News

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has announced a major year-long campaign to help support the retail industry and the jobs it helps create. A centerpiece of the campaign – which will include lobbying, grassroots, advertising, social media, earned media and more – is www.RetailMeansJobs.com, an interactive web site and action center designed to encourage engagement on behalf of the retail community’s agenda.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Same-store sales growth and a number of new store opening helped Autozone deliver another impressive quarter, while helping the company maintain its position as a leading automotive parts retailer for both everyday consumers and professionals.

Autozone reported net sales of $2.6 billion for its fourth quarter ended Aug. 27, an increase of 8.1% from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Domestic same-store sales increased 4.5% for the quarter.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, World’s Foremost Bank, has entered into a $411.7 million commitment with Royal Bank of Canada under an outstanding series of variable funding notes issued by Cabela’s Credit Card Master Note Trust. The commitment is for three years and accrues interest at a variable rate of commercial paper plus a spread.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Trey Johnson to the newly created position of SVP food. Johnson will report to Dorlisa Flur, EVP and chief merchandising officer.

NEW YORK — One-in-six Americans (15%) uses an e-reader device, a new study from Harris Interactive found. This is up from less than 1-in-10 (8%) last year. 

Legendary crooner Tony Bennett must live by the proverb if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. He just observed his 85th birthday, has an exclusive deluxe edition of his album “Duets II” hitting Target stores today and is scheduled to perform throughout the United States during the remainder of the year. The new album is the second time Bennett has offered an exclusive mix of songs at Target with the first being the 2006 release of “Duets An American Classic.”

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax announced the fifth anniversary of its A Day Made Better program to support teachers. Through the program, OfficeMax will surprise 1,000 teachers on Oct. 4 with $1,000 each worth of school supplies. 

CHICAGO — Searching for the best bargains has become pastime among shoppers, according to research conducted by Mintel Inspire.

According to the latest data, Mintel found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. moms said they're spending more time looking for sales, discounts and coupons, compared with last year; while 28% of U.K. consumers were classified by Mintel as "bargain hunters" due to their dedication to comparing prices and reading online reviews.