News

Anyone who is a dad, or sells products dads like, may be in for a happy Father’s Day.

According to a new survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insight and Analytics, consumers say they will spend more than ever on Father’s Day in 2016 (Sunday, June 19). Shoppers are expected to spend an average $125.92 for the holiday, up 9% from the prior year’s $115.57. Total spending is expected to reach $14.3 billion, the highest in the survey’s 13-year history but still below the 2016 Mother’s Day total of $21.4 billion.

Ralph Lauren Corp. is seeking to rectify what it acknowledges have been operational mistakes with a program of cuts and organizational streamlining it calls “The Way Forward Plan.”

When it comes to customer experience, home improvement shoppers have established a long-term favorite.

Ace Hardware ranks highest in customer satisfaction with home improvement retailers for a 10th consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power 2016 Home Improvement Retailer Satisfaction Study. The study measures customer satisfaction with home improvement retailers by examining merchandise; price; sales and promotions; staff and service; and store facility. Satisfaction is measured on a 1,000-point scale.

Under Armour is looking to elevate the shopping experience with unique fitness data.

The retailer has launched UA Shop, a mobile shopping app built on the Under Armour Connected Fitness platform. Integrating data from the company’s proprietary digital fitness community allows UA Shop to provide a deeply personalized experience based on athlete inspiration, workout history and previous purchase history.

Specialty arts and crafts retailer The Michaels Companies Inc. exceeded Wall Street expectations for profit and sales in a generally strong first quarter of fiscal 2016.

Michaels reported net income of $70.76 million, a 6% increase from $66.74 million the same quarter a year earlier. Improvements in gross profit helped boost net income.
 

Today’s retailers face significant challenges as online increases its share of wallet, mall-based stores stumble, technology requirements mount, and customer engagement remains elusive for many. The business environment is clearly marked by the need to rationalize store counts, headcount, and product count.
 
As management faces up to these challenges, they seek purposeful justification of expenditures, higher shareholder returns, and greater customer engagement.
 

The do-it-yourself vertical is all about getting things done correctly, and Ace Hardware International is building the proper foundation for seamless commerce.
 
Ace will implement Blue Ridge supply chain planning technology to unify and optimize supply chain planning functions across its global distribution centers and retail locations.
 

Casey’s General Stores Inc. reported increased net income and decreased revenue during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

The retailer also said it plans to build or acquire 77 to 116 new stores, among other goals for fiscal 2017.

In the fourth quarter, Casey’s reported net income of $47.04 million, up 14% from $41.34 million the same period the prior year. Total revenue fell 4% to $1.58 billion, from $1.65 billion. A significant reduction in cost of goods sold offset increases in operating and other expenses, resulting in higher profits.

Specialty home furnishings Bed, Bath & Beyond Inc. is expanding its omnichannel credit and CRM offerings with help from marketing and loyalty solutions provider Alliance Data Systems Corp.

Bed Bath & Beyond has signed a new long-term agreement to create a co-brand credit card program. Alliance Data will develop a tailored marketing strategy for the retailer and each of its concepts, utilizing its data-driven lifecycle marketing approach.

Mary Meixelsperger, senior VP and CFO DSW Inc., is shifting professional gears

Meixelsperger has resigned from the company effective June 10, to pursue another unspecified opportunity. Coincidentally or otherwise, DSW recently missed expectations for both profits and sales in a difficult first quarter of fiscal 2016. Net income fell 37% and same-store sales also declined, although revenues grew below Wall Street forecasts.