News

Don't Get Spooked by Seasonal Inventory Management
by Jim Malone, Retalon Every year, retailers put fresh spins on evergreen holiday décor, remixing such classics as the Christmas tree and jack-o-lanterns to tempt seasonal shoppers. Though we have yet to see this year's big trend, it's probably safe to say it will not be the Christmas Turkey or Thanksgiving Skeleton.
Report: Alibaba partners with Quixey for mobile search
Hangzhou, China –- Alibaba Holding Group Ltd. is reportedly partnering with search startup Quixey Inc. to provide deep mobile search functionality into apps. According to the Wall Street Journal, Alibaba is integrating deep-linking technology from Quixey into its YunOS mobile operating system, with the goal of enabling users to find data held within apps without opening the apps.

Obama signs order supporting move to EMV; American Express offers program to boost adoption

Washington -- As part of an executive order unveiled on Friday, President Obama set a new policy that requires newly issued and existing government credit and debit cards to be enabled with chip and personal identification number (PIN) technology.
New denim brand eyes thick thigh niche

With a name and a logo similar to another leading denim brand, Keirin Cut Jeans has turned to social media with a Kickstarter campaign to launch its new line.
Finish Line aims hashtag promo at women

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line Inc. is launching a digital initiative focused on female customers in step with the Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco on Oct. 19. The retailer’s #FNLRunsSF campaign follows the training journeys of eight female fitness gurus, selected from across the country.
WD-40 is lubricating the world

Strong international growth offset a decline in domestic sales at WD-40 where the company produced its highest volume fourth quarter ever.

Total net sales for the period ended August 31, increased 4% to $97.6 million while full year sales increased 4% to $383 million. WD-40 has a strong international presence and the impact of currency exchange rates favorably impacted results. On a constant currency basis total net sales were $93.9 million for the fourth quarter and $377.7 million for the full fiscal year.
Radically redefining the Starbucks experience

Portland will be the proving ground this fall for a new mobile commerce initiative from Starbucks called Mobile Order and Pay that is part of the company’s broader effort to radically transform the retail experience.
DSW plans omnichannel ‘Shoe Lover’ promo

Columbus, Ohio -– DSW Inc. is running a one-day promotion called “National Shoe Lover Day” on Saturday, Oct. 25. Each of the 428 DSW stores, plus dsw.com, will participate.
September retail sales show weakness

Washington, D.C. -- September retail sales, excluding automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants, decreased 0.1% seasonally adjusted month-to-month yet increased 4.6% unadjusted year-over-year. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), seasonal factors played a role, but the drop-off from August was worse than expected.
Gavales named CEO at Things Remembered

Former Talbots and Bloomingdales executive Lisa Gavales was named president and CEO of personalized gift retailer Things Remembered where she plans to further evolve the retailer’s omnichannel offering.

Things Remembered operates 600 stores nationwide that are integrated with its Web site to allow for online ordering and same day pick up. Gavales will join the company November 10 to fill the position being vacated by Michael Anthony. He is relinquishing the CEO title after eight years but will remain as chairman of the board.