News

Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Donuts has launched its “HoliDDay Fashions” contest, inviting people to post photos of themselves in their holiday clothing and costumes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Beginning Dec. 12 and continuing through Dec. 18, customers can submit their photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the special hashtag #HoliDDayFashions.

On Dec. 20, Dunkin' Donuts will announce a total of five winners to receive a prize pack. No purchase is required.

San Francisco -- Retail in the coming year will be more streamlined and integrated with online experiences, according to predictions from POS software provider Revel Systems.

In 2014, Revel Systems predicts the following industry advancements will begin to take shape:

The recession took a major toll on the retail real estate sector but, despite waffling consumer confidence, the sector continues to improve. Retail now accounts for 19% of total U.S. investment volume year-to-date 2013.

Retail experts from Jones Lang LaSalle predict four key forces that will drive an increase in the retail transaction market during 2014:

1. Strengthening Fundamentals  

Amazon.com is the most popular U.S. online retail site when it comes to having Web content shared on Pinterest in the run up to Christmas 2013.

In a study of 10 top US retail sites, images and pages from Amazon.com are being shared most frequently on Pinterest, with Walmart and Apple taking second and third positions, respectively. According to a study conducted by digital marketing software and services specialist Searchmetrics, content from Amazon.com currently generates 16,360 pins per week, Walmart generates 5,778 pins per week and Apple generates 3,871.

After more than 46 years of service, Publix Super Markets Miami division VP Bill Fauerbach has announced his decision to retire at the end of March 2014. Stepping into the role in his place will be Kevin Murphy on April 1.

“Bill helped grow our culture and build a solid foundation on which the Miami division will continue to grow. We thank him for his many contributions, and he will be missed by us all,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw.

The Coca-Cola Company’s board of directors has named Ed Steinike as a senior VP and Robert J. Jordan Jr. as a VP. Jordan will succeed William D. Hawkins III as general tax counsel, who announced his intention to retire in March 2014 after 15 years of service with the company.

Housewares industry veteran Robert Edmund Reichenbach, Lifetime Brands EVP and president of the cutlery and cutting board and cookware and bakeware divisions, has died. He was also president of the Cookware Manufacturers Association.

So far 20 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws permitting and regulating the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Colorado and Washington have gone further and legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Moreover, Americans’ tolerance for the legalization of marijuana is increasing. An October 2013 Gallup poll showed that 58% of Americans favor legalizing marijuana.

What does this trend mean for retailers, especially those operating in multiple states? The answer is complex, as the law is evolving.

Lululemon’s increases in net revenue, gross profit and comparable-store sales beat expectations, but shares slid after the company said it anticipates flat comparable-store sales in the fourth quarter.

According to reports, shares dropped 10.7% to $61 after the company posted its financial results for the third quarter ended Nov. 3, which saw net revenue increase 20% to $379.9 million from $316.5 million in last year’s third quarter. Comparable-store sales in the quarter increased 5%.

Wolverine Worldwide has appointed Gina R. Boswell to the company's board of directors.

Boswell is EVP, personal care, for global food, personal care and household products company Unilever. She has held numerous senior leadership positions with other leading global companies, including Avon Products, Ford Motor Company and Estée Lauder Companies.