News

Shop.org co-founder takes expertise to Monetate
PHILADELPHIA -- Elaine Rubin, a retail industry vet who co-founded and chaired Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation, is taking her expertise in Internet retailing to Monetate, a leading independent provider of testing, targeting, and personalization for websites. Rubin joins Monetate as a member of the company's strategic advisory board.
Delhaize America taps SAF to automate store-level replenishment
Irving, Texas -- SAF U.S.A. announced that Delhaize America, the primary subsidiary of Delhaize Group, has selected SAF RetailSuite Store to support its in-stock conditions and align its inventory with consumer demand.

Delhaize America, which operates under the banners Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys, Hannaford and Sweetbay, will implement the solution in its 1,500 stores across 16 states.

Checkouts Go Digital
Retail sales up slightly as consumers take advantage of spring deals

WASHINGTON – Retail sales increased 0.4% last month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday, buoyed by rising gasoline revenue. The gain in March, the ninth consecutive monthly increase, was the smallest since the string began last summer.

The increase shrank to a 0.1% when sales at gasoline stations were excluded. However, the biggest decline in auto sales in more than a year also pulled down overall sales. When taking out sales at gas station and of autos, retail sales rose 0.6%.
Brookstone debuts QR code program in 30 locations

Merrimack, N.H. -- Brookstone has launched a new Quick-Response (QR) code program in 30 New York-area Brookstone stores, including locations in Rockefeller Center and JFK airport, to provide shoppers with reviews, videos and product information.

The program allows to shoppers will see black-and-white QR codes located next to products. By snapping an image with their smartphone QR application, consumers can quickly access real-time customer reviews and product videos and even shop a greater selection of similar products at Brookstone’s website.
New Concepts: Five to Watch
Product Mix Gives Edge to Learning Express
Focus on: Social Media
Customer Loyalty Elusive, but More Important Than Ever
Sales up 0.4% in March

Washington, D.C. -- Retail sales increased 0.4% last month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday, buoyed by rising gasoline revenue. The gain in March, the ninth consecutive monthly increase, was the smallest since the string began last summer.

The increase shrank to a 0.1% when sales at gasoline stations were excluded. However, the biggest decline in auto sales in more than a year also pulled down overall sales. When taking out sales at gas station and of autos, retail sales rose 0.6%.