NRF Association News
Countdown to Christmas: Learn what to expect in the final weeks
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 21, 2008
In the second webinar of NRF's Holiday Consumer Insights series, learn how consumer sentiment has changed since the election and how lower fuel costs are affecting spending. Also get results from NRF's newest holiday survey about the most popular gifts, gift-card trends and payment methods, plus new findings on spending over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This virtual education session will be at 1 p.m. Dec. 3 and is open to members of NRF and all of its divisions. Register or learn more.
Shoppers say word of mouth is biggest influence on purchase of electronics, apparel
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 21, 2008
When it comes to buying apparel and electronics, shoppers are most interested in hearing from their peers about products, retailers and past shopping experiences. In a recent survey, conducted for the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association by BIGresearch, consumers say word of mouth is still the No. 1 influencer in their apparel (34.3%) and electronics (44.4%) purchases. Click here to read more.
NRF SmartStat
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 21, 2008
Gift-card spending is expected to decline 6% this holiday season. Source: NRF survey conducted by BIGresearch.
Improve business conditions with Fair Factories Clearinghouse membership
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2008
In today's economic times, it is increasingly difficult for retailers to stay on top of factory-compliance regulations. The Fair Factories Clearinghouse offers software to manage and share compliance information, which improves workplaces across the globe and enables retailers to reduce costs in ethical-sourcing transactions. Join the community of retailers in the Fair Factories Clearinghouse membership for up to 35% savings. Learn more by contacting Marianne Voss at mvoss@fairfactories.org.
Join NRF at networking dinner Thursday, Dec. 11, in L.A.
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2008
Senior executives across all fields are invited to attend an NRF Networking Nights dinner in December in Los Angeles. The dinner is a great venue for networking, learning, meeting executives in your field and sharing your successes. Learn more.
Hannah Montana overtakes Bratz as second most-popular toy for girls
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2008
Though Barbie continues to win the hearts of little girls across the country, she's got competition this year. According to NRF's 2008 Top Toys survey, conducted by BIGresearch, Barbie will retain her top spot on the hot-toys list for girls, but Hannah Montana jumped four spots this year to the No. 2 spot. Hannah Montana replaces Bratz dolls, which dropped to the fourth spot. Top toys for boys included video games and the Nintendo Wii. Read more.
Recession-proof Retail -- A STORES Knowledge Series webinar
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2008
Learn how to leverage CRM effectively to build your base and tap its full potential to increase sales. Join us at noon Nov. 20 to hear steps today's top retailers are taking to recession-proof their businesses by understanding the pressures and enablers driving effective CRM. Learn more.
Gift-card spending drops as budget-focused holiday shoppers look for bargains
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2008
Shoppers' price-conscious mentality is taking a toll on the season's most requested present: gift cards. NRF's sixth annual Gift Card Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, found that gift-card sales will fall nearly 6% this holiday season to $24.9 billion, down from $26.3 billion last year. Fewer people plan to purchase gift cards this year, and gift-card shoppers will be spending less overall on the cards. Read the news release.
Prepare for year-end financials with NRF University wired's Course of the Week
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2008
NRF University wired presents Principles of Financial Reporting as its Course of the Week. This course will cover important aspects of measuring and driving retail sales. Learn more and register, or visit NRF University wired.
CyberMonday.com redesigned to help shoppers save money this holiday season
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2008
Shop.org has redesigned its shopping Web site, www.CyberMonday.com, with new features that help shoppers find the best holiday deals. New features that were a part of the redesign include a robust comparison-shopping engine and a Deal of the Hour promotion on Cyber Monday featuring a different sale or promotion from a participating retailer every 60 minutes. More than 600 retailers selling more than 20 million products have come together on the site to feature hundreds of promotions that allow shoppers to stretch their gift budgets this holiday season. Read the news release.
Consumers anxiously await Black Friday deals with much shopping to complete
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2008
While the majority of consumers have not even put a dent in their shopping list, traditional winter apparel and personal, inexpensive items such as DVDs, CDs and books will be the first things they stock up on as they begin their holiday shopping. According to NRF's 2008 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, 72% of consumers have completed less than 10% of their shopping, compared with 2.2% of shoppers who say they have completely finished. Read the news release.
Maximize performance and improve efficiency of customer service
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 14, 2008
Register for an upcoming Shop.org members-only webinar to learn about cross-channel operations and fulfillment best practices, at 1 p.m. Nov. 18. The webinar will focus on how retailers can manage and measure a superior cross-channel operating environment. Presenters include William Spaide, partner, Spaide, Kuipers & Co.; Kevin Gebhardt, director of multichannel coordination and implementation, J.C. Penney; and Jeff Dunn, vice president, sales & marketing systems & information, Harry & David Operations Corp. Learn more or register.
