News

The year started on a positive note with increases in both number of flyers and pages released to market. More than half of the retailers (56%) maintained previous levels or showed an increase in size of their circulars in January 2013. In addition, the number of inserts per market also showed an increase with almost half (44%) of the advertisers showing a rise in flyer drops for this month. Overall, the number of pages increased slightly (+3.1%), and the number of flyers rose (+8.4%) compared to last year.

NEW YORK — With Toy Fair happening now in New York City, the Toy Industry Association has revealed what it believes are the top toy trends for 2013. 

CHICAGO and BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In light of Walmart's recent decision to share its point-of-sale (POS) data with select research companies for the first time since 2001, research company SymphonyIRI Group has partnered with 8th & Walton, a Walmart supplier education and Retail Link training business, to offer courses that will educate suppliers on the use of Walmart and multi-outlet POS data. Classes began Jan. 15 and are open to all interested Walmart suppliers with approved access to multi-outlet POS data.

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Amazon has extended its domination of e-retail into the mobile platform, according to the ForeSee Mobile Satisfaction Index: Holiday Retail Edition, released on Tuesday by ForeSee.

In a survey of more than 6,200 consumers collected during the peak holiday shopping season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Amazon scored highest among 25 of the top mobile commerce companies.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — With gun control at the forefront of public debate, it may seem like odd timing for Gander Mountain to open a firearms superstore. Yet, that is exactly what the outdoor retailer is doing in Ohio.

Chicago -- A new Symphony Consulting survey found that the new 2% increase in payroll tax is causing a major shopping behavioral change among lower-income families.

A division of SymphonyIRI Group, Symphony Consulting revealed Monday that dollar stores may be the biggest winners in the battle for the lower-income spenders’ purchasing power.

BOSTON -- Puma has launched InCycle, the brand's first closed-loop collection of footwear, apparel and accessories, all of which have earned the "Cradle to Cradle Certified[CM] Basic" certification. Puma's InCycle products are entirely biodegradable or recyclable. This product introduction is another important step in PUMA's mission to become the most sustainable and desirable Sportlifestyle company.  

New York -- Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. reported Tuesday that profit for the quarter ended Dec. 29 decreased to $636.8 million, compared with $373.6 million in the year-ago period.

However, the designer and retailer forecasted fiscal 2013 profit at more than double its year-earlier performance.   

Revenue surged 70% in the third quarter, fueled by strength in the accessories category, and the company predicts that fiscal 2013 sales will leap 62%.