News

Sales outlook keeps getting better for retailers
Retail sales will accelerate in 2015 and grow at the fastest pace since 2011, according to a recent forecast from the National Retail Federation.

The trade group said Retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1% in 2015, up from 3.5% in 2014. The increase would mark the biggest annual growth since 2011 when retail sales for the year increased 5.1%. Non-store sales in 2015 are expected to grow between 7% and 10%.
Obama makes strong appeal for public-private cooperation for cybersecurity
Palo Alto, Calif. -- Describing cyberspace as the new "wild, wild West," President Barack Obama on Friday said that while everyone expects the government to be the sheriff, the private sector must do more to stop cyberattacks. He also called for the passage of a single national standard requiring consumers to be notified within 30 days if their financial or personal data is stolen.

Upscale retailers make landfall in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to many retailers’ most productive units and now Saks and Nordstrom are looking to get in on the action when they open their first locations next month in the island’s new Mall of San Juan.

The mall is set to open March 26, two and a half years after breaking ground, and will contain a 138,000-sq.-ft. Nordstrom and a 100,000-sq.-ft. Saks. The property also includes a hotel and a casino.
Planalytics: Cold temperatures to drive winter clearance sales, limit demand for spring categories

New York -- On Valentine’s Day weekend and continuing into the following week, cold temperatures will hold a grip on virtually all markets from the Rockies to the East Coast of North America, with most markets trending much below normal, according to business weather intelligence firm Planalytics. The cold will drive winter clearance sales while limiting demand for spring seasonal categories.
Going direct: VF shows retailers how to grow

After opening 75 stores in the fourth quarter and with expectations for 150 units this year brand powerhouse VF Corporation has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest growing retailers.

VF is best known for brands such as The North Face, Vans, Timberland, Wrangler, Lee and Nautica that are sold through other retailers. However, rapid store expansion in recent years has seen the direct-to-consumer business steadily account for a larger percentage of sales.
Cybersecurity Summit: Apple CEO defends consumer privacy

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, defended the consumer’s right to privacy and security on Friday in remarks at the White House Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection.
The Customer Service Advantage: Innovative Learning Solutions

How do you mold a large workforce with a significant part-time segment into experts in home improvement so customers get the answers they need every time they walk in the doors of The Home Depot?

It requires committed associates, strong leaders, and innovative learning solutions.
Sam’s Club begins BBQ promo

The sweet smell of barbeque will be in the air of central Florida later this month when Sam’s Club kicks of its fifth annual National BBQ Tour with prizes totaling $500,000 and participation from 700 teams.
Fred’s joins InStream POS marketing network

Memphis, Tenn. - Fred's Super Dollar is enhancing its POS marketing efforts. The retailer has joined inStream's retailer network of 38,000-plus stores offering POS and digital marketing programs.

The Fred's/inStream partnership will reach more than 2.2 million shoppers across 600 stores each week with targeted offers, on the "front" of their consumer receipts which will feature eye-catching graphics.
GNC to open 125 new stores

GNC Holdings Inc. is looking to 2015 as a year of expansion. The retailer plans to open 125 total net new domestic and retail segment locations, and has plans for more.

The retailer also will open approximately 150 net new international franchise locations, and approximately 30 net new GNC-Rite Aid store-within-a-store locations.

GNC announced its store growth plans as part of its fourth quarter 2014 financial results. During the quarter, net income rose 9% to $51.77 million from $47.66 million. A decrease in interest expense drove the rise in profits.