News

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.

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.

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.

MINNEAPOLIS - Best Buy announced that it is introducing health and fitness products at 600 Best Buy stores across the country and online at Bestbuy.com. Available products include personal gear related to running, walking, swimming and yoga as well as other fitness accessories.

Best Buy’s national expansion follows a pilot program launched a year ago, during which the company tested a broad selection of health and fitness gear in 40 stores in select markets.

Of all the competitive threats facing Walmart, none looms larger in the minds of the retailer’s suppliers than the ongoing expansion and financial success of leading operators in the dollar store segment. That’s according to Walmart suppliers who participated in a survey conducted by Connecting Northwest Arkansas and identified such chains as Dollar General and Family Dollar as the greatest competitive threat to Walmart during the next five years.

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 - Everlast Worldwide announced the signing of a long-term, direct-to-retail licensing deal with Sears Holdings. Through the agreement, Sears Holdings will have the U.S. license for the Everlast brand in their 850 Sears doors and the Everlast Sport brand in 1,325 Kmart doors as well as launching on sears.com and kmart.com. The long-term agreement gives Sears and Kmart the rights to the Everlast brand for apparel, footwear and accessories for men, women and kids. Sears and Kmart plan to launch the brand nationwide beginning in the spring of 2011.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — What Rite Aid might wish for Christmas is accelerated results borne from its Wellness+ loyalty card program, because even as the chain lowered its guidance for fiscal 2011 sales, it’s that differentiated loyalty program that’s going to buttress sales next year and beyond.