January 5, 2010

Top Retail News Z Global Mart Fashion Trade Show

TOP RETAIL NEWS
Z Global Mart Fashion Trade Show

The Fashion Industry's Virtual Trade Show

Departmental Stores

Macy’s sells St. Louis DC

New York City ( December 28, 2009 ) Macy’s has completed the sale of its St. Louis-based distribution facility for $2 million to 3728 Market Street LLC. The retailer in 2008 had shifted its distribution facility to Bridgeton, Mo.

Initially, Macy’s had asked for $12.7 million for the property. However, the building, which was put up for sale in late 2007, fell prey to the battered real estate market.

Drug Stores

China Nepstar makes board change

Shenzhen, China ( December 31, 2009 ) China Nepstar Chain Drugstore, the largest drugstore chain in China based on the number of directly operated stores, announced Thursday that Yongtu Long has resigned from the company’s board of directors.

Long, who cited personal reasons for resigning, had served as an independent director for two years. The resignation is effective immediately.

Report: Retailers expect increased sales, foot traffic from H1N1 vaccination

New York City ( December 30, 2009 ) Pharmacies, supermarkets and other retailers are gearing up to become the go-to provider for swine-flu vaccinations, in a bid to attract more customers and, in many cases, promote their in-store health clinics, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Rite Aid, Kroger Co. and Walgreens are among the companies launching initiatives to promote the H1N1 vaccination and help boost sales and in-store traffic.

Drugstore.com to acquire Salu for $36 million

Bellevue, Wash. ( December 29, 2009 ) Online health and beauty retailer Drugstore.com announced late Monday it will purchase Salu, the operator of SkinStore.com, for $36 million.

According to Drugstore.com, the deal will make it one of the largest online beauty retailers. Salu’s SkinStore.com Web site sells skin care and beauty products, and the company also runs the spalook.com online store and distributes products in Australia.

Grocery Stores

Kroger cuts hours at some 24-hour locations

Cincinnati ( December 30, 2009 ) Ten 24-hour Kroger locations in Middle Tennessee will begin to close at night, effective next week, according to the Nashville Business Journal.

The move is a result of not having enough overnight sales to justify keeping them open, according to a Kroger spokeswoman. Hours may be extended in the future if traffic picks back up.

Sedano’s to expand in Central Fla.

Hialeah, Fla. ( December 30, 2009 ) Hispanic grocer Sedano’s plans to enter the Central Florida market next month, according to the Orlando Sentinal. The company, which is purchasing three Albertsons stores, plans to take possession of those stores in January and hopes to keep them open as it converts them.

Depending on how things go with the first three, Sedano’s may open more stores in Central Florida, the report said.

Whole Foods Market launches new giving effort

Austin, Texas ( December 29, 2009 ) Whole Foods Markets is launching a new cause-related campaign to leverage a new trend in online giving.

Whole Foods chief giving up chairman title

New York City ( December 28, 2009 ) The chief executive of Whole Foods Market is giving up his title of chairman, following years of petitioning by an activist shareholder to separate the two roles.

Co-founder and CEO John Mackey is voluntarily giving up his chairmanship, a position he has held since the company’s inception in 1978, according to a Thursday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mackey will remain on the board.

Restaurant

Panera’s Rosenthal cashes in

January 1, 2010, St. Louis Bread Co. founder Ken Rosenthal invested $150,000 and took out an SBA loan for another $150,000 to open his first bakery-cafe in Kirkwood in 1987. He has since sold the company, now known as Panera Bread Co., and become one of its largest franchisees with 76 locations in Ohio and Colorado. But few, including Rosenthal, could have predicted Panera’s growth to more than 1,300 restaurants across the country and annual corporate revenue of $1.3 billion.

That success made Panera the best-performing stock of the past decade among St. Louis-headquartered public companies. Its share price has risen 1,654 percent, from $3.88 a share on Dec. 31, 1999, to $67.95 a share on Dec. 28, 2009. Along the way, Panera has largely led the evolution of what has become known as the fast-casual restaurant category.

Outback Steakhouse makes $19M settlement

December 29, 2009, Outback Steakhouse will pay $19 million to settle a lawsuit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed in Denver in 2006.

OSI Restaurant Partners LLC of Tampa, Fla., owns the restaurant chain.

Dollar Stores, Warehouse Club & Other Retailers

Borders names VP customer loyalty

Ann Arbor, Mich. ( December 31, 2009 ) Borders Group said Thursday it has appointed Dan Angus as VP customer loyalty, effective Jan. 4.

Angus will lead the company’s loyalty marketing programs and initiatives, including directing the development of customer relationship marketing strategies as well as enhancing and growing the Borders Rewards loyalty program, which currently has more than 35 million members.

Gander Mountain to delist stock from Nasdaq

St. Paul, Minn. ( December 30, 2009 ) Gander Mountain Co. announced its intent to withdraw its shares of common stock from listing on the Nasdaq Global Market.

A special committee of the company’s board of directors plans to cease the registration of its common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company expects that, as a result of this deregistration, its shares of common stock will cease to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market.