Financial crisis freezes consumer spending in October, according to NRF
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 14, 2008
As expected, consumers went into hibernation as the full scope of the financial crisis took hold in October. According to NRF, retail-industry sales for October (which exclude automobile sales, as well as sales at gas stations and restaurants) decreased 0.5% seasonally adjusted from September while increasing 1.3% unadjusted year over year. NRF continues to forecast holiday sales growth of 2.2%. Read the press release.
Register today and save -- RAC '09 is heading to Vegas
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2008
Join the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association in Las Vegas this February for the 2009 Retail Advertising Conference. Register by Nov. 14 to save $200 on registration.
Retailers adjusting return policies to provide good customer service in down economy
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2008
As retailers get a handle on return fraud, many are softening return policies this holiday season as a way to provide good customer service. According to the National Retail Federation's third annual Return Fraud Survey, completed by 82 retail loss-prevention executives last month, the number of retailers who said their holiday return policy will loosen this year is three times higher than in 2007. The survey also showed that returns as a percentage of sales are on the rise. Read more here.
Retailers, get your Cyber Monday promotions in front of reporters
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2008
NRF and Shop.org are compiling a list of specific Cyber Monday promotions to share with reporters in advance of Cyber Monday. As a benefit of membership, NRF members are invited to submit one-day Cyber Monday deals to Shop.org that will be shared with the media. Members also are invited to provide the name of a company executive who is willing to speak about Cyber Monday trends. To participate in this initiative, contact Ellen Davis.
Download NRF's 2008 Holiday Survival Kit
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2008
NRF has compiled holiday-trend information in its 2008 Holiday Survival Kit, available for download from NRF's Web site. The kit includes historical holiday-spending information, insights from last year's consumer surveys, gift-card survey results and answers to frequently asked questions. Download the Holiday Survival Kit.
2008 retail-container traffic to be lowest since 2004
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2008
Cargo volume at the nation's major retail-container ports fell again in October. 2008 is expected to be the slowest year since 2004 as the downturn in the nation's economy continues, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and IHS Global Insight. Read more.
What you can do to make more money next week (and improve holiday sales)
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2008
This year, retailers are faced with limited budgets and resources while trying to tap into potential customers, who are being increasingly frugal. Members of Shop.org, join a 75-minute webinar from 12:45 to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 12, that will begin with an overview of the economic environment and will be followed by specific, easy-to-implement tactics that can immediately help sales. Learn more.
Register by Nov. 28 to save $300 off Retail's BIG Show
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2008
Register by Nov. 28 for NRF's Annual Convention, Jan. 11 to 14 in New York City, and save $300 off the on-site rate. Full conference registration gives attendees access to the 175,000 square-foot EXPO Hall, more than 50 educational sessions and numerous networking opportunities. Learn more.
Increase control over your at-work relationships with NRF University wired's Course of the Week
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2008
NRF University wired introduces Working with Difficult People as its course of the week. This course explores how to work with difficult people, respond to changes, and cope with continued conflict. Learn more and register or visit NRF University wired at www.nrfuniversitywired.com.
Retailers, save 35% on Fair Factories Clearinghouse membership
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 07, 2008
In today's economic times, it is increasingly difficult for retailers to stay on top of factory-compliance regulations. The Fair Factories Clearinghouse offers software to manage and share compliance information, which improves workplaces across the globe and enables retailers to reduce costs in ethical-sourcing transactions. Join the community of retailers in the Fair Factories Clearinghouse membership for up to 35% savings. Learn more or contact Marianne Voss at mvoss@fairfactories.org.
Sustainability and Savings: Together at Last -- A STORES Knowledge Series webinar
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 07, 2008
This informative, complimentary webinar will provide insight into different ways retailers can approach sustainability while lowering costs. Join us at 2 p.m. Nov. 13 to learn how leading retailers are deploying Web-based energy-management technology to significantly reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Register now.
NRF Foundation Reintroduces Professional Retail Business Credential
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2008
The NRF Foundation has renamed its "Basics of Retail Credential" the "Professional Retail Business Credential" to better reflect the breadth of knowledge covered on the credentialing assessment and the level of education and experience of the target candidate, as well as to more accurately represent the professional designation. The credential aims to foster deeper industry familiarity by measuring and validating knowledge of nine key retail disciplines. It is ideally suited for business-consulting professionals and others who sell or market to retailers. Learn more.
