News

By Kenneth Gruskin, [email protected]

Today, fickle and demanding consumers can access virtually anything they want as a result of technology such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. This anytime, anywhere access coupled with what can be referred to as the four ‘C’s’ — convergence, convenience, connection, and cost — are having a dramatic impact on retailers. 

The commute into downtown Minneapolis should get a little easier in the coming years, as Target is set to relocate nearly 4,000 technology-related workers from its headquarters to a new office in the Northern suburb of Brooklyn Park.

According to the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, the transition of about 2,400 technology team members and 1,500 contract workers will begin next year. To read more, click here. 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced it will offer extended shopping hours at its stores in 260 markets to give customers extra time to shop for those last-minute gifts. The company announced that select stores will stay open until midnight everyday from Wednesday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 23. 

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. —  Still looking for the perfect present for the kids in your life? According to The NPD Group, you can't go wrong with toys. The research firm found that among children ages 0 to 14, "toys" was the response given by 44% of caregivers when asked the question, "What is on your child's wish list for the upcoming holiday season?"

NEW YORK — The Tommy Hilfiger Group announced that it has named Avery Baker as chief marketing officer, a newly created position, effective immediately. Baker has been with the company for 15 years, most recently in the position of EVP global communications and marketing. Baker will continue to report to Fred Gehring, CEO of The Tommy Hilfiger Group.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Calling it a first for the drug store industry, Rite Aid will roll out an online coupon management tool for members of its Wellness+ loyalty card program, the retail pharmacy chain said Tuesday.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale reported that net sales for the first quarter of 2012 increased 13% to $21.18 billion from $18.82 billion during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. 

Total comps for the quarter increased 10%, which included a 10% increase in U.S. comps and an 11% increase in international comps.

Excluding the impact of fuel and strengthening foreign currencies, total comps for the quarter were up 7%, U.S. comps rose 6% and international comps rose 10%.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Sears, a name that comes to mind when thinking of places to fix the car or shop for tools, will soon be associated with travel thanks to a new partnership with International Cruise & Excursions Inc. 

Washington, D.C. -- Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports should be up 0.3% in December compared with the same month last year as retailers head to the finish line of the holiday shopping season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores spent $1.49 million on lobbying in the third quarter on a wide range of issues including food safety, nutritional labeling and corporate tax reform, according to a recent disclosure report.

The total is the same as the $1.49 million the discounter spent in second quarter 2011.