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Most Clicked NRF SmartBrief Stories


1. Wal-Mart slashes toy prices again

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009

Wal-Mart is cutting the prices on 100 toys again, this time by as much as 30%. This is the second time in as many months that the retailer has reduced toy prices after announcing in October that it would cut prices each week until Christmas. Target responded to Wal-Mart's last price cuts by slashing its toy prices by as much as 50%. Reuters (11/02)


2. H&M prepares to roll out Jimmy Choo shoes

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009

Thousands of shoppers are expected to converge onto an H&M in London next week when the retailer debuts its collection of shoes from Jimmy Choo. H&M will give the first 160 people in line wristbands and 10 minutes in a VIP area to pick one pair of shoes per size. H&M will offer the shoes for prices considerably lower than they normally sell for. Telegraph (London) (11/05)


3. At 90, Macy's saleswoman shows no signs of slowing down

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009

For one 90-year-old woman, the secret to keeping young is in her work. Adele McFarland is a saleswoman at the Macy's menswear department in Charleston, W. Va., where she's been working for more than 20 years. Her manager says she's "as aggressive a salesperson as you'll ever see," and McFarland considers herself an expert in pairing shirts and ties with suits. "You'd think I was a man, I'm so fascinated with ties," she said. Charleston Daily Mail (W.Va.) (10/31)


4. British billionaire launches Topshop in U.S. at a tough time

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009

Philip Green, the billionaire British owner of Topshop, has lavished attention on his first outlet in the U.S. He flew in supermodel Kate Moss to open the Manhattan location in April. Green is introducing Topshop to Americans at a difficult time. Bloomberg (11/01)


5. Zara opens its biggest U.S. store in Chicago

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009

Zara, a Spanish retailer, has opened a store on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. At 17,500 square feet and with three floors, the Michigan Avenue store is Zara's biggest in the U.S. Zara is known as a fast-fashion retailer, quickly changing out its merchandise to keep customers returning. Chicago Sun-Times (10/31)


6. Family Dollar celebrates 50 years in business

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009

Family Dollar has grown to 6,700 stores in 44 states in the 50 years since it started. In a Q-and-A, Howard Levine, CEO of the discount retailer and the son of its founder, says the chain has been able to thrive by adjusting its merchandise to fit customers' needs and by not picking a fight with Wal-Mart. Charlotte Observer (N.C.), The (10/30)


7. October retail sales mixed

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009

Pent-up demand, unseasonably cold weather and softer year-over-year comparables nudged same-store sales figures up for some retailers in October, typically a slower month. Discount chains including BJ's Wholesale Club and Costco saw same-store sales rise 3.7% and 3% respectively, while midlevel and high-end department stores reported mixed results. With few exceptions, teen retail chains reported declines, including a 15% decrease in same-store sales at Abercrombie. Wall Street Journal, The (11/06)


8. CIT files for bankruptcy; NRF believes retailers have dodged a bullet

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009

Some analysts are concerned that CIT Group's bankruptcy filing may add further instability to the retail market. But with most holiday merchandise already in distribution centers, NRF believes retailers have dodged a bullet for the holiday season and that the bigger question is whether financing for suppliers will be stabilized by the time spring merchandise is needed. Google (11/02)


9. Clothing lines hop to different stores

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009

More clothing brands are ending long-term relationships with some retailers in order to try their fortunes with others as department stores continue to consolidate and sales fall. Analysts say such moves can help revive a label and expose shoppers to brands that may once have been out of reach. Investor's Business Daily (11/03)


10. Victoria's Secret eyes higher sales with new bra

NRF SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009

Victoria's Secret is relying on a new push-up bra to help boost sales during the holidays. The "Miraculous" bra, which increases bust lines by two sizes, sells for $48 to $52, and the chain says its debut in the fall has already received positive results. Victoria's Secret is also offering more garment sets and slashing prices on its gift sets for the holidays. Globe and Mail (Toronto), The (11/05)




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