News

MINNEAPOLIS — While other retailers are beefing up their sales staff ahead of the holiday season, Best Buy Co. said Tuesday that it has cut its 2011 seasonal hiring plans to about half of last year’s staff numbers, in a move to curtail costs. This year’s plans call for 15,000 holiday workers, compared with 29,000 hired last year.

Atlanta -- Mobile commerce enabler Firethorn Mobile, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm, announced Cabela's as its latest retail partner for its Swagg mobile application.

"Our customers are increasingly expecting a mobile experience to assist with their shopping and gift-giving needs," said Mindy Knight, merchant relations manager of Cabela's, Sydney, Neb. "Swagg is the perfect fit for our country's outdoor enthusiasts who lead a mobile lifestyle while hunting, fishing or camping."

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Macy’s and  JCPenney rank as the nation’s top “local” advertisers, according to a new report from RSR Research. The study, “The Local Approach: The State of Localized Advertising in Retail,” finds most major retailers are missing huge opportunities to drive store traffic through localized digital advertising campaigns.

WASHINGTON — Halloween will be a popular holiday this year, according to the National Retail Federation, as more consumers this year are expected to partake in traditional festivities. 

SEATTLE — Walmart announced that ihas been selected as one of the Washington Green 50 list by Seattle Business Magazine as part of its annual Green Washington Awards competition. Walmart was a finalist in the retail category.

PITTSBURGH — GNC Holdings on Wednesday announced that Jenn Brown, two-time Emmy Award-winning sports journalist, has joined the GNC LiveWell team as its newest brand ambassador.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores has announced the grand opening of 30 new stores across 20 states. According to the company, these openings will create approximately 4,000 new jobs.

Encinitas, Calif. -- U.K. retailer ASDA Stores Ltd., a division of Wal-Mart, will roll out Single Touch Systems’ mobile-based Grocery Delivery Notification Program. It is Single Touch’s first business win outside the United States.”