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| NRF SmartBrief |
| November 2, 2009 |
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Family Dollar celebrates 50 years in business
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. The Charlotte Observer (N.C.) (10/30)
Raley's CEO leaves post
Raley's announced its president and CEO, William Coyne, has resigned. Coyne, who joined the company as general counsel and served in various capacities before becoming CEO, will be replaced on an interim basis by Chief Operating Officer Dave Clark. The Sacramento Bee (Calif.) (free registration) (11/2) Supermarket News (11/2)
British billionaire launches Topshop in U.S. at a tough time
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 (11/1)
RadioShack is selling mobile phones at Target stores
Target has contracted with RadioShack to operate the mobile-phone departments within its stores. The initiative, which involves kiosks dubbed Bullseye Mobile Solutions, kicked off recently at about 100 Target outlets and is expected to be exported across the 1,700-store chain by next year. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (10/31)
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CIT files for bankruptcy; NRF believes retailers have dodged a bullet
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/The Associated Press (11/2)
Strategies to use for the holiday season
Retailers can navigate what could be a rocky holiday season by sticking to four tried-and-true strategies: streamlining, improving communications, getting local and improving sustainability, writes Dan Wittner, chief customer officer at RBM Technologies. Wittner writes that in-store merchandising changes should be explained through visual two-way communication with workers, rather than outdated modes such as spreadsheets. Stores should also tailor merchandise to meet local customers' needs and reduce waste on the back end, he writes. Retail Customer Experience (10/30)
Retailers should target Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico
Vietnam, Indonesia and Mexico are posed to offer substantial growth opportunities for retailers, even amid a global recession, analysts say. The countries' increasing populations, growing upper and middle classes and technological innovations make them prime targets for retailers looking to expand overseas. But the opportunity won't be without obstacles, analysts warn. Retailers should be prepared to deal with crime, government corruption and bureaucracy, and crumbling infrastructure. STORES magazine (11/2009)
Advocates push for healthier foods at the corner store
Public health groups and government agencies are working with owners of corner stores to add more fresh produce and nutritious foods. Rather than trying to lure big supermarkets into urban areas, "we're trying to take what's already there and make it better," said one organizer. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (10/30)
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Top five news stories selected by NRF SmartBrief readers in the past week.
Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.
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Get the inside scoop on what's hot in retail
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. Blank (11/2)
NRF SmartStat: Nov. 2, 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 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. Blank (11/2)
Jamba Juice takes "Feel Good" campaign to NYC
Jamba Juice's "Feel Good Jambassador," the Bananaman, will give away $30 gift cards and Jamba Feel Good Bucks vouchers worth up to $10,000 in cash. About 350 shoppers will receive the freebies outside the Ricky's NYC location, marking the fourth event of the company's "Feel Good" campaign. QSRMagazine.com (10/30)
Restaurants turn to specials, discounts to lure customers
Restaurants from Morton's The Steakhouse to Outback Steakhouse are offering specials to bring in more customers as sales and traffic continue to fall. Outback has turned to buy-one, get-one-free coupons, while Morton's and other high-end restaurants are revamping their menus to include smaller dishes that cost less. The Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville) (11/1)
What is your strategy for success in 2010?
The emphasis will be on customer service and experience.
We will play up our "value" messaging and offer promotions.
The plan is to incorporate more social media into our marketing.
Cut operational costs and overhead as much as possible.
We will focus on reducing shrink.
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