News

Los Angeles -- A PriceGrabber back-to-school survey released on Wednesday found that 48% of consumers believe retailers are offering better back-to-school shopping promotions this year.

According to the survey, 88% of consumers chose 'sales' as the top retailer promotion that will entice them to make a back-to-school purchase this year. Forty-nine percent of shoppers cited coupons; 44% noted that "free items with purchase" would persuade them to buy; and 34% selected sales available online only.

Sam’s Club is temporarily suspending is membership fee this weekend to engage in Texas’ tax-free holiday and promote new member sign ups.

The tax-free holiday for back-to-school product runs Aug. 17 to 19 in Texas, home to 74 of Sam’s 613 U.S. clubs. During the same three day period Sam’s will allow non-members to shop its clubs.

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch reported Wednesday that net income in the second quarter slid 52% to $15.5 million, compared with $32 million in the year-ago period.

Total sales rose 4% to $951.4 million, missing Wall Street’s forecast of $954.9 million, and U.S. sales fell 5%. The retailer said Wednesday it is cutting its 2012 earnings guidance and will open fewer international Hollister stores in fiscal 2012 than initially planned.
 

All eyes are on J.C. Penney Co. as it rolls out the first wave of its branded shops to nearly 700 stores nationwide. 

CORTE MADERA, Calif. — Home furnishings retailer Restoration Hardware is reorganizing its leadership team to better align with the company's new strategy to develop new lines of business including apparel, accessories, footwear and jewelry while maintaining existing home business.

I’ve written before about the ongoing trend of some of the biggest names in retail downsizing. Now I’m seeing how brands like Target, Wal-Mart and Office Depot are rolling out smaller new store formats in urban environments, and it has me thinking about how this downsizing phenomenon might be even more important than many people realize.

A lot has changed in the past year on the social media block. Facebook and Twitter are no longer the only two major players helping retailers connect and engage with their shoppers in real time. Consumers are flocking to platforms such as social-photo sharing sites Pinterest and Instagram, and some brands are even creating their own social blog accounts on Tumblr.

RICHARDSON, Texas — Fossil has named John White as EVP and COO effective Sept. 4. White will be responsible for the company's supply chain, distribution and warehousing, legal and information technology operations, with a focus on long-term strategy. He will report directly to Kosta Kartsotis, CEO.

"We are very excited to have John join our executive team. His track record of driving strategic improvements and operational excellence across large organizations will be invaluable to us as we continue our global expansion," said Kartsotis.