News

By Kevin Farkas, [email protected]

MAHWAH, N.J. — Sharp achieved the top U.S. market share in the 60"+ LED TV segment in 2012, according to The NPD Group's Retail Tracking Service. According to the company, the increase in market share between 2010 and 2012 was due to its selection of large screen choices, picture quality performance and brand strength, Sharp more than doubled its market share between 2010 and 2012 (based on revenue share).

GRAPEVINE, Texas — GameStop announced that it is now offering NET10 unlimited talk, text and data service at all U.S. GameStop stores. 

In addition to pairing up with NET10, and just in time for tax refund season, GameStop has launched the “Re-Fun Your Refund” promotion that runs through March 2, 2013. From new to pre-owned, customers can choose from the best games, gaming consoles, headsets, mobile electronics and more.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) added five industry executives to its board of directors during its semi-annual meeting on Jan. 28 in Los Angeles, Calif. Also as a part of the meeting, Walmart president and CEO Bill Simon was re-elected to the board. Executives joining the board are elected to serve two-year terms. 

Joining the RILA board of directors are:

Washington, D.C. -- Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 3.4%, down slightly from 4.2% in 2012 and 5.8% in 2011, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2013 economic forecast.

The lukewarm forecast, released Monday, comes on the heels of a holiday season that went head-to-head with Washington’s political wrangling over fiscal concerns, shifting consumers’ spending plans downward. In the end, holiday sales in 2012 grew 3.0%.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Cost Plus World Market has launched Victorian Isles, its new spring 2013 collection of home décor and furniture available now through March 2013.

The collection is inspired by the Victorian Era and will incorporate wicker, botany and fauna design elements that were popular during that period. The collection will also feature new furniture shapes, home décor pieces and garden-inspired textiles.

New York -- Consumers expect to spend slightly more on Valentine's Day merchandise this year than last year, according to a report by market research firm IBISWorld.

The report forecasts spending of $134.08 per person, compared with last year's $133.99. Total revenue for the holiday is expected to grow by 3.2%, to $20.8 billion, despite incomes and consumer sentiments remaining below what they were before the recession.

WATERLOO, Ontario — Move over iTunes, there's a new digital media storefront hoping to capture some of Apple's lucrative business.