, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency.

The company's related accomplishments in 2013 included:

Los Angeles -- Guitar Center's total debt has been reduced by approximately $500 million and annual cash interest expense has been reduced by more than $70 million. The improved financial position of the company will enable Guitar Center's management team to further invest in its people, store base and brands to accelerate growth.

The field of retail asset protection — like other aspects of the industry — is undergoing significant change as a host of complex new challenges related to data security and rapidly advancing technology join longstanding challenges related to workplace safety and shrink. 

Home Depot’s fifth annual Spring Black Friday promotional event is underway and one of the “Wow,” items being featured is an outdoor product tool system featuring the industry most powerful rechargeable battery.

Veteran retail operations executive Troy Rice has joined Office Depot as EVP of retail as the company continues to build out its senior leadership team in the wake of its merger with OfficeMax.

Rice spent the past eight years with Toys “R” Us, most recently serving as EVP fo stores and services. Prior that he spent 16 years with The Home Depot and served as president of the retailer’s $24 billion northern division at the time of his departure.