Report: Citibank pulling out of credit-card deal with Zale

New York City ( December 28, 2009 ) Banking giant Citibank has notified Zale Corp. that it won’t renew its merchant services agreement with the jewelry retailer, according to the Dallas Business Journal.

This means Zale Corp. won’t receive financing from Citibank to provide customers with private-label credit cards, after the current agreement between the two companies ends in March 2011.

General

Inland buys Grafton Commons for $37 million

January 1, 2010, Continental Properties Co. closed on what’s likely to be the largest retail deal in 2009 when the Menomonee Falls development firm recently sold more than half of its Grafton Commons Shopping Center for $37 million to The Inland Real Estate Group of Cos. Inc.

Continental Properties developed the 389,000-square-foot Grafton Commons in 2007 for about $50 million. Inland Real Estate, Oak Brook, Ill., acquired 237,565 square feet of Grafton Commons retail space and more than 28 acres. Inland paid $155.75 per square foot for 15 stores at the regional mall.

Cafaro Co. announces senior retirements

Youngstown , Ohio ( December 31, 2009 ) The Cafaro Co. announced late Wednesday the retirement of president and CEO Anthony M. Cafaro, Sr. and VP John J. “Jay” Cafaro, effective immediately. The simultaneous retirements are part of an executive transition process that has been years in the making, said the company.

William A. Cafaro and Anthony Cafaro, Jr., will take over the day-to-day operations of the company. The two senior Cafaros will continue to consult and participate in special projects.

Online retail sales climb in November

Reston, Va. ( December 30, 2009 ) Visitors to retail e-commerce sites increased significantly in November from a month earlier as the holiday shopping season got under way, according to comScore.

Online spending also increased 10% to nearly $12.3 billion in November from a year earlier, when sales were very weak because of the recession, according to the research firm. Online spending on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and the traditional kickoff of the holiday shopping season, rose 11% from a year earlier, and Cyber Monday sales grew 5%. More than 50% of online purchases on Cyber Monday were made from work computers.

Dec. 26 second-biggest shopping day this holiday season

Chicago ( December 30, 2009 ) The day after Christmas was the second-biggest shopping day during the U.S. holiday season, with $7.9 billion spent, even though traffic in stores fell 6.6% from a year ago, ShopperTrak said on Wednesday. Only the day after Thanksgiving, or “Black Friday,” was busier in terms of traffic and sales, at $10.66 billion, the firm said.

Sales during the full week ended Dec. 26 rose an estimated 8.8%, while traffic at U.S. stores fell 1%, ShopperTrak said. Still, four of the top seven traffic days in the holiday season came last week, it said.

Report: Hacker pleads guilty to fraud case

Boston ( December 30, 2009 ) A computer hacker who helped orchestrate the theft of tens of millions of credit- and debit-card numbers from major retailers in one of the largest such thefts in U.S. history pleaded guilty Tuesday in the last of three cases brought by federal prosecutors, according to the Associated Press.

Albert Gonzalez, a one-time federal informant from Miami, faces a prison sentence of up to 25 years under the terms of separate plea agreements. He is tentatively scheduled for sentencing in March.

More employers to boost hiring in 2010

New York City ( December 29, 2009 ) A study released Tuesday by CareerBuilder found that 20% of employers plan to increase the number of full-time, permanent employees in 2010, up from 14% in 2009.

The CareerBuilder 2010 Job Forecast also showed that only 9% of surveyed employers planned to decrease headcount in 2010, down from 16% last year, while 61% don’t plan to change staff levels and 10% are unsure.

Survey: U.S. retail sales rise 2.3% during Christmas week

New York City ( December 29, 2009 ) A survey released Tuesday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs revealed that U.S. retail sales climbed 2.3% during Christmas week, even after a snowstorm on the East Coast hampered sales at the start of the period.

The gain for the week ended Dec. 26 means comp-store sales will still rise about 2% this month, according to ICSC and Goldman Sachs in an e-mailed statement.

Retailers shore up holiday profits on thin inventories

New York City ( December 29, 2009 ) Monday’s news that holiday spending rose 3.6% over last year has been followed by more positive tidings — but more for retailers than their customers.

According to a Tuesday report by the Associated Press, retail profits will get a boost from inventories so low that merchants have had to restock shelves, a rare move this soon after Christmas.

Retail vacancy rate in Kansas City area rises from last year, report says

December 29, 2009, The metropolitan area’s retail vacancy rate has increased to 9.8 percent from 7.7 percent a year ago, according to the 2010 Kansas City Retail Report that Lane4 Property Group Inc. released Tuesday.

The report, which analyzes activity within nine retail submarkets, shows that Wyandotte County has been slammed hardest by the retail downturn. Its vacancy rate stands at 25.9 percent, compared with 17.3 percent a year ago.

Initial report shows U.S. retail holiday sales up 3.6%

New York City ( December 28, 2009 ) U.S. retailers posted a better performance during the 2009 holiday shopping season, with sales tracked by MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse up 3.6%. The figures exclude gasoline and automobile sales, and reflect activity that SpendingPulse tracks in the MasterCard payments networks, as well as estimates for other payment forms such as cash and checks.

The increase was fueled by a 15.5% surge in online purchases, as well as a modest recovery in areas such as luxury spending and women’s apparel as tracked by SpendingPulse.

