News

Ex-RadioShack CMO finds a new home
RadioShack’s former marketing chief is joining At Home, the Texas-based home decor chain.

"Jennifer's retail experience coupled with her strong agency background will serve her well in her new role," said Lee Bird, CEO of At Home. "We're thrilled to have added an executive with her prowess to our growing team."

Warren most recently held the position of CMO for RadioShack, where she was responsible for leading the marketing, consumer insights, private brand strategy, public relations and omnichannel teams.
Amazon makes customers an offer they can refuse
Amazon.com is rolling out a new haggling feature on its website as the company looks to further cement its low-price reputation among consumers.

The new “Make an Offer” feature allows sellers to accept or reject bids on more than 150,000 items across the categories of Sports and Entertainment Collectibles, Collectible Coins and Fine Art.

Ecova survey: Cost top driver of energy, sustainability management programs

Spokane, Wash. - Over half (57%) of retail respondents have an energy/building management system installed, according to an annual survey by energy and sustainability management company Ecova.
Finish Line pulls ahead with Q3 income

Indianapolis – The Finish Line Inc. reported an 11% improvement in net income during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, rising to $2.58 million from $2.32 million. Lower impairment and store closing charges, a slowed pace of growth in cost of sales, and an income tax benefit all helped spur the growth in profit. Consolidated net sales were $395.8 million, an increase of 9% from $364.45 million. Same-store sales rose 4.5%.
Amazon offers cash rebates with Ibotta

Seattle – Amazon.com is partnering with retail shopping app provider Ibotta Inc. to enable Amazon shoppers to receive additional cash back on a range of products purchased directly on Amazon.com.
Pier 1 reports Q3 profit plunge

Despite reporting a 33% year-over-year decline in profits during the third quarter, Pier 1 Imports CEO Alex Smith said he is confident in the chain’s value proposition going forward in 2015.
Millennials more likely to make impulse holiday purchases

Wilmington, Del. - The urge to impulse shop during the holidays runs strong among Americans, but even stronger among Millennials. According to the Chase Blueprint Holiday Impulse Purchases Survey, 83% of Millennials admit to having made an impulse purchase in the past.
Consumers can sue Target over breach

New York - A federal judge has ruled that customers suing Target for last year’s data breach may move forward with their claims. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson in St. Paul, Minn., dismissed claims by plaintiffs in certain states but largely denied Target's request to toss out the proposed class action lawsuit. Magnuson rejected Target's argument that the consumers lacked standing to sue because they could not establish any injury.
Pier 1 meets Street with Q3 profit decline

Fort Worth, Texas – Pier 1 Imports Inc. met Wall Street expectations with a 33% year-over-year decline in profits during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income fell to $17.9 million from $26.8 million, with an increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses driving the reduction.
Demand drives up Nike in Q2

Citing strong consumer demand for its products, Nike reported a big boost in revenue and profit for the second quarter.

“Our strong second quarter results once again demonstrate NIKE is a growth company,” said Mark Parker, president and CEO of NIKE Inc. “The power of our portfolio continues to unlock growth, as we keep a laser focus on our biggest opportunities. The breadth and depth of that portfolio has helped us consistently deliver strong results –- quarter after quarter, year after year.”