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| NRF SmartBrief |
| November 13, 2009 |
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Apple to open "significant stores" around the world
Apple announced plans to open dozens of "significant stores" in London, Paris, Shanghai and elsewhere as it opens its fourth store in New York. "Other retailers call them flagship stores. We don't use that word," said Ron Johnson, senior vice president of retail at Apple. The Wall Street Journal/Digits blog (11/12)
Target freshens stores with fruits and veggies
Target plans to add fresh produce at 100 of its stores by the end of the year as an added convenience for time-crunched customers looking to do more of their shopping in one place. "This is just a way for us to offer added convenience for our guests by providing fill-in food so you can supplement your weekly trip to the grocery store with fill-in goods," said spokeswoman Hadley Barrows. Glendale News-Press (Calif.) (11/12)
A business that passed the smile test
Jonah Staw and his friends initially laughed at the idea of a mismatched-clothing company for girls -- an emotional reaction that made him stop and think. "I knew it was a good idea because you can't not smile when you hear about it," he says. Sure enough, clothing marketed toward pre-teen nonconformists turned out to be a lucrative market, and retail sales at LittleMissMatched hit $32 million in 2008. BNET (11/10)
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Retailers are hoping sales of gift cards grow this season
Gift cards are the most-requested item on consumers' wish lists this year, and retailers are hoping their loved ones listen. After dropping 6% last year -- the first decline since the National Retail Federation began tracking -- card sales may be on the increase again. With stores keeping inventories lean to avoid deep discounting and new laws cracking down on "hidden" expiration dates and fees, gift cards are likely to see their popularity increase again. USA TODAY (11/13)
A peek into the shopping cart of millennials
Shoppers ages 20 to 30, known as millennials, are expected to surpass boomers in CPG spending in the next few years. Research shows they shop less often but buy more each time, seek retailers that offer healthier options and perceive the quality of store brands as "excellent." Brandweek (11/12)
Retailers help shoppers give back
Some retailers are offering charitable options to attract shoppers as consumers seek ways to give back during a time when many are hurting. Retailers from large department stores to small gourmet boutiques are finding ways to help customers do good with their shopping dollars. "I think it aligns well with the times," said Milton Pedraza, CEO of The Luxury Institute, a retail research outfit. "It does relieve the guilt [of spending money] or the feeling you're being insensitive to people who have so much less." The Tennessean (Nashville) (11/11)
Shoppers seek "magic" at $25 or less this season
Shoppers feeling a lingering uncertainty about the economy are seeking value this season, searching out practical gifts priced at $25 or less. In previous years, experts say, retailers identified $50 or $100 as the "magic" price point. "This year, the $25 price point really has resonated," said Marshal Cohen, chief market analyst for NPD Group. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/The Associated Press (11/12)
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Tweet, or you'll miss holiday specials
Retailers are increasingly using social-media tools such as Facebook and Twitter to promote specials and announce Black Friday deals. A survey from Deloitte Research reveals that one in five consumers plan to use the sites in their shopping this season. The Seattle Times/The Associated Press (11/12)
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Where the deals are this holiday season
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. Blank (11/12)
NRF SmartStat: 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
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. Blank (11/13)
Shining up the Golden Arches with an eye on recovery
McDonald's, which plans to open 1,000 restaurants and remodel 2,300 worldwide next year, is testing technology to speed up service and continuing to try out new menu items, all with an eye on the future.
Plans to invest $2.4 billion on capital projects next year are part of the company's strategy to continue growing as the worldwide economy improves. "We expect, because of the investment we made during the downturn, that we will come out the other end in better shape," said CEO Jim Skinner. The Wall Street Journal (11/13)
Wendy's hopes to win with Twitter-savvy bacon fans
Wendy's is increasing its efforts to reach consumers through social media. The latest effort, to promote the new Applewood Smoked Bacon Burger, includes a Twitter contest called "Bacon Hunt" that has Twitter users following @UrBaconMeCrazy and winning points for performing tasks. Contestants can check scores and join additional conversations at the Wendy's Facebook page. Adweek (11/12)
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