Obama elected president as Democrats increase margins in Congress
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2008
Freshman Democratic Sen. Barack Obama was elected president in a hard-fought race that also saw Democrats increase their margins in both chambers of Congress. The change from eight years of Republican White House control is expected to bring significant changes in the direction of a wide variety of policy issues directly and indirectly affecting retail including the economy, tax policy, international trade, labor relations and health care. Read about this and more in Washington Retail Insight.
Online retailers "resilient, not immune" to challenging holiday season
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2008
According to results of the 2008 eHoliday Study, conducted by Shopzilla® for Shop.org, more than half of online retailers expect their holiday sales to increase at least 15% over last year, but the rate of growth is slowing. The survey also found that free-shipping offers will prevail despite higher shipping costs, and it identifies site features that retailers have invested in since the last holiday season to improve the shopping experience. Read the news release.
Check out the redesigned CyberMonday.com
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2008
Shop.org's CyberMonday.com, powered by Mall Networks, has been redesigned with improved search capabilities, a sophisticated comparison-shopping engine and a new "green" shopping category. At CyberMonday.com, save at hundreds of retailers with coupons and free-shipping specials all in one place. All of Shop.org's proceeds from the site benefit the Ray Greenly Scholarship Fund. Start shopping!
Not too late to register for Wednesday's Consumer Insights briefing
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2008
Don't miss the first virtual education session in NRF's Holiday Consumer Insights Series. BIGresearch's Phil Rist will unveil research about the election's impact on the economy and consumers' gift-card plans for the holiday season. Also, KSA's Michael Dart will discuss what retailers can do in the short term and long term to compensate for sluggish sales. This free virtual education session is at 1 p.m. Wednesday and is open to all retail companies, plus associate members of NRF and its divisions. Learn more or register.
"Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy"
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2008
You won't want to miss Martin Lindstrom's session at NRF's Annual Convention in January. In the meantime, read his just-released book, "Buyology," about his three-year study of consumers. Learn more.
Gain new insights into your customers and markets -- a STORES Knowledge Series webinar
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2008
This upcoming webinar will show you how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your marketing campaigns and how to understand who your customers are, their buying habits and where they are located. The webinar, this Thursday, is interactive and available at no cost. Learn more.
Foster stronger teamwork with NRF University wired's course of the week
NRF SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2008
As its course of the week, NRF University wired offers Managing Generations in the Workplace: Generations Working Together. This course teaches why intergenerational confrontation can be a positive interaction, how to effectively coach and manage intergenerational teams to maximize their performance, and how to motivate employees and promote winning behaviors. Learn more and register. Visit NRF University wired.
NRF BIG Show lights up stage with Super Sessions
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 31, 2008
NRF has lined up a stellar list of guest speakers to enlighten, educate and entertain attendees during its 98th Annual Convention and EXPO, Jan. 11 to 14 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. During the three-day event, attendees will hear from retail executives, world-renowned authors and retailers' corporate partners about market trends, the issues retailers are facing in this economy and what it takes to be "green." Read more here.
Despite struggling economy, Halloween spending on the rise
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 31, 2008
According to NRF's Halloween survey, conducted by BIGresearch, total Halloween spending for 2008 is estimated to reach almost $5.8 billion. According to the survey, nearly 52 million adults plan to don a costume this weekend, with witches and pirates among the most popular costume choices. Top children's outfits include princess, Spider-Man and Hannah Montana costumes.
Learn how to protect your company's bottom line for only $45
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2008
NRF University wired debuts the Loss Prevention Training Suite as its course of the week. Upon completion of this suite of courses, associates will be able to identify and respond to various types of inventory shortages and other kinds of losses, prevent inventory shortages and losses in the store, understand proper use of Electronic Article Surveillance tags and handle security-alarm situations, and become conversant with OSHA compliance and safety and emergency procedures for a retail store. Learn more or register.
NRF unveils concept stores at Retail's BIG Show: Seeing Green and Customer Experience
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2008
NRF will unveil two concept stores at its BIG Show this January in New York City. The Customer Experience Concept Store will be a hands-on retail environment in which attendees can experience the latest and most futuristic in-store marketing strategies and solutions. The Seeing Green Concept Store is an interactive pavilion at which attendees can learn about the best and easiest ways to build and integrate green solutions into their stores. These concept stores can be found on the 175,000-square-foot EXPO Hall Floor among more than 580 exhibitors. Learn more.
