News

Digital BrandWorks has introduced a new diagnostic tool that lets product suppliers grade the representation of their products online and then develop strategies to optimize their presence.

Washington, D.C. – Fewer U.S. consumers will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, but will spend a little more than last year. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2014 Valentine’s Day spending survey conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics, 54% of Americans will celebrate with their loved ones in 2014, compared to 60% in 2013.

The average person plans to spend $133.91 on candy, cards, gifts, dinner and more, up slightly from $130.97 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $17.3 billion.

Unilever U.S. has teamed up with the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management master's degree program to explore “the changing face of the beauty consumer.”

New York -- Caribou Coffee has taken over the rotunda in the nation’s largest shopping center, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn., to put up a 64-ft.-tall “Living Pinterest Board” to celebrate the launch of its new Real Inspiration blend, created in collaboration with its fans on Pinterest. The Caribou board is on display through Thursday, February 13.

KEASBEY, N.J. — ShopRite is piloting a program that takes shoppers beyond the traditional checkout lines and self-checkout lanes and enables them to check out from their smartphones.

As part of its 2014 expansion plans, teen and tween retailer Five Below has its eye set on the Tennessee market and will be opening five new stores there by spring.

Mississauga, Ont. – Wal-Mart Canada plans to complete 35 supercenter projects in the company's fiscal year which runs from February 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015. The company also will expand its distribution network to support its growth and will continue to expand its Canadian e-commerce operation.  

Sears Holdings has named Norman Miller as SVP and president, automotive. Miller most recently served as president and COO of Dollar Financial Corp. In his new role with Sears Holdings, he will be responsible for the company's automotive business, including Sears Auto Centers.