NRF Association News
NRF welcomes GAO report on credit card swipe fees
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009
NRF welcomed a report issued by the Government Accountability Office on the $48 billion in swipe fees that credit card companies collect from merchants and their customers each year. Among other conclusions, the GAO found that interchange rates have risen despite Visa and MasterCard claims that they have remained "fairly" constant, that interchange fees drive up prices for consumers, and that consumers could see lower prices if the fees were reduced. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 20, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009
More than 8,000 candidates have earned the National Professional Certification in Customer Service this year. Source: NRF Foundation
Zhu Zhu Pets, Bakugan emerge as top toys this holiday season
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009
Though Nintendos and PlayStations will still be placed under millions of Christmas trees, many shoppers buying toys this holiday season will focus on lower-priced items. According to NRF's 2009 Top Toys survey, conducted by BIGresearch, old favorites such as Barbie and Transformers remain popular, but new additions from Bakugan and Zhu Zhu Pets have also emerged as favorites. Read more.
As shoppers favor holiday discounts, gift card spending to fall again this year
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009
Despite their popularity among recipients, gift card spending is expected to drop. According to a recent survey, holiday shoppers plan to spend slightly less on gift cards, with the average person spending $139.91, compared with $147.33 last year. Gift cards to department stores and restaurants will be most popular. Read more.
Five holiday trends you need to know this week
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009
Got 30 minutes? Join NRF for a series of Monday webinars as our experts discuss the most pressing consumer trends based on NRF and BIGresearch findings. On Nov. 23 at 12 p.m. Eastern, NRF's Ellen Davis and BIGresearch's Pam Goodfellow will discuss how shoppers plan to pay for holiday gifts, ways retailers are compensating for a decline in gift card spending, and Black Friday expectations. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 19, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009
80% of online retailers will offer a free shipping promotion this holiday season. Source: Shop.org eHoliday survey conducted by BIGresearch
How to create Web copy that customers want
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2009
As the power of search increases the likelihood that shoppers will bypass a retailer's home page and land directly on the product page, the importance of content has grown exponentially. In the newest white paper in NRF's Reference Center, "The Content Dilemma -- Consumer Insights and Merchant Execution," learn about the challenges, execution and implementation required to produce the quality and quantity of content that customers are looking for. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 18, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2009
The average total compensation for CFOs at the top retail companies is $2.3 million. Source: STORES magazine CFO Compensation report
Three steps to driving profit in challenging times
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2009
Join a Nov. 19 STORES Knowledge Series webinar to learn best practices for driving profit during the downturn, how a leading European retailer with 700+ stores actively manages risk with real-time incident data, and ways retailers prevent loss across hundreds of locations with automated store auditing. Learn more.
More holiday shoppers plan to pay with cash, debit cards this year
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
According to a new NRF survey, one-fourth of holiday shoppers will pay for gifts this year with cash and 42.5% plan to pay primarily with debit or check cards. "With many holiday shoppers focused on spending within their limits, it's no surprise that fewer people will be relying on credit cards this year," said Tracy Mullin, president and CEO of NRF. Read the news release.
Shop.org releases 5 tips for safe online shopping
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
As holiday shoppers everywhere head online looking for good deals, AVG and Shop.org are partnering on an initiative to promote safe online shopping this holiday season. Among the tips: Look for the "S" for security, and stay current on security software. Read the news release.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 17, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
51% of retailers are offering flu shots at a substantial discount to their corporate staff, up from 33% in 2008. Source: 2009 U.S. Retail Compensation and Benefits Survey, conducted by Mercer for NRF
NRF Foundation announces top 10 retailers for customer service
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009
The NRF Foundation, NRF's research and education arm, has announced the top 10 finalists selected by shoppers in the annual NRF Foundation/American Express Customers' Choice survey. The survey, which asked 8,526 shoppers which retailer provides the best customer service, was conducted by BIGresearch. See who made the cut.
Tory Burch, Sir Terry Leahy, Jon Luther to speak at Retail's BIG Show
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009
NRF will welcome some of the world's most influential retail leaders during its 99th Annual Convention and EXPO at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, Jan. 10 to 13, 2010. During the three-day event, attendees will hear from retail executives, world-renowned authors and retailers' corporate partners on topics including the economy, sustainability and retail technology trends. Learn more.
