News

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.
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%.

Staples show how bad it wants to get Office Depot deal done

Staples secured approval of its acquisition of Office Depot from European regulators after agreeing to numerous concessions. Now similar actions may be required if the company is to win over a stubborn U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Staples said it received approval from the European Union to acquire Office Depot, highlighted a range of actions it took to alleviate the regulator’s competitive concerns and used the action to take a jab at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
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.
Walmart supports omnichannel commerce with product content

Seamlessly selling products through Walmart just got a little easier.

Using the ContentSpec 2.0 interface from product content management platform provider Salsify, Walmart suppliers can now publish product content directly to Walmart’s systems. Rather than utilizing a spreadsheet-based process which could take weeks, Walmart suppliers can transmit digital content in as little as minutes.
NRF backs expanded Internet sales tax

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is publicly supporting what it calls “e-fairness” legislation that would extend the reach of state sales taxes to online transactions.

Under present regulations, a state can only charge a sales tax on an Internet sale conducted by an entity that has some type of physical presence in that state.
Body Shop turns 40 with new sustainability goals

The Body Shop, a pioneer of ethical business practices in retail, is reaffirming its commitment to corporate social responsibility as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The all-natural beauty retailer has unveiled a new CSR strategy, “Enrich Not Exploit,” that extends to all areas of its operations and is aimed at making the company “the world’s most ethical and truly sustainable global business.”
Another marketing first for Target

Target Corp. is set to make history and take the notion of “live” to an entirely new level during the 2016 Grammys Awards, which airs Monday, Feb.15, on CBS.

The retailer is sponsoring the debut of Gwen Stefani’s newest music video, "Make Me Like You,” which will air during the broadcast. But in a unique twist, the video will be acted out, filmed and broadcast live during a four-minute commercial break. It will be the first music video ever created on television.
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.
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.