News

Snyder's-Lance, a leading manufacturer and distributor of premium snacks, recently marked the first anniversary of its state-of-the-art Research and Development Center.

The center, located near one of the company's largest bakeries in Hanover, Pennsylvania, has been instrumental in the research and development of new product introductions that are both innovative and in line with consumer trends, according to the company.

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in July 2013 versus July 2014 and noted trends occurring across top retail chains. The start of the back-to-school season saw large decreases in these metrics for both Staples and Walmart across the board. Walmart continued its trend of smaller, less dense, highly-targeted and themed circulars. It barely touched on BTS on the front pages of its July 2013 circulars, with only a small laptop ad and some apparel promotions. 2014 saw a more concentrated effort as early as 7/13, prominently featuring notebooks, glue sticks, and crayons.

It’s time for customers who shop at Macy’s to feel extra good as the retailer gears up for its ninth annual national “Shop For A Cause” charity event Saturday, Aug. 23.

The one-day-only shopping event was created to support local charities’ fundraising efforts. Since 2006, the program has helped raise more than $44 million for thousands of charities across the country.

Retail organizations may not typically seek the services of a “marriage counselor,” but for retailers looking to implement innovative and disruptive technologies, global startup investor and accelerator Plug and Play Tech Center can help find the perfect partner.

“We’re a marriage counselor between retailers and startups,” confirmed Michael Olmstead, director, Plug and Play Retail. “We gain an in-depth understanding of retailers’ pain points.”

Little Rock, Ark. – Dillard’s Inc. reported net income of $34.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2014, down 5% from $36.5 million the same period the prior year. Increased markdowns and the loss of after-tax credits and gains drove the decline in net income.

Westlake Village, Calif. - When retail sales representatives demonstrate cell phone or tablet service and features to wireless customers prior to purchase, satisfaction improves considerably and the propensity to visit the same retailer again double. According to the J.D. Power 2014 Wireless Purchase Experience Full-Service Study — Volume 2 and the J.D.

Oak Brook, Ill. - Hub Group, a provider of intermodal, truck brokerage and logistics services, has received the 2014 Partners in Transformation Award from Sears Holdings.

Sears Holdings' Partners in Transformation Award is presented to supplier companies that excel in supporting Sears Holdings through innovation around integrated retail and the Shop Your Way program. Less than one half of 1% of more than 30,000 suppliers that work with Sears Holdings received this award.

Eden Prairie, Minn. – Supervalu Inc. has suffered a data breach that may have resulted in theft of customer payment card data. The stolen information may include account numbers, and in some cases also the expiration date, other numerical information and/or the cardholder’s name.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney answered Wall Street questions about whether or not the struggling department store retailer could stage a comeback — by posting better-than-expected profit and revenue in the second quarter.

A brand known for its American craftsmanship has opened a flagship in the heart of the Ginza, one of the premier shopping districts in Tokyo.

The 2,000-sq.-ft. space marks the new face of Cole Haan for its retail stores as it expands. It blends tradition and modernity in a casually elegant environment, with distinct presentations for both female and male shoppers.