December 22, 2009

Z Global Mart Fashion Trade Show Welcomes Mudpie Fashion Trends Co. as its Exclusive Fashion Trends Provider

Z Global Mart is very proud to welcome Mudpie, the famous London fashion trend forecasting company, as its exclusive fashion trends provider and author on its Blog, The Buzz with their own page Mudpie Fashion Trends, and on its website where they will provide all content on the Trends Page, Z GLobal Mart.

Mudpie leads the industry in innovative fashion trend forecasting information with its range of trendbooks for the contemporary women’s, men’s, children’s, print & pattern and active wear industries and its online trend forecasting website www.mpdclick.com. Trend forecasting for the fashion industry – Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Colour trends, Fashion Journalism, Research and Development, Product Development, Supply Chain, Trend Seminars, Marketing, Management.

The Fashion Industry's Virtual Trade Show

December 18, 2009

Z Global Mart Fashion Trade Show Top Retail News

TOP RETAIL NEWS

Departmental Stores News

Sears to buy back up to $500 million shares

Hoffman Estates, Ill. ( December 17, 2009 ) Sears Holdings Corp. said Thursday that its board approved the repurchase of up to $500 million shares of its common stock.

The new buyback is in addition to $82 million of shares available under an existing repurchase program.

Macy’s to opens 12 stores 24/7 for holiday shopping

New York City ( December 15, 2009 ) For the fourth year running, Macy’s has selected 12 stores to operate on a round-the-clock schedule from Dec. 21 to Dec. 24 to accommodate holiday shoppers.

Additional stores will extend their hours to allow extra shopping time. According to the retailer, beginning on Dec. 21 at 7 a.m., it will open its doors at 12 select stores in the New York/New Jersey metro area, and the greater Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia metro areas for round-the-clock marathon shopping.

Drug Stores News

Rite Aid reports losses in Q3

CAMP HILL , Pa. (Dec. 17) Rite Aid on Thursday posted a net loss of $83.9 million on revenues of $6.4 billion for the third quarter ended Nov. 28. Revenues declined 1.8%, primarily as a result of store closings and a

decline in front-end same-store sales, the chain stated.

Same-store sales for the quarter decreased 0.5%, consisting of a 2.5% decrease on the front end. Both pharmacy same-store sales and the number of prescriptions filled continued to increase by 0.4% and 1.5%, respectively.

Walgreens announces plans for nationwide H1N1 distribution

DEERFIELD , Ill. (Dec. 16) One of the nation’s largest drug store chains will roll out its inoculation efforts to all 50 states by the end of December.

Walgreens announced Wednesday that it already offers the H1N1 vaccine at more than 1,500 Walgreens pharmacies and select Take Care Clinics in 27 states, as well as the District of Columbia. Walgreens and Take Care Clinics had been administering H1N1 vaccine in select markets to only those within the priority groups as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but as more states, public health departments and local governments now are lifting vaccination restrictions, Walgreens is able to offer H1N1 vaccine to anyone who wants a vaccination and who meets state age requirements, in 27 states.

Walgreens said it continues to work with government agencies in the 23 other U.S. states to receive and distribute H1N1 vaccine, and to serve as a strategic distribution partner in communities nationwide.

CVS/pharmacy, MinuteClinic expands H1N1 services

WOONSOCKET , R.I. (Dec. 16) CVS/pharmacy and its MinuteClinic locations are now offering H1N1 vaccine in 20 states and Washington, D.C., the company announced on Wednesday.

Currently, the vaccine is being offered at select CVS/pharmacy locations in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas and the District of Columbia and at MinuteClinic locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are working with other states and expect the availability of H1N1 vaccine will expand to other areas as supply becomes available.

CVS wins $1B in Texas pension fund contract

New York City ( December 14, 2009 ) CVS Caremark Corp. has won an extension on its contract with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), worth about $1 billion, to provide pharmacy benefits for two years, according to a Reuters report.

The contract, which begins Sept. 1, 2010 is valued at $480 million in 2011 and $518 million in 2012. It allows for as many as four optional one-year renewals, the report said.

Apparel Stores News

Former Limited exec joins Burlington Coat Factory board

BURLINGTON , N.J. (Dec. 17) Burlington Coat Factory announced the appointment of Jay Margolis to the company’s board of directors effective Dec. 15. Margolis most recently served as CEO of Limited Corp., where he oversaw operations of Limited Brands’ apparel division (Express and Limited Stores) and was responsible for revamping the product line as well as operations.

Prior to Limited, Margolis served as president, COO and director of Reebok International Ltd. and as CEO and chairman of the board of Esprit de Corporation, USA where he led growth strategies.

Dress Barn raises full year outlook

SUFFERN , N.Y. (Dec. 16) Dress Barn announced, during its Investor Day held at the Grand Hyatt in New York City, increased earnings guidance for its fiscal year ending July 31, 2010.

The company raises its diluted earnings per share guidance for fiscal 2010 in the range of $1.35 to $1.45 compared with its previous earnings guidance of $1.20 to $1.30 per diluted share. This fiscal 2010 increased earnings per share guidance is based on better than expected year to date performance at dressbarn, maurices and Justice stores and other various assumptions.

