News

PURCHASE, N.Y. — MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse revealed that online retail sales rose 14% over the year-ago period, marking the 24th straight month of year-over-year growth, as well as the ninth consecutive month of double-digit growth, with improvement in every subcategory except for electronics.

NEW YORK — Consumers heading to the grocery store this summer can garner more than 35% in savings if they buy store brands, according to a pricing study conducted by the Private Label Manufacturers Association.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that the Y received the most votes in its Giving Made Simple campaign for health-focused nonprofits.

The Y is one of four nonprofits who are benefiting from a Sam's Club total donation of $1.2 million. Each of the nonprofits participating in Giving Made Simple delivers programs that promote nutrition, active lifestyles and health education for all ages, the company reported.

Operating internationally is full of pitfalls and political peculiarity, as Walmart has again discovered in South Africa where various government officials are attempting to wring additional concessions from the company related to its acquisition of Massmart.

NEW YORK — Online lingerie retailer BareNecessities.com announced that it has named Jay Dunn as its new CMO.

Dunn was the former VP/CMO of Lane Bryant and the man behind the company's controversial "Red Bra" campaign that was banned from ABC for being "too sexy." The campaign went viral and ended up winning several awards and being named Brandweek's top story of 2010. 

AUSTIN — H-E-B, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Denny’s are among the companies that will host some 103 electric vehicle charging stations in Austin, Texas., allowing customers to plug in while they shop. The stations are part of Utility Austin Energy’s Plug-In EVerywhere network.

The charging stations are available for use by everyone with an electric vehicle. Austin Energy offers a $25 six-month subscription swipe card for unlimited charging at any network location. Otherwise, a credit card can be used for $2 per hour of charging.

SALISBURY, N.C. — New stores, higher retail inflation and positive calendar impact drove sales up for Delhaize America, the U.S. sector of the Delhaize Group, during the second quarter ended June 30.

The division, which operates such banners as Food Lion, Hannaford and Bottom Dollar Food, reported that revenues rose 4.3% to $4.9 billion, while comparable-store sales increased 1.6%. Operating profit, however, dropped 2.7% to $205 million.

SYDNEY, Neb.  — Cabela's is marking its entry in Arkansas with plans for a 100,000-sq.-ft. store in Rogers. The store is scheduled to open in the summer of 2012. The retailer also has also announced plans to build stores in Wichita, Kan., and Tulalip, Wash., as well as Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, all expected to open in 2012.

NEW YORK — Macy's announced that it is partnering with DoSomething.org to encourage students to make a difference in their communities. Launching on Aug. 8, the initiative will connect young people across the country with DoSomething.org and provide them volunteer opportunities in their area, the company reported.

Westfield shopping centers and the Westfield Family program have launched a “Give Back to School” community program, in which Westfield will donate $57,500 to the program by offering $2,500 to one school in each of 23 communities. The funds will be used to support such school programs as arts and music, sciences, physical education, libraries and technology resources.

Shoppers also will have the opportunity to help local students by donating new and gently used clothing or backpacks through a local community partnership with their Westfield shopping center.