INDUSTRY News
For Retailers, 2012 All About Customer Interaction and Experience, NRF/KPMG Report Finds
-Growing mobile capabilities, web personalization tactics top strategic priorities for retailers-
In an effort to build customer engagement, capture wallet share and accelerate sales growth, retailers in 2012 will focus on a number of customer-centric functions, including IT and ecommerce investments, enhancing customer service initiatives and, building on their mobile platforms. “Retailers are poised to enter 2012 with a renewed focus on building up and building out many of their most important operations, hoping to establish a new sense of brand loyalty... <+>
Positive January Retail Sales Provide Strong Start to New Year, According to NRF
-Sales Rise 4.0 Percent Year-Over-Year-
Building on the momentum of a strong holiday shopping season and propelled by gift card redemptions and warm weather, retailers’ January sales saw solid growth across the board. According to the National Retail Federation , January retail industry sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.9 percent seasonally adjusted from December and 4.0 percent unadjusted year-over-year. “Thanks to a combination of unseasonably warm weather across... <+>
Americans to Pull Out All the Stops This Valentine’s Day
-NRF Survey Finds Total Spending to Reach $17.6 Billion-
Love may not cost a thing, but consumers this year are set to spoil their friends, family and loved ones this Valentine’s Day in a very big way. According to NRF’s 2012 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by BIGinsight, the average person celebrating the holiday will shell out $126.03, up 8.5 percent over last year’s $116.21 and the highest in the survey’s 10-year history. Total spending is expected to reach $17.6 billion... <+>
NRF Forecasts Retail Industry Sales Growth of 3.4 Percent in 2012
“Over the last 18 months, retailers have been on the forefront of the economic recovery – creating jobs, encouraging consumer spending, and investing in America,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Our 2012 forecast is a vote of confidence in the retail industry and our ability to succeed even in a challenging economy. Retailers have played a key role in driving growth, but to continue this momentum we need Washington to act... <+>
Beating Expectations, Holiday Retail Sales Rise 4.1 Percent, According to NRF
"The right mix of strong promotions, lean inventories and an emphasis on value put retailers in the perfect position to end the year on a high note," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “A better-than-expected holiday season is welcome news for an economic recovery that continues to be sluggish, and demonstrates retail’s powerful role as an engine of growth.” December retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show... <+>
GATE 2 & GATE STORYCON LIVE IN LOS ANGELES FEBRUARY 4, 2012!
-Transforming The World by Transforming Entertainment and Media-
For two-and-a-half hours on a rainy Sunday afternoon at the Urth Café in Santa Monica, Calif., I sat across from John Raatz, the founder, board chairman, and CEO of GATE. I was there to interview him about GATE 2, which is going to be held February 4, 2012 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, Calif. After we settled into our little metal table and chairs, he with a bowl of oatmeal and me with a fancy vanilla latte with the foam artfully poured to resemble a kitty cat’s face, I asked... <+>
Buoyed by Strong Black Friday Weekend, November Retail Sales Rise 4.5 Percent, According to NRF
-Retail Industry Sees Sales Growth for Seventeenth Consecutive Month-
Washington, December 13, 2011—Strong promotions on holiday gifts helped a variety of retail categories draw in savvy shoppers as the 2011 holiday shopping season started strong. According to the National Retail Federation, November retail industry sales rose 0.09 percent from October and 4.5 percent over last year. “Though consumers remain concerned about the economy, they are demonstrating an increased willingness to spend... <+>