News

Hancock Fabrics taps EarthLink for comprehensive IT network solutions
ATLANTA - EarthLink Holdings Corp., a managed network and cloud solutions provider, announced that Mississippi-based Hancock Fabrics recently selected EarthLink to simplify infrastructure operations via a comprehensive, secure managed network solution. Once implemented throughout all locations, Hancock Fabrics will rely on its private EarthLink MPLS network to run in-store applications including point-of-sale, inventory management and employee communications and training.
C-suite survey: Healthcare costs, maintaining margins top business concerns in retail
New York - The cost of healthcare, the ability to maintain margins  and the ability to continue to grow revenue are the top business challenges in the retail sector. That’s according to GE Capital’s new national survey of c-suite executives at middle-market companies (ranging from $10 million - <$1 billion in sales).

Sales soar at Burlington Stores

Burlington Stores Inc. CEO Tom Kingsbury reported an unexpected sales spike in the third quarter, prompting the company to enthusiastically boost its outlook for the year.
Saks boosts profits at Hudson’s Bay Co. in Q3

Higher same store sales and its purchase of Saks Inc. last year helped Hudson’s Bay Co. post a smaller quarterly loss in the third quarter.

The company had a $13 million net loss and profits of $116 million, both improvements from the same time last year. Same-store sales rose 1.7% in the third quarter.
New pricing model enables Amazon customers to negotiate prices in select categories

SEATTLE - Amazon.com has added a new feature, called ‘Make an Offer,’ that allows customers to negotiate lower prices on thousands of items. The new pricing feature allows customers to offer to buy items at even lower prices. If agreed upon, customers can then purchase the items at a savings from the listed price.
Conn’s names interim CFO, reports net loss

The Woodlands, Texas – Conn’s Inc. has named VP and chief accounting officer Mark Haley as interim CFO in the wake of the departure of former CFO Brian Taylor. The company also reported a net loss of $3.06 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to net income of $24.38 million a year earlier, missing Wall Street expectations.
Tech Guest Viewpoint - Proximity Marketing brings Shoppers to Stores

By Alex Romanov, iSign Media The holiday season is a time of family, food, and frenzied shopping. Consumers are bombarded by messages, promotions, discounts, and offers, and retailers have to be smart about how they reach out to their customers. Email blasts or paper coupons just won’t cut it. In this mobile-obsessed era, proximity marketing is a powerful way to break through the noise and bring shoppers into your store.
CEO out of fashion at Abercrombie

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has turned to a Sears veteran for leadership after longtime and occasionally divisive CEO Michael Jeffries abruptly retired.

Abercrombie announced it will be run by a newly created Office of the Chairman, which includes former Sears CEO and current non-executive chairman of Abercrombie; COO Jonathan Ramsden; Christos Angelides, who oversees the Abercrombie & Fitch division; and Fran Horowitz, who leads Hollister.

Martinez retired from Sears in 2000 after serving as chairman and CEO there for five years.
Fitch predicts modest sales growth in 2015

NEW YORK - Overall U.S. retail sales (excluding auto) are expected to grow 3%-4% in 2015 although a variety of challenges will continue to constrain the performance of several retailers and retail segments, according to a new Fitch Ratings report. A gradual increase in the U.S. employment rate and real wages along with near-term benefits from lower gas prices will support retail sales growth.
ECRM: Retail circular advertising trends, November 2014

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in November 2013 vs. November 2014 and noted trends occurring across top retail chains. Home Depot added an additional Black Friday 2014 circular promoting appliances. Home Depot offered deep Black Friday 2014 discounts on microwaves. Staples increased circular pages by +38%, and featured an attractive “Free Kindle eReader with laptop purchase” and a $99 Asus laptop on the Black Friday 2014 circular front. Walgreens had little change in November circular metrics but CVS cut 9 pages; a 10% decline.