Most Clicked NRF SmartBrief Stories
1. "Mad Men" styles boost Banana Republic to record sales
NRF SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Banana Republic reported a 5% jump in same-store sales and record first-quarter revenue of $622 million. The growth has been driven in large part by the popularity of a "Mad Men" inspired line from costume designer Janie Bryant. A line from designer Trina Turk will be released on June 7, the company says. Bloomberg Businessweek (05/29)
2. 15 retail chains to accept PayPal in stores
NRF SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
PayPal has signed 15 more major retailers including Barnes & Noble, J.C. Penney and Toys R Us for its in-store payment system, the company said Thursday. The announcement came as PayPal's system went live in 2,000 U.S. Home Depot stores; rivals Google Wallet and Isis are working to sign up retailers for their mobile payment systems, and some including Jamba Juice are testing all three. Orlando Sentinel (Fla.) (05/24) Advertising Age (tiered subscription model) (05/24)
3. Urban Outfitters sees progress in turnaround efforts
NRF SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
Urban Outfitters reported a 9% rise in first-quarter sales, boosted in part by more full-price sales at its namesake, Anthropologie, BHLDN, Terrain and Free People stores. Anthropologie remained as popular with fans as ever but saw a 2% drop in same-store sales as the brand's fans scoured the Web for discounts and deals, writes Forbes' Lydia Dishman. Forbes (05/22)
4. Target, Macy's executives share insights
NRF SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
Finance chiefs from Target and Macy's weighed in on J.C. Penney's recent changes at a recent conference, before offering some insights into what's working at their own stores. "The regular-price [women's apparel] goods are selling well. It's a little harder to get rid of the clearance goods, but regular price gives us some hope that it's getting better," said Macy's CFO Karen Hoguet. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (05/22)
5. How shoppers choose a supermarket
NRF SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
Consumers choose their favorite grocery stores for different reasons including convenience, price and selection. Ratings of several chains in a recent survey from Market Force Information offers insight into the strengths of chains including ALDI, ShopRite, Giant and Publix. Time.com (05/23)
6. How Whole Foods is making the most of Pinterest
NRF SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Whole Foods Markets is setting an example restaurants can follow in their quest to effectively market on Pinterest, writes Punch Mobile Marketing's Sara Petersen. "Whole Foods rarely promotes its products; instead it shows customers all the things they can do with the groceries they buy from its stores," she writes. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Food & Beverage (05/25)
7. American Eagle to balance store mix
NRF SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
American Eagle Outfitters plans to open new outlet stores and close underperforming locations, including a significant number of Aerie stores, as it works to rightsize the retail mix, CEO Robert Hanson said Wednesday. The company, which operates 911 namesake stores and 158 Aerie locations, said recently it will shutter all 22 of its 77kids stores. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (05/23)
8. Retailers perk up customer loyalty programs
NRF SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Half of U.S retailers are making loyalty programs a key part of their strategies this year, compared to 41% last year, according to NRF data. For many, that means adding perks and revamping programs with tiered memberships, partnerships such as Shopkick and offbeat rewards and extra perks for connecting via social media, says RAMA executive director Michael Gatti. SmartMoney.com (05/28)
9. Running shoes do double-duty as fashion statements
NRF SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
Sales of high-end running shoes, such as a $100 hot-pink version from Nike, hit $6.46 billion in the 12 months ended March 31, a 14% jump driven largely by consumers' craving for footwear that is pretty as well as practical, says NPD Group's Marshal Cohen. “We’ve seen the running-shoe business become a fashion business, as well as a comfort and innovation business." Bloomberg Businessweek (05/23)
10. Macy's flagship to debut "stealth" Starbucks
NRF SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
Starbucks plans to open a coffee shop at Macy's Herald Square flagship in New York City, but the shop won't boast the Starbucks brand. The Herald Square Cafe will feature an upscale menu of wine, Champagne and chocolate, as well as exotic coffees from the Starbucks Reserve line. Huffington Post, The (05/23)
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