| November 20, 2012 | News for the retail industry |
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- Toys R Us gets serious to appeal to China's parents
Toys R Us will launch online sales in China this week and plans to expand from 30 to about 60 stores in the next several years, CEO Jerry Storch said. Toy sales in China rose 18% last year, but retailers face challenges in a culture that values books over balls; Toys R Us aims to win over parents with a large selection of educational toys, the company says. The Wall Street Journal
(11/19)     
 | Stop overpaying for address autocomplete
Retailers like Michaels and DICK'S Sporting Goods are switching to Radar for address autocomplete and address validation, saving up to 90%. Radar's address autocomplete APIs are part of Radar Maps Platform, the cost-effective, all-in-one alternative to Google Maps and Mapbox. |
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- On Black Friday, Moe's goes where the mouths are
Moe's Southwest Grill, like other restaurants around the country, sees its catering orders slow down dramatically when offices close during Thanksgiving week. Last year, the chain decided to go where the workers are on Black Friday weekend -- retailers including Target, Old Navy, Apple and Kohl's served employee lunch catered by Moe's, helping the chain boost the week's catering receipts by 32%. Entrepreneur online
(11/19)
- Sandy, housing market improvements give Lowe's a boost
An improving housing market coupled with purchases before and after Hurricane Sandy helped boost third-quarter sales and profits at Lowe's, which has been struggling for several years to win shoppers back from rival Home Depot. The retailer also cited ongoing efforts to improve the merchandise selection and cut costs as factors in its improved results. Reuters
(11/19)
- Barnes & Noble chief talks holiday reading trends
 Barnes & Noble CEO William Lynch said in an interview this week that he does nearly all of his reading on his Nook instead of opting for print books, while his wife still turns to bound pages. In this video interview, Lynch also shares his picks for the holiday season's hot authors. Business Insider
(11/19)
 | Increase your retail acumen
The right tech can boost customer experience with personalization and data. Are you aware of what technology is being used to succeed in retail? Learn how to harness the power of emerging technology. Register Now. |
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| Retail Trends | | |
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- Outlet malls feed post-recession demand for discount luxury
The recession spelled the demise of plans for new luxury shopping centers in the Phoenix area, but developers and retailers have adapted with plans to open four new outlet malls in the next year, offering consumers the affordable luxuries they crave. "The recession changed consumers' thinking about spending in a more permanent fashion," NRF Vice President Daniel Butler said. The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
(11/16)
- Consumers aim to give thanks for shopping
Retail workers may launch petition drives to keep their stores from opening on Thanksgiving, but 23% of consumers say they'll shop on the holiday, up from 17% last year, according to Deloitte. “Consumers have become more sophisticated with their Black Friday shopping strategy and the retailers have to follow,” NPD Group's Marshal Cohen wrote in a blog post. MediaPost Communications/Marketing Daily
(11/19)
| Retail Technology | | |
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- Retailers embrace mobile apps this season
Retailers from Macy's to Wal-Mart are releasing new mobile applications and features to meet the fast-growing demand of shoppers who are increasingly incorporating their smartphones into their shopping trips. "Mobile is bringing everything that is digital and everything that is e-commerce into the stores,” Shop.org's Artemis Berry said. “It’s taking shopping to the next level.” Adweek
(11/20)
- Benneton tests mannequins that watch over shoppers
Benneton stores are among the fashion brands testing mannequins equipped with a camera and facial recognition software merchants hope will help brick-and-mortar stores compile the same kind of customer data available online. "Any software that can help profile people while keeping their identities anonymous is fantastic,” said consultant Uché Okonkwo. Bloomberg
(11/19)
 | Get a FREE pass to Retail's BIG Show EXPO
Retail's BIG Show EXPO is even bigger in 2013 with an additional EXPO Hall on Level 1 of Javits Convention Center. Retailers enter the EXPO for free, including sessions on the EXPO Stage, BIG !deas sessions, happy hours and more. Register now.
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| NRF News | | |
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- High-tech, familiar favorites among top 10 toys for children this year
A healthy mix of classic toys and new-age gadgets made the wish lists for both boys and girls this holiday season. According to NRF’s 2012 Top Toys survey, the traditional LEGO set grabbed the top spot for boys this year, while Barbie led for the top choice for girls. Apple’s iPad, video games and the newly redesigned Furby also made the top 10 for boys and girls. Read more.
- Wal-Mart U.S. CEO to discuss retail's role in America's economic revival
Being a retailer today means leading on the big issues that matter to our customers and our communities. At Retail’s BIG Show in January, Wal-Mart U.S. CEO Bill Simon will discuss how Wal-Mart recharged its business model and make the case that our industry’s leadership is needed now more than ever on issues such as the economy and job creation. Learn more.
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| Position Title | Company Name | Location |
| Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager | Total Wine & More | Potomac, MD |
| Supply Chain Solutions Systems Analyst | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ |
| Business Marketing Manager - Foods | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI |
| Facilities Maintenance (HVAC-R) Technician - Level III | Meijer | Carmel, IN |
| Supply Chain Planner | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI |
| Corporate Recruiter | Meijer | Grand Rapids, MI |
| Merchandise Buyer - Multiple Categories, Multiple Channels | Kohl's Department Stores | Milwaukee/Menomonee Falls, WI |
| Merchandise Planner - Multiple Categories | Kohl's Department Stores | Menomonee Falls, WI |
| Oracle Retail Technical Consultant | Oracle America, Inc. | Nationwide, United States |
| Oracle Retail Business Consultant | Oracle America, Inc. | Nationwide, United States |
| Senior Vice President of Marketing | Total Wine & More | Potomac, MD |
| General Merchandise Manager | Five Below, Inc. | Philadelphia, PA |
| Merchandise Planner | Little Switzerland | St. Thomas, USA Virgin Islands |
| Product Manager - Time Tool Optics/ NavCom | REI | Kent, WA |
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| Click here to view more job listings. |
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| SmartQuote | | |
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 | A good man with a good conscience doesn't walk so fast."
--Georg Büchner,
German writer
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- Monday, November 19, 2012
- Friday, November 16, 2012
- Thursday, November 15, 2012
- Wednesday, November 14, 2012
- Tuesday, November 13, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Megan Conniff
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