October retail sales a mixed bag as holiday season approaches
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009
Retailers hoping for momentum heading into the holiday season are seeing mixed signals today as some categories saw positive gains while others demonstrated weakness. According to NRF, retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) were flat seasonally adjusted from September and fell 1.3% year-over-year. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 16, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009
2009 holiday trend No. 7: Gift cards aren't dead. Source: NRF
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 13, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2009
Close to half of women report using social-media sites to connect with friends. Source: Shop.org survey conducted by BIGresearch.
What social responsibility means to customers ... and the bottom line
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2009
Shoppers are demanding great value on the shelf but also expect retailers to be socially responsible. Join a STORES Knowledge webinar Tuesday, Nov. 17, to learn how retailers can bring together analytical tools, collaborative technology and social media in an enterprise setting to impact connections with customers, partners and internal stakeholders. Learn more.
Where the deals are this holiday season
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2009
Start your online shopping at Shop.org's CyberMonday.com, which offers great deals from more than 650 retailers. Take advantage of Deals of the Hour on Cyber Monday and Black Friday, stretch your dollar with regular updates on money-saving specials, and take advantage of coupons, sales and free shipping. Keep up to date on the best holiday promotions all holiday season long through our new Facebook and Twitter pages. Connect with us.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 12, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2009
Four in five retailers monitor consumer profitability. Source: "Winning at Consumer Centricity" white paper
NRF releases latest Retail Sales Outlook
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2009
Concerns about employment, income and the severe deterioration in household net worth are reasons consumers will continue to be cautious about how much they spend, where they shop and what they buy, says Chief Economist Rosalind Wells in NRF's most recent Retail Sales Outlook. The report uses recent economic data to analyze the impact of key indicators such as job losses and the housing market on retail sales growth. NRF members, download a free copy of the report.
Dunkin' Brands executive discusses how leadership trumps hardship
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2009
At Retail's BIG Show, Jan. 10 to 13 in New York City, Jon Luther, executive chairman of Dunkin' Brands, will discuss what it takes to create and maintain momentum while competitors lose market share. NRF retail members, take advantage of the team rate discount: Send 10 people and receive the 11th registration for free. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 11, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2009
Holiday trend No. 5: It's the thought that counts. Source: NRF
NRF Foundation, Castle Worldwide bring retail manager credential to China
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2009
The NRF Foundation, the research and education arm of NRF, and Castle Worldwide Inc., a leading provider of testing and assessment products and services, announced a new partnership with Greater Business Solutions Global of Beijing to deliver retail training and certification examinations in China. Design and development activities are under way and will target corporate employers, vocational students and graduates of retail university programs. Read the news release.
This Veterans Day, NRF salutes soldiers, including our own
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2009
NRF honors men and women serving in uniform around the world. We especially think of Godmund Schick, our talented, witty and humble director of Web strategies, currently serving as an Army sergeant in Iraq. Learn about him.
Submit retail ads, commercials, digital efforts by Nov. 20
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2009
The Racie Awards honor the best retail ads, commercials, digital efforts and other communication materials that consumers first experienced during the past year. The deadline for 1st-3rd quarter entries is Friday, Nov. 20. Enter any one category for $75 and receive one free entry to the RAMA Board of Directors Creative Award. Learn more.
Is the House health care bill a "bridge to nowhere"?
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2009
In a recent blog post, NRF health care lobbyist Neil Trautwein calls the House health care bill, passed over the weekend, "a paragon of misplaced ambition." Trautwein says the public option will shift costs to employer plans and the bill will increase costs for many. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 10, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2009
More than 650 retailers sell merchandise through Shop.org's online shopping site CyberMonday.com. Source: Shop.org
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 9, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 09, 2009
One in four adults choose not to give gift cards because they feel they are too impersonal. Source: NRF survey conducted by BIGresearch
As unemployment numbers soar, NRF VP questions congressional actions
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 09, 2009
Another rise in unemployment numbers has shoppers -- and retailers -- worried. With the economic stimulus package unable to create the jobs it promised, NRF's Scott Krugman has a suggestion for Congress: Step aside. "What I think would be most helpful is if Congress got out of the way and let the business community do what it does best: create jobs for hard-working Americans," he said. Read more.
In advance of Black Friday, NRF releases crowd management guidelines for retailers
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 09, 2009
As one of the busiest shopping days of the year approaches, retailers are focusing on one key component of their holiday plans: crowd control. With the help of several retailers and their loss prevention teams, NRF has released Crowd Management Guidelines in addition to a step-by-step checklist for retailers planning for holiday crowds. The guidelines also address unexpected emergency management of crowds. Read more.
