News

What went wrong at Advance Auto parts

Warm weather hurt sales at Advance Auto Parts in the fourth quarter, but other factors were in play too as the company’s performance lagged competitors.

The retailer said same store sales were negatively impacted by the timing of the New Year's day holiday, which fell in the 53rd week last year, by the foreign exchange currency fluctuations from its Canadian business, and by warmer winter weather.
What went wrong at Advance Auto parts

Warm weather hurt sales at Advance Auto Parts in the fourth quarter, but other factors were in play too as the company’s performance lagged competitors.

The retailer said same store sales were negatively impacted by the timing of the New Year's day holiday, which fell in the 53rd week last year, by the foreign exchange currency fluctuations from its Canadian business, and by warmer winter weather.

Jet puts customer engagement into high gear

Online retail platform Jet is getting a better idea of how well its customer service efforts are working with a new tool from service measurement/optimization company StellaService.
Cabela’s elevates exec to new role of president

Cabela’s EVP and Chief Commercial Officer Scott Williams has been elevated to the role of president and given additional responsibilities in a move that positions him to succeed longtime CEO Tommy Millner.

Williams will continue to report to Millner. Williams will take on additional responsibility for U.S. retail operations and all operations in Canada.
Tax refunds arrive later and that's a problem for Citi Trends

Same store sales literally fell off a cliff at Citi Trends in the waning days of the fourth quarter and the operator of 522 urban fashion stores is attributing the weakness to the federal government.
Rural lifestyle retailer on fast track for expansion

Tractor Supply Company continues its rapid expansion, with the grand opening of its 1,500th store, on Feb. 13, in Odessa, Texas.

The retailer opened a total of 114 stores in 2015, and expects to open between 115 and 120 locations in 2016. Tractor Supply stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities.
JCPenney targets millennials with new private brand

One of the major components of JCPenney's transformation strategy is getting a boost this week when the retailer launches its new Belle + Sky collection aimed at millennials.
NRF issues optimist forecast for 2016 retail sales growth

Retail industry sales will grow an estimated 3.1% in 2016, outpacing the 10 year industry average, as economic headwinds diminish, according to a forecast released by the National Retail Federation.

The NRF sales forecast of 3.1% excludes automobiles, gas stations and restaurants and exceeds the 10 year growth rate of 2.7%. Non-store retail sales are forecast to growth between 6% and 9%.
Body Shop touts ethical accomplishments, vows to do more

The Body Shop has always been known for being on the cutting edge of sustainability trends, and now the company is unveiling a new global CSR strategy on its 40th anniversary.

The beauty retailer's new corporate sustainability strategy aims to position the company as a leader in ethical business and define the next stage of development of the business.
Outlets on fire as occupancy rate set new record

So much for the argument that the U.S. market is saturated with retail stores and e-commerce is hurting mall traffic. Tanger Factory Outlet Centers brought four new properties online in 2015 and still managed to achieve a portfolio occupancy rate in excess of 95% for the 35th consecutive year.
Skechers plans for remarkable year include 'a lot' more stores

Surpassing $3 billion in annual sales last year was a big deal for Skechers and now CEO Robert Greenberg is banking on the addition of more than 300 new stores to help the company set another sales record in 2016.

Skechers plans to open between 330 and 340 stores this year, projecting it will have a year-end total of 1,650 locations, of which 575 will be company owned. The accelerated pace of expansion is easy to understand given the powerful contribution the company’s physical footprint had on its fourth quarter and full year sales and profit performance.
Skechers plans for remarkable year include global store expansion

Surpassing $3 billion in annual sales last year was a big deal for Skechers and now CEO Robert Greenberg is banking on the addition of more than 300 new stores to help the company set another sales record in 2016.