News

Holiday shopping just one big video game at Target
Facing a holiday shopping season in which consumers will be more digitally engaged than ever, Target is partnering with Google to introduce a new mobile experience aimed at driving traffic to its stores.

Bullseye’s Playground is a mobile game experience featuring Target’s bull terrier mascot Bullseye and other characters. In select Target stores, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Bullseye’s Playground using Google’s new Project Tango Development Tablet, which will transform the store into a 3D winter playground.
Look out, Google Glass: Luxottica, Intel partner on wearable tech
Miami – Google Glass has some competition on its hands. Luxottica Group S.pA. is launching a multiyear R&D collaboration with Intel Corp. to create eyewear infused with smart technology.

The ultimate goal is to deliver smart, fashion-forward products that are meaningful and desirable to consumers. The first product from Intel and Luxottica is expected to launch in 2015.

Walgreens sales up 4.9% despite new generics

Despite revenue losses from the introduction of new generic drugs, Walgreens announced that same store sales grew 4.5% in November, with total sales, including stores open less than a year, also increasing 4.9% from last year.

The company posted November sales of $6.4 billion, an increase of 4.9% from the prior year. Same store sales across the pharmacy increased by 6.7% and front-end same-store sales were up 0.8%.
Abercrombie swings to profit in mixed Q3

New Albany, Ohio – The cool kid might still be cool, after all. Abercrombie & Fitch reported net income of $18.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to a net loss of $15.6 million in the same period the prior year and beating Wall Street forecasts.
Take that Amazon: TGI Fridays deploys in-store “Mobile Mistletoe” drones
Five Brands to Watch in 2015

Brand-building expert and consultant Denise Lee Yohn has released her annual outlook for the year, “Brands to Watch in 2015.”
Cyber Monday retains digital dominance

The dynamics of Thanksgiving weekend retail activity continue to evolve, but Cyber Monday still rules with sales that topped $2 billion for the first time ever this year.
Chicago City Council approves $13 minimum wage

New York - The City Council of Chiago has approved a boost in the minimum wage, gradually raising it to $13 an hour by 2019. The vote was pushed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel faces a reelection vote in February.

The plan raises Illinois' $8.25 rate – which is $1 higher than the federal rate – in small increments. It will get raised to $10 next year, and then increase by amounts of of 50 cents and $1. City officials estimate more than 400,000 Chicago workers will benefit.
Tech Guest Viewpoint - Social Media Use Grows for Merchandise Planning

By Ken Morris, Boston Retail Partners

What a difference a year makes! We have seen a dramatic increase in the use of social media by merchandisers over the past year, as retailers look for innovative ways to enhance their merchandising decisions to deliver the products consumers want across a seamless shopping experience.
The next big thing in footwear retail

Footwear is one of the hottest segments of retail these days and Boot Barn is ready to capitalize on the growing market.

The company reported a 7.3 percent increase in same store sales and reversed a prior year loss during its second quarter ended September 27, its first financial report since completing an initial public stock offering on Nov. 4.