News

Shoe Carnival may have had a challenging second quarter thanks to soft store traffic, but the company is looking forward to implementing improved digital capabilities — including the launch of its first-ever mobile app — as part of its aggressive push to evolve the omnichannel shopping experience for its consumers.

Saks Fifth Avenue continues to step up its digital efforts with its launch of a user-generated content hub called #SaksStyle.

Created by Curalate on its Fanreel image integration platform, #SaksStyle will function as a daily go-to guide for fashion inspiration created solely by Saks customers, highlighting products purchased from Saks Fifth Avenue locations nationwide and online.

Costco said it plans to open nine new warehouse stores before the end of calendar year 2014, following a boost in net sales for August and the fourth quarter.

During the month of August, net sales were $8.8 billion, an increase of 10% from $8 billion during the similar period last year. Same-store sales in the United States increased 7%.

For the 16-week fourth quarter, the company reported net sales of $34.8 billion, an increase of 9% from $31.8 billion in the year-ago period. Same-store sales in the United States increased 6%.

A strong performance at Stein Mart’s Texas locations in August helped to offset sales at the retailer’s more challenged Gulf state locations.

Total sales for month were $86.5 million, a 3.8% increase over total sales of $83.3 million for August last year. Comparable store sales for the month increased 2.5% from comparable store sales for August last year.

Kmart is gearing up for the holiday shopping season and reminding customers, including Shop Your Way members, of its No Money Down Layaway program, which is now available.

Under Armour has enlisted Gisele Bundchen for the latest chapter of its “I Will What I Want” campaign. Bundchen is making her debut for the brand in a film and interactive digital experience.

The brand said that its campaign continues to celebrate women’s inner and outer strength and highlights its commitment to design innovative products for female athletes and athletic females.

For the third year in a row, leading U.S. no-contract cell phone service provider Straight Talk Wireless will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish for every demonstration given at more than 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide on Saturdays in September as part of the “Give A Minute, Help Make-A-Wish” program.

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 28 through Saturday, Oct. 4, A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts will partner with Lion Brand Yarn Company and Vanna White, a Lion Brand spokesperson for more than 20 years, to donate 10% of sales from all Vanna White yarn lines to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Across its 139 locations, A.C. Moore will offer special pricing on Vanna’s Choice, Vanna’s Choice Baby, Vanna’s Tapestry and Vanna’s Palettes yarns. Through this initiative, the partners guarantee a minimum $10,000 donation.
 

Walmart has reportedly issued a new dress code and staff members are not happy, according to Gawker.

Complex magazine reported that the new dress code “requires certain employees to wear white or navy blue collared shirts with khaki or pants, capris, or skirts,” according to Walmart human resources executive Barbara Simone.

Tiffany & Co. has named Jill Beraud as an EVP, effective Oct. 13. Beraud will be responsible for global retail operations, including all sales channels in every region, as well as oversight of strategic store development and real estate.

“We are delighted that Jill will join our management team and believe that she can further enhance our regional and global capabilities to support Tiffany’s continued sales and earnings growth,” said Michael J. Kowalski, chairman and CEO.