Jones names CMO

New York City ( December 16, 2009 ) Jones Apparel Group announced that Stacy Lastrina has been promoted to the position of chief marketing officer.

Lastrina, who previously served as executive VP marketing and creative services, will continue to report to Wesley R. Card, president and CEO, Jones Apparel Group.

Report: Saks to cut jobs at NYC flagship

New York City ( December 16, 2009 ) Saks has informed about 116 workers at its flagship Fifth Avenue store that they would lose their jobs by the end of January, the New York Post reported, citing sources.

The job cuts, which are in the cosmetics and fragrance department of the Manhattan store, are part of Saks’ move to let brands such as Chanel, Lancome and Clinique fully staff the counters themselves, the Post said.

Collective Brands makes executive appointment

Topeka, Kan. ( December 15, 2009 ) Collective Brands said Tuesday that it has named John D. Smith as senior VP and general manager of retail for Collective Brands’ performance and lifestyle group.

Smith joined the company in 2005. He previously worked at Target Corp., McKinsey & Co., IBM and General Electric.

Limited Brands CFO to join Progressive board

Mayfield Village, Ohio ( December 15, 2009 ) Auto insurer Progressive Corp. said Monday that Stuart Burgdoerfer, CFO of Limited Brands, has been selected to fill a vacancy on Progressive’s board.

Burgdoerfer, 46, will join the board for a term ending in April 2010.

Saks ends rights plan to prevent takeover

New York City ( December 15, 2009 ) Saks said late Monday that it was ending changes it made to its shareholders rights plan last year when it sought to prevent a potential hostile takeover by Mexican billionaire investor Carlos Slim Helu.

In a statement, Saks CEO Steve Sadove said those steps — referred to in the finance community as a “poison pill” — were no longer necessary because of a change made last month to its revolving credit agreement, which raised a “change-of-control” threshold to 40% from 20%.

Wet Seal chairman retires

Foothill Ranch, Calif. ( December 14, 2009 ) The Wet Seal announced on Monday that chairman Alan Siegel has retired from the company’s board of directors due to personal commitments. The move is effective immediately.

Current board member Harold Kahn, who first joined the board in January 2005, has been named Siegel’s successor as chairman.

Home & Office Improvement Related News

Pier 1 returns to profitability in Q3Pier 1 returns to profitability in Q3

FORT WORTH , Texas (Dec. 17) Pier 1 Imports reported net income of $39 million, or 37 cents per share, for the third quarter, versus a net loss of $37 million, or 41 cents per share, for the same period last year. Without taking into account the effects of the unusual transactions and expenses that were recorded during the third quarter and are more thoroughly discussed below, net income would have been $2 million compared with a loss of $30 million last year.

Total sales for the third quarter increased to $327 million from $301 million in the year-ago quarter. Comparable-store sales during the quarter increased 13.7%.

HD Supply to lay off 350, consolidate 25 branches

Atlanta ( December 17, 2009 ) HD Supply plans to lay off 350 employees and consolidate 25 branches in its continuing effort to stem losses related to the decimated residential and commercial construction industry, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Since fourth quarter 2008, the company and former Home Depot division has laid off 4,500 employees nationwide and closed or consolidated 210 branches. The company expects to incur $45 million in costs to reorganize its operations.

Lumber Liquidators names senior VP supply chain

Toano, Va. ( December 17, 2009 ) Lumber Liquidators announced that Glenn Sharpe has joined the company as senior VP supply chain, effective Dec. 14.

Sharpe will oversee the company’s supply chain and logistics operations and initiatives. Sharpe replaces Rick Boucher, who is leaving the company to pursue other interests.

Discount Stores News

Report: Walmart.com aims to dominate online world

New York City (Dec. 17) Walmart.com’s holiday sales are growing two or three times faster than Web sales overall, according to the Associated Press.

At that pace — and with 22% growth so far this year – Wal-Mart says it is coming closer to dominating the Web the way it does cities and towns across the United States. That would mean eventually dethroning online retail leader Amazon.com, whose sales hit $19.17 billion in the 2008 calendar year.

Meijer recognized for achievements in employee wellness

GRAND RAPIDS , Mich. (Dec. 16) A Midwest-based retailer has been awarded for its commitment to keeping employees healthy.

Citing Meijer’s commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyles within its ranks, the retailer was deemed a ‘Fit Friendly Company’ this past year by the American Heart Association. The company was also named one of the ‘Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles’ by the National Business Group on Health, and was awarded the ‘Most Effective Plan Implementation’ honor by Consumer Directed Health Care Solutions magazine.

Grocery Stores News

Ahold USA to acquire 25 Ukrop’s Super Markets

AMSTERDAM , The Netherlands (Dec. 17) Ahold announced that Giant-Carlisle, a division of Ahold USA, will expand its presence in Virginia by acquiring 25 stores from Ukrop’s Super Markets.

The transaction includes 25 stores, inventory, equipment, lease agreements and one new store location. Furthermore, Giant-Carlisle will hire Ukrop’s store associates. The purchase price is approximately $140 million.