What you need to know about adopting whitelisting for PCI compliance
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009
While blacklisting is up against malware variants and malicious behaviors, many retailers have turned to whitelisting. During this Nov. 12 STORES Knowledge Series webinar, learn why application whitelisting is important and the relevance for PCI compliance, differentiate between the whitelist and blacklist approaches, and where the adoption of application whitelisting is most applicable while examining compliance and cost implications. Learn more.
Tax refund approved in unemployment bill will save retail jobs
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009
NRF welcomed the passage of legislation that will bring recession-plagued retailers more than $10 billion in badly needed cash by lengthening the period during which they can "carry back" current losses to claim a tax refund from previous years when they made a profit. NRF testified on the issue before the House Small Business committee in September. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 6, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009
Alli weight loss aids, Dyson vacuums and e.p.t. pregnancy tests are among the most popular items stolen and then sold on online auction sites. Source: NRF
Sustainability expert Wendy Evans discusses "Greening Retail"
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009
In a recent blog post, Wendy Evans, co-author of a study identifying sustainability practices in retail, talks about how green initiatives have changed over the past few years, why the grocery sector has led the charge, and ways to measure success. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 5, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009
The No. 1 reason to attend Retail's BIG Show? Everyone's going to be there. Source: NRF.
NRF defends stance on organized retail crime legislation
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009
With the debate about organized retail crime legislation heating up in Congress this week, NRF's Joe LaRocca confronts allegations by auction sites over NRF's stance on the issue. "This is not about large businesses or small businesses, online or offline companies," he writes. "It's about selling legitimate merchandise versus stolen merchandise." Read more.
Cirque du Soleil reaches new heights at NRF's BIG Show
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009
At NRF's BIG Show, Jan. 10 to 13, the DESiGN STUDiO will play host to the creative minds behind Cirque du Soleil's reinvented front-of-house experience. Hear about Cirque's approach to their space, its importance to the brand, the sources of inspiration used in the creation of a sky-breaking design, and how operational realities were addressed and engineered. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 4, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009
Almost nine in 10 retailers with strong year-over-year growth say a customer-centric approach is one of the top three most important factors to business success. Source: NRF Retail Reference Center white paper
Straight from the shopper: How the economy is impacting holiday sales
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009
From shopping earlier to "buying one big gift for the kids to share," see real shoppers talk about how they plan to cut back this holiday season. Watch the three-minute video.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 3, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009
NRF's 2009 Holiday Survival Kit has been downloaded more than 1,000 times. Source: NRF
NRF updates "Buyer Beware" list of products on auction sites
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009
NRF has added new products to a consumer alert about common household items being sold through some online auction sites, warning that these items could be stolen or tainted, posing health risks to consumers. New products on the list include Alli weight-loss aids, Pureology and Dyson vacuums. Read the news release.
Retailers dodge a bullet on CIT bankruptcy
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009
NRF's Mallory Duncan shares his thoughts on the CIT bankruptcy, saying retailers "dodged a bullet" with the timing of the announcement. Read more.
Get the inside scoop on what's hot in retail
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009
What did retailers find most valuable last month? October's biggest news included a blog post about 10 holiday trends, a webinar on how going green can save companies money, congressional testimony about swipe fees, and information on how retailers can control crowds. Check out the hottest news from October.
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 2, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009
NRF is expecting holiday retail sales to decline 1% in 2009. Source: NRF.
Retailers descend on Capitol to fight threat to instant credit
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009
NRF will take senior-level executives from major retail companies to Capitol Hill this week to meet with lawmakers on proposed new rules that could put an end to retailers' highly popular instant credit programs. If requirements to verify information on income and assets are approved, "instant" credit could take days. Read more.
Polo Ralph Lauren, Zappos.com, Fast Retailing to receive awards at Retail's BIG Show
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009
Polo Ralph Lauren COO Roger Farah will accept NRF's prestigious Gold Medal award on behalf of the company at NRF's Annual Convention and EXPO this January in New York. In addition, the Zappos.com CEO will accept the Innovator of the Year award and the CEO of Fast Retailing will accept the International Retailer of the Year award. Read the news release.
NRF SmartStat: Oct. 30, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009
Top Halloween costumes for adults this year include witch, vampire and pirate. What will you be? Source: NRF survey conducted by BIGresearch.
