News

New York City -- Mobile technology ranked as the most important priority for retail in 2011, according to a recent online poll by Retail U. The respondents were asked to base their results on their key takeaways from the National Retail Federation’s 100th Annual Convention & Expo, in New York City.

CINCINNATI and NEW YORK -- Procter and Gamble and Macy's announced that they have partnered to promote P&G's Downy April Fresh fabric softener and Macy's sheets as the perfect combination for the ultimate bedroom experience. 

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced that beginning Jan. 30 through Feb. 5, or while supplies last, customers can save up to $560 on a Samsung LED HDTV and Blu-ray disc player bundle. Customers can also enjoy up to $100 savings on additional select HDTVs and up to $40 savings on select home theater systems.

Other HDTV promotions include:

Beijing -- China said Wednesday it is fining Wal-Mart and Carrefour stores up to $75,900 for overpricing, expressing concerns about price inflation ahead of the impending Lunar New Year holiday.

A statement posted Wednesday on the National Development and Reform Commission website listed about a dozen stores across the country that engaged in overpricing, noting high charges on items ranging from underwear to dumpling powder.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Best Buy has confirmed appearances by Grammy Nominated, Pop/R&B sensation, Justin Bieber, and rock’s most iconic couple, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, in the retailer’s first ever commercial to air during the Super Bowl. Slated to air in the third quarter of the Feb. 6 game, this Best Buy spot will showcase creativity and humor to millions of football and advertising fans throughout the country, the company reported.

Irving, Texas -- NEC Corp. of American announced that OXXO, the largest convenience store chain in Latin America, has selected NEC’s new point of sale hardware platform, TWINPOS 4500 as its standard.

With more than 8,000 stores strategically located throughout Mexico and Colombia, OXXO offers convenient services and products, 24-hour service in most areas and a fast and comfortable shopping experience.

Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams reported fourth-quarter net income of $72.9 million, up 11.6% from $65.3 million reported for the same period last year.

Sales for the quarter ended Dec. 31 were $1.89 billion, up 18.8% from $1.59 billion reported for the same period in 2009.

For the full year, the company reported net income of $462.4 million, up 6.1% from $435.8 million for fiscal year 2009.

Sales for 2010 totaled $7.77 billion, up 9.5% from $ 7.09 billion reported last year.

New Canaan, Conn. -- The retail industry will grow by 5.1% in 2011, the strongest growth in four years, according to Customer Growth Partners’ 2011 Forecast and Outlook. The New Canaan, Conn.-based consulting and research firm projects that the industry will create over half a million new jobs in 2010, the most of any employment sector, and that retail sales will reach a record level of almost $2.9 trillion.