Kroger awards frequent shoppers with free minutes

CINCINNATI (Dec. 15) Kroger announced a first of its kind loyalty program that rewards frequent shoppers with free wireless service using the company’s own wireless phone service, branded i-wireless.

The free minutes rewards program enables customers to earn free airtime on their i-wireless phone, available exclusively at more than 2,200 Kroger stores nationwide, when they purchase groceries at the Kroger family of stores.

Arden Group names new CFO

Los Angeles ( December 15, 2009 ) Arden Group, the parent company of Southern California supermarket chain Gelson’s Markets, announced late Monday it has named Laura Neumann as its new CFO.

Neumann has worked for Arden for more than a decade, most recently as the company’s senior director of financial reporting and compliance. In the absence of a CFO, Neumann handled many of those duties as the principal financial officer of the company since July 2005.

Whole Foods Market offers online coupons

Austin, Texas ( December 14, 2009 ) Whole Foods Market has launched an online coupon program.

WholeFoodsMarket.com/coupons is an extension of its in-store circular, The Whole Deal, which features recipes and tips for saving money and planning meals.

Electronics Stores News

Best Buy appoints new board member

Minneapolis ( December 17, 2009 ) Best Buy Co. has appointed Lisa Caputo to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Caputo, who currently serves as executive VP global marketing and corporate affairs for Citigroup and chairman and CEO of Citi’s Women & Co., was appointed as a Class 1 director with a term expiring in June 2010.

Circuit City to shut down

(Jan. 16) Bankrupt electronics retailer Circuit City said Friday it will close its remaining 567 U.S. stores and sell all its merchandise.

The company said it has 34,000 employees.

Bang & Olufsen opens in Toronto

Toronto ( December 15, 2009 ) Bang & Olufsen, manufacturer of high-end audio and video products, has opened a state-of-the-art showroom in Toronto, Ontario.

The 4,000-sq.-ft. store, designed by Toronto-based interior designer and architect Johnson Chou, features two levels with a mezzanine, and is outfitted with classic and contemporary furniture to provide a true-to-life home-integration showcase.

Philips to host sustainable lighting seminar

Tupelo, Miss. ( December 15, 2009 ) The Philips Day-Brite Lighting Institute announced it will be holding a sustainable lighting design seminar at its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified facility in Tupelo, Miss., on Jan. 28 and Jan. 29.

According to Philips, the seminar is designed for owners, facility or energy managers, architects, engineers, lighting designers, end-users and others in the lighting industry that are currently supporting energy initiatives that lead to more environmentally responsible projects.

Best Buy Q3 profit soars, but warns of disappointing Q4

Minneapolis ( December 15, 2009 ) Best Buy Co. said Tuesday its third-quarter profit more than quadrupled, but warned that profits will be lower than expected in the fourth quarter.

Profit for the quarter ended Nov. 28, rose to $227 million, from $52 million in the year-ago period, beating Wall Street estimates. Last year’s results included a charge related to the decline in value in its investment in U.K. retailer Carphone Warehouse.

Restaurant News

McDonald’s to offer free Internet access

Portland, Ore. ( December 16, 2009 ) McDonald’s Corp. plans to offer free wireless Internet access at most of its U.S. fast-food restaurants as a part of a move to become more of a destination spot.

The company has offered Internet access for about five years, but in mid-January it will lift the $2.95 fee it has charged for two hours of Internet access at 11,000 of its 14,000 U.S. locations. There will be no time limit after the fee is lifted.

Dunkin’ Brands names ATM vendor

Cherry Hill, N.J. ( December 15, 2009 ) Access to Money, one of the largest providers and non-bank operators of ATMs in the United States, has been selected by Dunkin’ Brands as one of only two approved vendors to offer ATM machines to its Dunkin’ Donuts network of franchisees.

The ATM program will be available to franchisees in New York and may expand to additional markets in 2010.

Report: Recovery in second half of 2010 for restaurants

New York City ( December 15, 2009 ) The restaurant industry will not begin recovery until the second half of 2010, according to a new forecast from The NPD Group.

Traffic and sales declines will slow during the year’s first half and will turn slightly positive starting in the third quarter, predicts NPD. “And it will take a year after that for the industry to return to where it was prior to the recession,” said Bonnie Riggs, the research group’s restaurant analyst and author of the report, “Restaurant Industry … What to Expect When Economic Recovery Begins.”

Applebee’s opens 2,000th location

New York City ( December 15, 2009 ) Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar on Monday opened its 2,000th restaurant, a milestone it had aspired to before being acquired in late 2007. The restaurant is located in the Harlem section of Manhattan.

“Applebee’s continues to grow in this tough economic environment,” Mike Archer, president of Applebee’s Services, said in a release. “As we open our 2,000th restaurant, we have a lot of momentum behind our brand, with new menu offerings, solid marketing improvements and a fiercer-than-ever commitment to be the number one casual dining choice in neighborhoods across America and the world.”

Other Retailers News

Sally Beauty Holdings purchases Sinelco Group

Denton, Texas ( December 17, 2009 ) Beauty supplies retailer and distributor Sally Beauty Holdings on Thursday said it purchased beauty products distributor Sinelco Group NV for approximately 25.5 million euros ($37.1 million) in cash, expanding its overseas presence.

