News

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. - Rug manufacturer Nourison has named Sabrina Roberts has been director of national accounts. Roberts will be responsible for the opening and development of key national accounts at Nourison, as well as assist in expanding business with existing national retail accounts. 

Roberts was most recently with JCPenney, where she helped grow the company's home division online and served as senior buyer for its area and accent rug division. 

ARLINGTON, Va. and WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association both issued statements supporting the final passage of a bipartisan agreement for extending critical individual and business taxes.

NEW YORK — Flirt! Cosmetics, which is available exclusively at Kohl's, has teamed up with "Glee" star Heather Morris, who will be the new celebrity style ambassador in support of the brand's spring 2011 product collection.

Morris will act as ambassador for brands appearing on Flirt!'s website and social networks and will supportx in-store and promotional efforts, including a consumer contest looking for the next "flirtiest performer." The campaign will launch in early 2011.

Some are entrepreneurs who built their companies from the ground up, turning one idea into a billion-dollar global empire. Some came up through the ranks, earning the trust and admiration of those around them with each passing year. And still others came in later — hired guns — bringing with them an expertise and skill set that sets them apart. All are alike in their ability to create new opportunities and take their businesses to the next level — no easy feat in today’s marketplace.

Chicago -- Consumer confidence in the retail industry is up almost 20% since 2009, according to Aon Risk Solutions, the global risk management business of Aeon Corp.

Aon's 2010 U.S. Retail Industry Report, along with survey results from Aon's 2010 Retail Symposium, found that many retailers will focus on growth in 2011. This top priority is closely followed by the objectives to increase profitability, control costs, provide business continuity and stabilize operations.

New York City -- Mobile online shopping (excluding travel) in the United States is expected to more than double, to total more than $3.4 billion by year’s end, according to ABI Research. Travel-related purchases (airline tickets, hotels, etc.) will add another $1.5 billion.

New York City -- Confidence is up according to The Conference Board, whose leading economic index (LEI) for the United States increased 1.1% in November to 112.4, following a 0.4% increase in October, and a 0.6% increase in September.

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association said Friday that it applauds the final passage of a bipartisan agreement for extending critical individual and business taxes.

Minnepolis -- Best Buy Co. said Friday it is expanding its health-and-wellness offerings to 600 stores nationwide.

The products, which include heart-rate monitoring watches, pedometers, yoga mats, scales and blood pressure monitors, have been tested by Best Buy in 40 stores in multiple markets and will now undergo rollout.

In its most recent quarter, Best Buy’s net income fell 4%, and revenue dipped 1% to $217 million.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Stater Bros. on Wednesday disclosed a more than 4% decrease in sales for fiscal year 2010.

The California supermarket chain said sales for the fiscal year ended Sept. 26 were $3.61 billion, down from $3.77 billion in fiscal year 2009. Sales for the fourth quarter also experience a decline, dropping to $897.4 million, or 3.15%, since the year-ago period.