News

Lucky, Save Mart launch rewards program
Modesto, Calif. -- Lucky and Save Mart announced the launch of a rewards program driven by an integrated smartphone platform targeted to fit into the busy lifestyle of today’s shopper.

Named appropriately for each banner, Save Mart shoppers can start using the “Save Smart” program starting March 4 at stores throughout Sacramento, the Central Valley and Reno. “Lucky You” will launch in Bay Area Lucky stores on March 18.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: How to Drive Grocery Sales in a Consumer World
By Kent Smith, Galleria RTS

Well-stocked shelves and falling sales is a dilemma faced by many retailers today. New technology advancements such as mobile discount apps are the latest threat to grocery retail sales. Many people simply complete their grocery shopping from the convenience of their own home.

Retailers are finding it hard enough to survive, let alone thrive with channel and segment blurring making it a consumer world. The message is simple, have what you want, when you want it and at the price you want to pay.

New stores boost Q2 profit at Village Super Market

Springfield, N.J. – The impact of two replacement stores and a same-store sales increase of 2.5% helped boost net income at Village Super Market Inc. 146% to $6.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, from $2.8 million in the same quarter a year earlier. Sales rose 5% to $411.2 million, from $392.24 million.

Village Super Market expects same store sales in fiscal 2015 to range from a 1.5% to 2.5% increase.
Ascena Retail misses Street in Q2

Mahwah, N.J. – Higher selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, including asset impairment charges primarily related to lower-than-expected operating performance at the struggling Justice banner, cut into profits at Ascena Retail Group Inc. during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Ascena, the operator of Justice, as well as stores under the Lane Bryant, Cacique, Maurices, Dressbarn, and Catherines banners, said combined same store sales declined 2% during the quarter, ended Jan. 25, due to sluggish sales at Justice.
Shopping Cart Abandonment: Scourge of Online Retail Sales

By Steve Weber, nChannel

Shopping cart abandonment is a problem that costs retailers nearly $20 billion each year, according to a study by SurePayroll. If you’re putting effort into attracting customers and enticing them with products they’d like to buy, only to have them stop short of the finish line, you’re leaving money and opportunities for repeat business on the table.
New Shoes.com takes aim at Amazon, Foot Locker

The new owner of Shoes.com is not wasting any time in its quest to compete in a market dominated by Amazon and Foot Locker.

Shoeme, the parent company of OnlineShoes.com and Shoeme.ca, has formally re-launched Shoes.com after buying the website in December with a refreshed design and expanded product offering, now with more than 450 brands.
Abercrombie & Fitch posts painful Q4; sales, earnings slip

New Albany, Ohio – It was tough going for Abercrombie & Fitch in the fourth quarter, with declines in both income and sales. Looking ahead, the company said its priorities include increasing comparable sales trends in both its U.S. and international stores, making strategic investments in its omnichannel business, ongoing expense reductions, and selective expansion in high-growth international markets.
Fewer discounts help American Eagle beat estimates

American Eagle Outfitters reported better-than-expected revenue for the fourth quarter, as an improved assortment and fewer discounts drove sales.

The teen apparel retailer said it earned $61.6 million, or 32 cents a share, in the fourth quarter, up from $10.5 million, or 5 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue grew 3% to $1.07 billion. Same store sales, which includes online sales, were flat, but they beat management forecasts.
Report: Bain, Golden Gate both want Ann Inc.

New York – At least two major suitors are vying for the hand of Ann Taylor parent company Ann Inc. According to Reuters, private equity firms Bain Capital and Golden Gate are both negotiating to purchase Ann Inc.

Ann Inc. has a $1.6 billion market capitalization. There is no guarantee either company will receive the financing they would need to make a purchase, and other potential buyers may emerge this week.
Dressbarn campaign integrates online, in-store elements

New York -- Women’s apparel retailer Dressbarn is thinking omnichannel with the launch of both a digital and in-store experience, called Dressbar, focused on exclusive designer collaborations with notable names in fashion.

Beginning March 5, the collection will be available to shoppers at Dressbarn stores, and online at dressbar.com. In addition, the retailer is opening a Dressbar pop-up shop In New York City, at 102 Fifth Avenue.