Sinelco, based in Belgium, serves more than 1,500 customers in 35 countries through a product catalog, Web site and sales offices in Belgium, France and Italy.

Blockbuster launches iPhone app

DALLAS (Dec. 17) Blockbuster has launched a new application for the iPhone and iPod touch.

The new app enables customers to browse Blockbuster’s catalog of movies and television shows, check to see if the movie they want is in stock at their local participating Blockbuster store, build and manage an

online rental queue and locate their nearest Blockbuster store.

Toys”R”Us extends holiday store hours

WAYNE , N.J. (Dec. 16) Toys”R”Us announced that with nearly one week left until Christmas, it is extending store hours and its free shipping service.

Toys”R”Us stores across the country will open earlier and close later than ever before, the company announced, enabling customers to shop before work and after kids’ bedtime. Toys”R”Us locations will be open from 7 a.m. to midnight Dec. 16 and 17. Beginning Dec. 18 through Dec. 23, Toys”R”Us stores will remain open from 6 a.m. to midnight (some until 1 a.m.). On Christmas Eve, stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

7-Eleven acquires New England Pantry

Dallas ( December 16, 2009 ) 7-Eleven announced the acquisition of New England Pantry, a company that operates 58 convenience stores under the White Hen Pantry brand, from affiliates of Sanders Morris Harris Group, a Houston-based wealth-management firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition significantly expands 7-Eleven’s presence in the greater Boston area, bringing the number of outlets 7-Eleven operates and franchises to more than 170.

“This acquisition significantly strengthens our convenience offering in greater Boston,” said Bob Cozens, VP for 7-Eleven’s Northeast Division. “White Hen Pantry has a 40-year history of providing good customer service and high-quality products to consumers in the Boston area and we want to continue that tradition.”

eBay to open first mobile boutique

Los Angeles ( December 16, 2009 ) eBay is gearing up to open its first-ever eBay boutique on wheels. The mobile eBay store will debut on Thursday and be open for only two days. It will feature gift items for shoppers available to buy and take home on the spot.

The location is expected to include interactive shopping kiosks, personal shoppers and trend experts.

Cabela’s secures second amendment to credit facility

Sidney, Neb. ( December 16, 2009 ) Cabela’s said Tuesday it has completed a second change to its revolving credit facility that allows it to transfer up to $225 million of capital to its bank unit, World’s Foremost Bank, in 2010.

The retailer also can now contribute $25 million in capital to the bank in any fiscal year. To secure the amendment, Cabela’s paid a fee of 50 basis points of the revolving commitment amount. The credit facility expires June 30, 2012.

Price Chopper seeks to buy 22 Penn Traffic locations

New York City ( December 16, 2009 ) Price Chopper Supermarkets is offering $54 million in cash to acquire 22 of Penn Traffic’s locations, according to a filing in bankruptcy court yesterday.

Penn Traffic said it was seeking court approval to conduct the transaction as a private sale, rather than subject the stores to an auction. Conducting the transaction as a private sale is a condition of Price Chopper’s offer, according to the filing.

Staples offers last-minute Christmas deals

FRAMINGHAM , Mass. (Dec. 15) Staples announced that it will extend store hours on Dec. 23 and 24 to help customers pick up those last minute gifts.

In addition, Staples said that, during the week of Dec. 20, it will offer great deals on technology gifts and stocking stuffers. Customers can also visit Staples’ Holiday Center at www.staples.com/holidaysavings to find an expanded assortment of holiday gifts and great deals on top products.

TekservePOS raises donations through Amazing Retail Race event

Hoffman Estates, Ill. ( December 15, 2009 ) POS solution-provider TekservePOS announced that the kick-off event to its annual conference raised $12,000 in merchandise to benefit a Chicago-area charity.

TekservePOS launched tekSessions 2009, the company’s annual Retail Technology Conference, with a version of television show The Amazing Race. Teams made up of retailers, vendors and company employees raced through Chicago’s Woodfield Mall, purchased specific items on a list and finished at an undisclosed location.

PetSmart promotes supply chain exec

Phoenix ( December 15, 2009 ) PetSmart said Monday it has promoted Bruce Thorn to senior VP, supply chain.

Thorn will report to Joe O’Leary, senior VP, merchandising and supply chain.

PriceSmart founder Sol Price dies

San Diego ( December 14, 2009 ) Sol Price, a pioneer in warehouse marketing and founder of PriceSmart, has died. He was 93.

Price founded Price Club in the 1970s and left the company after it merged with Costco Wholesale Corp. in 1993.

General News

Survey: Online sales up in Nov., industry health down 0.9%

Redwood City, Calif. ( December 17, 2009 ) Total e-commerce revenue in November rose 4.4%, fueled by sales of promoted goods, according to MyBuys’ E-commerce Wellness Index, which measures the overall health of U.S. e-commerce and tracks key trends among retailers. MyBuys is a provider of personalized recommendations for retailers.

Within the month, total revenues from products sold at list price decreased by 3.4%, while total revenues from promoted items increased by 120%. The depth of discounts also increased slightly to just over 26% in November 2009, up from a discount level of 24% last year.

