News

First Look: Sarah Jessica Parker's new store in Las Vegas
Actress and fashion entrepreneur Sarah Jessica Parker is betting on Las Vegas. Parker, who gained global fame as the star of "Sex and the City," has opened her fledgling retail brand's second freestanding location, at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The store, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, offers the label's full collection of shoes, handbags and accessories in a stylish, upscale environment. It is located in Bellagio's Promenade retail corridor.
Fast-casual chain steps up digital ordering
As Panera Bread’s electronic orders continue to rise, so does its commitment to digital customer engagement. The fast-casual chain continues to add more digital touchpoints, making it easier for shoppers to engage with its brand. Whether delivering new services via the Web, mobile or in-store kiosks, “we want to drive convenience, speed, and contribute to an exceptional customer journey,” Mark Berinato, VP, digital, Panera Bread said during a session at eTail East on Monday.

Report looks at what drives holiday sales

Shoppers will do anything to qualify for free shipping — even spend more money if need be. That's according to a new report by Radial and CFI Group, which surveyed online shoppers to find out what they expect from retailers during the holiday shopping season. Sixty-five percent of the respondents said they are willing to purchase additional items to qualify for free shipping. In other key findings:
Coach Q4 profit surges 86%

Coach beat the Street on earnings in the fourth quarter even as its sales declined as the company continued to pullback on shipments to department stores. Net income nearly doubled to $151.7 million, or 53 cents per share, in the quarter ended July 1, amid a 16% decline in selling and general expenses, compared to net income in year-ago period of $82 million. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains, came to 50 cents per share. Analysts had estimated earnings of 49 cents per share.
Amazon shortens delivery time again — this time to minutes

Online giant Amazon continues to shorten delivery time with a new service that puts goods in shoppers’ hands within minutes of placing their order.
British online fashion giant steps up product searches

ASOS is streamlining how its mobile shoppers search for merchandise. The largest online fashion retailer in the U.K. is adding a visual search feature to its iOS-based mobile app, reported TechCrunch. It will be rolled out to their Android app “soon."
Target expands next-day delivery pilot — with some tweaks

The delivery wars continue to heat up.
Dick's Sporting Goods' earnings disappoint in Q2; increasing promotional efforts

Posting less-than-expected earnings in its second quarter, the nation's largest sporting goods retailer plans to take a more promotional stance. Dick's Sporting Goods reported consolidated net income of $112.4 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, for the quarter ended July 29, compared to $91.4 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, in the year-ago period. Excluding certain items, earnings came in at 96 cents, lower than the $1.01 that analysts had expected.
Home Depot sets new records in Q2; raises forecast

The spring selling season was a busy one for the nation's largest home improvement retailer as Americans continue to spend money on their homes — both new and existing ones. A pair of home improvement records were broken in Home Depot's second quarter as the Atlanta-based retail giant reported the highest quarterly revenue in its history. The retailer also set a new high for net earnings.
Off-price giant shines in Q2; sees plenty of room for store growth

TJX Companies reported second-quarter revenue and earnings that beat the Street, fueled by strong traffic across all its brands. Total sales rose 6% to $8.36 billion, beating analysts' estimates of $8.29 billion, in the quarter ended July 29. Same-store sales rose 3% for the quarter, also better than expected. By brand, same-store rose 7% at Home Goods and TJX Canada; 2% at Marmaxx (TJ Maxx and Marshalls); and 1% at TJX International.