News

Caruso Affiliated names new digital marketing executive
Los Angeles — Privately held real estate development company Caruso Affiliated, has named Chris Baccus to senior VP, digital marketing. Baccus will lead digital strategy for various Caruso brands across all digital platforms, including SEO/CRM, digital advertising, social media and the entire company’s Web and mobile assets, reporting to chief marketing and communications officer Judy Johnson.
Belk kicks off football season in April
In the South, it’s never too early to talk about football, which is why N.C.-based department store Belk made a big college football announcement this week.

The chain says it will be the title sponsor of the 2015 Belk College Kickoff Game, featuring the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. The game is set to take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sept. 3 with a 6 p.m. kickoff.

Sears helps rebuild military families' homes

Sears is putting its decades of home improvement knowledge to work once again for military families.

The retailer has launched its eighth annual Heroes at Home campaign with Rebuilding Together to raise funds and assist military families facing hardship by making necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to their homes. The program, which has raised more than $18 million over the past seven years thanks to donations from Shop Your Way members, customers and associates, has funded more than 1,500 home rebuilds.
Study assesses mobile, wearable tech impact on retail

New York -- Thirty percent of consumers either own or plan to buy a wearable device in the next 12 months, and 34% of those consumers want wearable technology to make their lives easier – and that includes shopping. Those are among the findings of a new study by PowerReviews, a ratings and reviews provider.
Up-and-coming Aftcra practices art of online craft sales

Milwaukee – A lot of pure-play e-commerce retailers have interesting origin stories. According to (dubious) legend, eBay started as a way to buy and sell collectible Pez candy dispensers. Aftcra, an online marketplace for American handmade products, has a verifiable tale of its roots fitting its all-American product selection.
Study: Confidence in chip and pin cards lacking

Only 53% of executives believe the EMV chip and pin will protect against a data breach, despite claims that it is more secure, according to a new study.
Ron Johnson launches retail site, ‘Enjoy,’ combining sales, set-up service

Menlo Park, Calif. -- Former J.C. Penney CEO and Apple Store guru Ron Johnson on Wednesday launched a high-end, high-tech gadget shopping site that comes with a personal touch. Called Enjoy, and initially available only in the San Francisco Bay area and, on May 13 in New York City, the new service bills itself as a “personal service platform.” It allows shoppers to buy select consumer electronics online and then, for no charge, sends an expert to install and set up the product at the consumer’s home.
Macy's, Rite Aid now offer Plenti more rewards

Macy’s and Rite Aid are joining the other major retailers and companies that have partnered with Plenti, the first U.S.-based loyalty coalition that allows shoppers to earn rewards points through a variety of purchases, from paying a phone bill to filling up at the pump.
Gymboree shrinks net loss in Q4; will close 30-40 stores

San Francisco – The Gymboree Corp. shrank its net loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 to $7.4 million, from $167.2 million in the same quarter a year earlier. The elimination of a non-recurring $157.2 million non-cash impairment charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 contributed to the reduction in net loss.

Net sales rose 7% to $375.6 million, from $351 million. Same-store sales rose 5%. In fiscal 2015, Gymboree plans to close 30-40 stores and open about 12 stores.
Dunkin’ Donuts celebrates royal baby with Twitter sweepstakes

Canton, Mass. - In honor of the birth of the royal baby, Dunkin' Donuts is running a special Twitter sweepstakes for the chance to win a trip for two to London. From May 4-5, Dunkin' Donuts is asking its Twitter followers to share who in their life deserves to be treated like royalty.