Specialty retail gift-card redemptions up

Atlanta ( December 16, 2009 ) Gift-card redemptions in specialty retail stores grew 12.3% last week, a significant year-over-year increase, according to First Data Corp., a provider of e-commerce and payment processing.

First Data’s Holiday Gift Card Performance Report compared gift-card sales for the week ending Dec. 13 with the same period in 2008.

Survey: Consumers still have lots of holiday shopping to do

Washington, D.C. ( December 16, 2009 ) Though the Christmas countdown is in its final stages, it seems shoppers still have plenty of shopping left to do. According to NRF’s 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, the average person had completed 46.7% of their holiday shopping by the second week of December, less than the 47.1% completed by this time last year. This is the lowest percentage since 2004, when the average person had completed 46.3% of their shopping by the same period.

“Retailers know the final lap counts the most and are planning to emphasize promotions and discounts to bring in last-minute shoppers,” said Tracy Mullin, President and CEO, NRF.

Report: Holiday online spending up 4%

New York City ( December 16, 2009 ) Holiday e-commerce spending for the first 43 days of the November –December 2009 holiday season totaled nearly $21 billion, marking a 4% increase versus the corresponding days last year, according to comScore.

The most recent week ending Dec. 13 reached $4.74 billion in spending, ranking as the heaviest online spending week on record. The previous high of $4.70 billion occurred during the week ending December 16, 2007.

Report: Year-over-year and weekly sales rise up

Chicago ( December 16, 2009 ) ShopperTrak’s National Retail Sales Estimate (NRSE) Wednesday reported that year-over-year GAFO retail sales rose 1.1% for the week ending Dec. 12, while sales increased a strong 18.2% versus the previous week ending Dec. 5.

GAFO retail sales showed improvement last week as holiday promotions resurfaced more prevalently following the post Black Friday weekend spending lull. Additionally, ShopperTrak reported late gift buying for Chanukah most likely helped boost sales late last week.

Survey: Walmart holiday ads tops with consumers

New York City ( December 15, 2009 ) Walmart has overtaken Target as the company with shoppers’ favorite holiday commercial, according to a Retail Advertising and Marketing Association survey. Target, which claimed the second spot this year, has topped the list since 2005, the first year of the survey, which was conducted by BIGresearch.

Other big news came from Gap, Hallmark and Old Navy, with Gap (No. 4) resurfacing on the list for the first time since 2006; Hallmark (No. 9) making the list for the first time; and Old Navy (No. 6) climbing three spots from last year’s ranking. Other companies in the Top 10 included: Best Buy (No. 3); Macy’s (No. 5); Kmart (No. 7); Sears (No. 8); and Kohl’s (No. 10).

Hacker pleads guilty in Hannaford breach

Newark, N.J. ( December 15, 2009 ) Albert Gonzalez, suspect in the data-theft case surrounding Hannaford Bros. supermarket chain, has pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Newark, N.J.

Gonzalez pled guilty to hacking into the computers of Heartland Payment Systems, Hannaford, 7-Eleven and two other unnamed national retailers.

Mall operator CBL names CEO

Chattanooga, Tenn. ( December 14, 2009 ) Mall operator CBL & Associates Properties has promoted Stephen D. Lebovitz to CEO.

Lebovitz will continue to serve as president of the company, succeeding his father Charles B. Lebovitz, who will continue with CBL as executive chairman and will continue to serve in the company’s operations and leadership.

Survey: Electronics top category this holiday season

Charleston, S.C. ( December 14, 2009 ) Robust sales of electronics is a bright spot this holiday shopping season as consumers rush to cash in on bargains, especially on flat-panel TV sets, according to the Christmas Retail Survey conducted by America’s Research Group (ARG) and UBS.

In fact, for the first time in over 25 years, electronics are virtually tied with toys as the top Christmas gift item, the survey found. When asked to name the gift item they were buying most often, 30.0% of consumers this year said “electronics,” while 30.8% said “toys.” The same question received a very different answer last year with only 23.7% naming “electronics” and 33.8% “toys.”

Report: Online spending expected to be big on ‘Green Monday’

Reston, Va. ( December 14, 2009 ) Dec.14 represents the best chance for an individual day to reach $900 million in spending this season, according to comScore.

“Monday, Dec. 14 – otherwise known as Green Monday – is likely to produce our heaviest online spending total for the season and represents our best opportunity to finally surpass that elusive $900 million spending threshold,” said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni. “The early part of this upcoming week should bring us the heaviest online spending days of the season before consumers refocus their attention on brick-and-mortar retail locations to finish up their holiday shopping.”

Consumer Reports Index: Retail outlook up for December

Yonkers, N.Y. ( December 14, 2009 ) Despite lackluster retail numbers since August 2009, consumers have increased their retail spending markedly in November and the outlook for planned purchasing in December is strong, according to the Consumer Reports Index, December 2009 report.

The Consumer Reports Past 30-Day Retail Index (purchases made in November) has risen 24%, climbing to 11.2 from 9.0 last month. The outlook for planned purchases in the next 30 days is at 12.2, up from 9.0 the prior month, an increase of 36%. The major gains in retail spending are led by personal electronics, major electronics and small appliance purchasing.