The 2010 Racie call for entries is now open
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009
The Racie Awards honor the best retail ads, commercials, digital efforts and other communication materials that consumers first experienced during the past year. Enter any one category for $75 and receive one free entry to the RAMA Board of Directors Creative Award. The deadline for 1st-3rd quarter entries is Nov. 20. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: Oct. 29, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2009
Two-thirds of Americans regularly use a mobile device; the numbers are even higher among young adults and those with household income of $50,000 or higher. Source: Shop.org survey conducted by BIGresearch
Maximize profits, reduce out of stock merchandise and balance inventory
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2009
Specific tactics can help retailers maximize profits, reduce out of stock merchandise, decrease carrying costs and more effectively balance inventory investment with their sales goals. Join a STORES Knowledge Series webinar Nov. 5 to learn how retailers are improving profits and service levels by becoming more market-specific. Read more.
Return fraud to cost retailers $2.7 billion this holiday
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2009
According to NRF's annual Return Fraud Survey, two-thirds of retailers say their company's return policy has changed in the past to account for fraud, and nine in 10 say stolen merchandise has been returned to stores in the last year. "Retailers are constantly trying to fine-tune return policies to create guidelines that honest customers can live with and dishonest people can't get around," said Joe LaRocca, NRF senior asset protection advisor. Read the news release.
How Marks & Spencer used the downturn to get close to customers
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2009
At NRF's BIG Show, Jan. 10 to 13 in New York, hear from Marks & Spencer customer service head Jo Moran about how the company is using customer-centric strategies to reach its shoppers during the recession. Learn more.
Preparing our next generation of retailers
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2009
At a meeting last week on Capitol Hill, Angela Elder from the NRF Foundation spoke to a panel about workforce preparedness alongside students from Stone Bridge High School's DECA co-op and School-based Enterprise Program and Tracy Aguilar, manager of field staffing-Marmaxx, from The TJX Cos. Inc. The panel featured high school students who not only work in but also manage all aspects of their high school store by negotiating with vendors, tracking inventory and planning back-to-school promotions. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: Oct. 28, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2009
Top Halloween costumes for adults include witches and vampires, while nurses and politicians are nowhere to be found. Source: NRF survey conducted by BIGresearch
NRF SmartStat: Oct. 27, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2009
Nearly half of retailers said they will increase their use of social media this holiday season. Source: Shop.org survey conducted by BIGresearch
Walk in the shoes of Collective Brands' CEO
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2009
In a recent interview, Matt Rubel, the chairman, CEO and president of Collective Brands, shares his take on how the economy has affected shopping, how Payless and Stride-Rite give back to the community, and what shoes he's wearing now. Learn more.
Speaking submission deadline approaching for NRF LP conference
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2009
Retailers, industry leaders and educators, submit a session proposal by Friday, Oct. 30, for NRF's Loss Prevention Conference and EXPO. The conference, June 14 to 16, 2010, in Atlanta, offers more than 40 educational sessions and more than 2,400 attendees. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: Oct. 26, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009
More than one-fourth of Americans say the economy is forcing them to travel less or not at all for the holidays. Source: NRF survey conducted by BIGresearch
Amendment could let struggling retailers claim billions in tax refunds
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009
In a move that could potentially bring billions of dollars to cash-strapped retailers, Congress is crafting an amendment that is expected to give both large and small businesses the ability to "carry back" net losses suffered in the current recession in order to claim a refund from taxes paid in previous years when they made a profit. Read more.
10 tips for adopting a consumer-centric approach
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009
The focus on price as the basis for competition is not a desirable, long-term strategy for most organizations. Instead, learn how to adopt a comprehensive customer-centric approach to business in the newest white paper posted in NRF's Reference Center, "Winning at Consumer Centricity." Learn more.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM exec to discuss business in a volatile economy
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2009
At NRF's BIG Show, Jan. 10 to 13 in New York, learn how to strengthen your organization for the long term through better decision making. Chris McCann, president of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, will discuss how and why business analytics most effectively support meeting the challenges of a volatile economy, regulations, talent shortages and increased competition. Join thousands of your industry peers to network, attend educational sessions and walk the EXPO floor. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: Oct. 23, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2009
More than 8,100 people have earned the National Professional Certification in Customer Service since Jan. 1. Source: NRF Foundation
Checkers saves big by cutting WAN costs and achieving PCI compliance
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2009
Join us Oct. 28 as Antonio Zambrano, director of IT for Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, shares his IT playbook, specifically addressing how the company is revamping its network infrastructure to cut WAN costs, achieve PCI compliance and improve the ability to serve internal customers. The latest developments in remote access, security and wireless technologies and how they can be applied to meet contemporary IT challenges will also be discussed. Learn more.
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