News

Where did the idea for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday Consumer Face-Off originate?

Reston, Va. -- Spending on Cyber Monday reached $1.46 billion, up 17% versus a year ago, making it the heaviest online spending day in history, according to comScore.

Retail e-commerce spending for the first 26 days of the November-December 2012 holiday season rose to $16.4 billion, up 16% versus the corresponding days last year.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters Inc. on Wednesday reported a higher-than-expected third-quarter profit, helped by strong same-store sales. The chain also raised its full-year earnings prompting it to raise its full-year forecast for the second time this year.

Net income for the quarter ended Oct. 27 rose to $78.6 million, from $52.4 million a year ago.

Sales rose 11% to $910 million. Same-store sales jumped 10%.

New York -- Ann Inc. on Wednesday reported net income was $40.7 million in the third quarter of 2012, versus $32.3 million in third quarter 2011. The company also increased its outlook for the full year of fiscal 2012.

Total net sales for quarter were $612.5 million, compared $564.0 million in the year-ago period. By brand, net sales across all channels of the Ann Taylor brand totaled $244.6 million compared with net sales of $229.7 last year At the Loft brand, net sales across all channels were $368.0 million, compared with $334.3 million last year.

Issaquah, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. on Wednesday said it will pay a special dividend worth some $3.0 billion to investors, sending cash to its shareholders ahead of a likely increase in the dividend tax. The chain also posted monthly same-store sales that beat analysts' expectations.

“Our strong balance sheet and favorable access to the credit markets allow us to provide shareholders with this dividend,” Costco CFO Richard Galanti said in a statement.

Columbus, Ohio -- Express Inc. reported that its net income for the quarter ended Oct. 27 fell to $17.4 million, from $32.7 million a year earlier, amid a fall in same-store sales.

Net sales fell 4% to $468.5 million. Same-store sales declined 5%.

Toronto -- To better accommodate its customers in Western Canada, Toys “R” Us has partnered with SCI Logistics to open a new distribution center in Delta, British Columbia. The 180,000-sq.-ft. facility is strategically positioned to receive goods from overseas and domestic manufacturers who can now ship directly to British Columbia for distribution to local Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores.

By Brendan W. Walsh, [email protected]

Abysmal sales at J.C. Penney haven’t deterred the company from pursuing a series of unique cause marketing activities around a potential new holiday tradition focused on giving back.

NEW YORK — On Wednesday, Nov. 28, Chainstoreage.com will unveil an exclusive and revealing look at how shoppers felt — what turned them on and off — on two of the busiest and most critical retail days of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The Holiday Shopper Sentiment Report: Black Friday and Cyber Monday Consumer Face-Off by SAP will explore real-time trends and insights that will inform the next generation of retail.