News

The July 13 settlement of a lawsuit over allegedly fixed credit card interchange fees is a credit positive for the two largest industry players Visa and Mastercard, but will have a smaller impact on merchant acquirers, retailers and banks, said  Moody’s Investors Service in a new special comment "Credit Card Interchange Fee Settlement is Credit Positive For Visa, MasterCard."

By Eileen F. Mitchell, [email protected]

Armonk, N.Y. – In-store sales of women’s clothing are expected to see a 9.2% increase in the third quarter of 2012 versus the year-ago period, according to a just-released IBM analytics-based forecast of U.S. retail sales data. The report predicts a 6.2% increase in sales of children’s clothing and a 5.2% increase in footwear. Men’s clothing, however, is forecast to lag, dropping 6.7%.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. reported Thursday that profit for the second quarter dropped to $121.7 million from $146 million in the same period last year.

Sales inched up 1.9% to $10.4 billion, and same-store sales rose 0.8%.

For the year, Safeway said it expects to invest $900 million in capital expenditures to open approximately 10 new Lifestyle stores, complete 10 Lifestyle remodels, refurbish in-store pharmacies and develop properties through its Property Development Centers subsidiary.
 

Washington, D.C. -- A survey released by the National Retail Federation and conducted by BIGInsight found that the average parent will spend $688.62 on back-to-school items this year, compared with $603.63 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $30.3 billion.

NRF cited an increased number of children entering elementary and middle school this fall, as well as necessary back-to-school replenishments after last year’s cutbacks, for the predicted improvements.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Classrooms by Walmart is the name of a new social media initiative the retailer launched Tuesday to simplify back-to-school shopping for millions of moms who view the season as an opportunity for a fresh start.

Dollar General shoppers have until Aug. 19 to participate in a PepsiCo cause marketing initiative involving country mega star Brad Paisley.

Frank Rescigna is the new president of worldwide licensing at Guess? Inc.

In his new role Rescinga will report to Guess CEO and co-founder Paul Marciano. Rescinga previously served as president of Viva, a Guess eyewear licensee.

Frank Rescigna is the new president of worldwide licensing at Guess? Inc.

In his new role Rescinga will report to Guess CEO and co-founder Paul Marciano. Rescinga previously served as president of Viva, a Guess eyewear licensee.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Macy's has launched a national rollout of Shopkick's location-based rewards application. Customers can now earn rewards, in shopkick’s cross-retail currency of “kicks”, just for walking in to more than 800 Macy’s stores nationwide, and instantly receive exciting exclusive deals and offers.