News

Paris inspires Michaels omnichannel contest
Irving, Texas – Paris has inspired great works of art, film and literature, and now the City of Light is inspiring an omnichannel contest at The Michaels Companies Inc. The specialty arts and crafts retailer is preparing for “Springtime in Paris,” a contest where customers will create Parisian-inspired art, or a floral, baking or paper craft project, take a photo and upload it or share on social media.
Neiman Marcus launches own mobile payment system
Neiman Marcus is taking omnichannel retailing to a whole new level by integrating payment technology into its already successful store app.

The NM Mobile Wallet is the first deployment of a mobile wallet capability created specifically for a retail card partner, enabling customers to quickly and easily make in-store purchases at Neiman Marcus Group stores without their physical credit card. Consumers can enjoy this simplified payment function with transaction authorization and information technology supported by Capital One.

Vitamin Shoppe plans 60 new stores; boosts Q4 profit

North Bergen, N.J. – Vitamin Shoppe Inc. expects to open about 60 new stores during fiscal 2015. This plan follows a successful fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, with a net income increase of 3% to $11.6 million from $11.2 million the same period the prior year.

A lower selling, general and administrative (SG&A) rate helped boost net income. Total net sales increased 13% to $290.1 million compared to $256.4 million. Same-store sales grew 1.7% and e-commerce same-store sales rose 5.6%.
Haverty's to open 4 stores despite Q4 loss

Expense from a pension settlement and higher selling, general and administrative costs drove Havertys into the red for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
Bergdorf Goodman goes worldwide with Web sales

New York - Luxury retailer Bergdorf Goodman has partnered with Borderfree, a provider of international cross-border e-commerce solutions, to open its website and sell to international shoppers with BFX, Borderfree’s new global e-commerce platform for retailers.
Michaels says ‘oui’ to digital engagement

Michaels is trying to drive digital engagement with customers by giving away the springtime trip of a lifetime.

The retailer will be offering up a free trip for two to Paris for those who create art and upload it to Michaels' website or social media venues.
Home Depot surges in Q4, warns on dollar

Home Depot posted a better-than-expected fourth quarter performance, but warned that a strong dollar could hurt its results for the year.

The retailer posted an 8.3% increase in sales to $19.2 billion, and fourth quarter net earnings were up 36.1% to $1.38 billion. Same store sales for the quarter were positive 7.9%, and positive 8.9% for U.S. stores.
Report: Target expanding organic foods program

Target Corp. reportedly thinks having a range of organic products matters.
Waffle House partners with Roadie shipping app

Norcross, Ga. - Waffle House Inc. is partnering with mobile app-based shipping platform to become the first official “Roadie Roadhouse.” Roadie connects people with items to send with drivers who are already heading in the right direction.

Waffle House will offer Roadie drivers free food and beverages at its more than 1,750 restaurants in 25 states, and provide a meeting location for drivers and senders. Roadies get a free waffle upon downloading the app and a free beverage when they're making a delivery.
Petco: where the raw food pets go?

Petco is leveraging the popularity of raw pet food by launching a series of educational events at some of its stores.

Starting on March 2, on the first Monday of each month, Unleashed by Petco stores will sample a variety of frozen, dehydrated and freeze-dried raw food and treats and educate customers on the health benefits of raw food as part of the Monday Night Raw Next-Level Nutrition event series.