NRF asks House Ways and Means Committee to include consumer relief in second round of economic stimulus
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2008
With consumer confidence at a record low and retailers expecting the slowest holiday growth in six years, NRF today asked a congressional committee considering possible economic-stimulus initiatives to include a second round of tax-rebate checks or other direct relief for consumers. Read more here.
How to Finesse this High-Stakes Holiday Season (and the year ahead) -- a STORES Knowledge Series webinar
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2008
This event will share highlights from the third-annual Mindset of the Multi-Channel Holiday Shopper survey presented by industry leaders, including Lauren Freedman from the e-tailing group. Speakers will explore last-minute cross-channel selling that can save the season, timesavers and gifting solutions that take the stress out of holiday shopping, and more. Register for this free, interactive webinar.
Learn what to expect from holiday shoppers without leaving your desk
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2008
During the first virtual education session in NRF's Consumer Insights Holiday Series, BIGresearch's Phil Rist will present data on how shoppers are coping with an unpredictable stock market and evaluate the impact of elections on holiday sales. He also will discuss where the biggest challenges and opportunities lie for retailers this holiday season. Learn about gift-card sales, the difference between a discount and department store shopper, and how the Internet is changing everything. This free session will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 5 and is open to all retailers, plus associate members of NRF and its divisions. Learn more or register.
NRF Fall 2008 Retail Sales Outlook available
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2008
NRF's Retail Sales Outlook, a quarterly report on industry sales, is available for download. The Retail Sales Outlook provides a thorough overview of the retail climate and projects industry sales for 2008. Prepared by NRF chief economist Rosalind Wells, the report uses recent economic data to analyze the impact of key indicators such as energy costs and the housing market on retail sales growth. NRF members, download a complimentary copy of the report.
NRF BIG Show to offer educational tracks
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2008
In addition to super sessions, NRF will offer more than 50 concurrent sessions consisting of interactive panel-discussion presentations and charged debates by innovative retailers and thought-provoking industry leaders. Educational tracks at Retail's BIG Show include: People, Information Technology, Marketing & Brand Management, Merchandising, Digital Retailing, Store Design, Store Operations, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Global Trends & Forecasting. Learn more about tracks and sessions during Retail's BIG Show.
NRF releases data on shoppers' gift-card motivations
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2008
Gift cards will be the most requested presents this holiday season, but will they be the most purchased? Data released today found shoppers' main reasons for buying gift cards are that cards allow the recipient to select their own gift (25.4%) and that gift cards are easier and faster to buy than traditional presents (12.6%). Reasons against buying gift cards this season are that shoppers feel the cards are impersonal (22.7%), they would rather stretch their dollar by buying merchandise on sale (10.9%), or they do not want to buy a card with expiration dates or service fees (9.8%). Read the news release.
Life is good, lululemon athletica founders to speak at Retail Advertising Conference
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 24, 2008
The Retail Advertising and Marketing Association will welcome Life is good founder Bert Jacobs and lululemon athletica founder and chief product developer Chip Wilson to its annual Retail Advertising Conference at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Feb. 25 to 27. Both entrepreneurs will discuss their brands and the immense success they've had in expanding their businesses. Read more here.
Retailers, claim your free pass to Retail's BIG Show EXPO and DESiGN STUDiO
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2008
NRF offers retailers a free pass to the EXPO Hall and DESiGN STUDiO for its annual convention, Jan. 12 to 13 in New York City. The 170,000-square-foot EXPO Hall will be buzzing with more than 580 vendors, hundreds of networking meetings, energetic idea exchanges and the showcasing of dynamic products. NRF's DESiGN STUDiO offers educational sessions and the opportunity for retail executives to meet with outstanding store designers, network with others in the industry and preview some of the most highly acclaimed retail stores in the world. Take advantage of this offer or learn more.
It's not too late to participate on CyberMonday.com
NRF SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2008
Shop.org is inviting retailers to participate on its affiliate shopping Web site, CyberMonday.com. Hundreds of retailers already plan to feature promotions on the site, powered by Mall Networks. On Cyber Monday last year, the site had 1.5 million unique visitors and generated more than $8 million in sales. To participate, retailers must have an existing affiliate-marketing program with Linkshare, Commission Junction or Performics. New companies must sign up before Nov. 20 to be listed by Cyber Monday. For more information on how to get your Cyber Monday promotions in front of shoppers, contact Kristyn Golier at Mall Networks at merchants@mallnetworks.com.
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