News

By Lonnie Giamela, [email protected]

Generation Y workers, defined as those individuals born between 1977 and 1995, are becoming an increasing part of our workforce.  These individuals occupy a wide variety of positions from cashiers at a retail store, to warehouse employees at a distribution center, to administrative employees at a corporate office.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.  -- Sears is looking to position itself as a beauty leader, by announcing Monday the installment of new cosmetics departments at more than 100 locations and Sears.com.

According to the company, these refreshed beauty departments will feature products from such brands as L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon, CoverGirl, Sally Hansen, Essie and Nicole by OPI. Additionally, beauty advisers staffing the departments will offer makeup tips and advice to customers who desire assistance in perfecting their look, Sears reported.

Target had forecast a mid-single decline in its March same-store sales, so the 5.5% decline it reported last week was no surprise. The late arrival of Easter is messing with retailers’ sales comparisons, so even though March was a down month for Target, it could have been worse as the comparison with the prior year was a lofty 10.3%. Therefore, last month’s 5.5% decline is a victory of sorts, and March results for retailers overall were better than expected.

Consumers are using credit more responsibly, according to the latest delinquency data released by Target. The percentage of accounts 60 days and 90 days past due in Target’s credit portfolio experienced meaningful declines during March, and are now at their lowest level in more than two years.

MARYSVILLE, Ohio  -- The Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that Jim Lyski has been named EVP and chief marketing officer, reporting to ScottsMiracle-Gro president Barry Sanders.

CINCINNATI -- Kroger announced that it has set a 2015 goal of sourcing 100% of its top 20 wild-caught seafood species from sources certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, in full assessment, or involved in a Fishery Improvement Project with World Wildlife Fund.

Walmart may be the nation’s largest grocer, but it’s not because of the compelling presentation of fresh produce or appetizing meats. The stuff is cheap, sure, but the quality isn’t always there, and even when it is, the manner in which products are packaged and merchandised detracts from quality perception. Then there are the issues that arise with so many shoppers, not to mention their unattended kids, pawing through displays of tomatoes, bell peppers and grapes. Items get bruised, or roll on the floor and get run over by carts.

WASHINGTON — While the calendar shift of Easter may have taken a toll on retailers' march performance, April sales should see a boost, as the National Retail Federation noted that consumers intend to spend more this year than in 2010.