Nov. retail sales gains a positive sign

Arlington, Va. ( December 11, 2009 ) Retail sales were up slightly in November for the fourth consecutive month as store traffic was enough to offset smaller basket sizes, said the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).

High unemployment and job insecurity continued to dampen consumer spending as cost conscious consumers sought out extreme value purchases.

Z Global Mart The Fashion Industry’s Virtual Trade Show

December 18, 2009

Fashion Trade Show welcomes Amanda Uprichard women’s line Z Global Mart Booth 104

Amanda Uprichard uses luxurious silks to create modern day classics. Feminine, sweet and colorful, Amanda Uprichard collections showcase what it means to be a lady.
Amanda Uprichard Z Global Mart Booth 104

New York City fashion designer Amanda Uprichard first made her mark as a musician, then as the founder of hip SoHo clothing boutique Living Doll.Gorgeous colors and sumptuous fabrics define Amanda Uprichard’s designs capture the essence of the modern romantic. Amanda Uprichard designer clothing has been seen on Sex and the City, and is a favorite among stars like Hilary Duff.

We at Z Global Mart are very excited to have such a prestigious designer join us as we help build booths for numerous designers.

Introducing Z Global Mart for Apparel Exhibitors

Our goal is to become the premiere On Line International Fashion Trade Show and hereby extend our invitation to the Exhibitors who exhibited with their booth at major trade shows. We went live on September 2, 2009 and are in the process of populating the site with design exhibitors and sourcing exhibitors, we expect to have in place around 100 exhibitors whithin the next 30 days or so. We’ve been interviewed by a reporter from Senken Newspaper, the largest fashion daily paper in Japan, and the big article was published on 11/16/09. We’re in the process of reaching an agreement with PTEA (Pakistan Textile Exporters Association) that does around $400 billion a year to bring their sourcing members to our site. We also just reached an accord with MUDPIE the famous Fashion Trends Company from London to exchange links, banners and cross promote one another.

We all know that physical trade shows are important and are here to stay, however the costs are very high, the number of shows are too many, the cost of disruption to your business due to travel and time is high, and in these difficult times its very important to control costs which is why today’s entreprenuers have to cut back on the number of shows they attend and use other avenues to maximize return on investment with a global reach. Its time for Z Global Mart your new international partner.

Please take a look at our site, it has two parts, the flash side that tells you who we are and what we’ve created for you, then once you take the tour (its free) you can see the ecommerce side with the exhibitor booths and all their features as outlined below, just go to http://www.zglobalmart.com

THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW®

By

Z GlobalMart

The Fashion Industry’s Virtual Trade Show by ZGlobalMart is a B2B site for women’s apparel, men’s clothing, youth and juniors trendy getup, apparel accessories, and sourcing companies. ZGlobalMart is essentially an international fashion trade show happening on the Internet, bringing together fashion designers, sourcing companies, manufacturers, reps, distributors, importers, exporters, wholesalers from all over the world, all showcasing trade show collections, available inventory, and sourcing/services for wholesale apparel and clothing buyers, retail clothing and apparel stores, clothing and apparel boutiques, department store buyers, independent clothing and apparel retailers on a scale never before seen, open 365 days 24/7. Join us in the New Era of Fashion.

Site Features:

Affordable launching of lines and sourcing services worldwide
Promoting on a worldwide basis all the exhibitors as they become members through press releases, social media and fashion associations
Each Exhibitor has its own Professional Numbered Booth they control, Show-casing their existing, and to be delivered items
Exhibitors and Attendees handle their own transactions, including shipping (no % of sales fees)
Exhibitors and Attendees are screened
Fashion Industry’s Code of Ethics in place (exhibitors can’t see other exhibitors lines)
Fostering of New Talent (affordable launching of lines and Fashion Show for top 10)
Video Conferencing Capabilities for the all important “Face to Face” contact
Exhibitors post their photo, 3 +/- minute videos of their line, with full contact information
Professional mood shots and photos only and ability to look at detail
Membership in exclusive community through zglobalmart blog (share, mentor, promote)
Unique, Classy B2B site, incorporating Social Media features and ease of use qualities (not an off-price, close-out, liquidation site)
No Disruption to your business through travel and the cost associated with it, be it as an exhibitor or attendee
Links to Trade Publications, Associations, Networks, Government Agencies, Factoring Companies

Costs: All Exhibitors, Sourcing, and Attendees receive a 60 day free trial from sign up, then they can choose as follows:

Design Exhibitors: a) Month to month $500.00 cancellable; b) Yearly paid up-front $4,800 ($400 per month basis)

Sourcing Exhibitors: a) Month to month $149.00 cancellable; b) Yearly paid up-front $1,188 ($99 per month basis)

Attendees: a) FREE

ALL HAVE UNLIMITED ACCESS
We look forward to your feedback and hope to have you join us in the new era of fashion

Z Global Mart

December 17, 2009

Apparel Trade Show welcomes Galina Sobolev Single Dress Women’s Line Z Global Mart Booth 102

The Fashion Industry's Virtual Trade Show

The Fashion Industry's Virtual Trade Show

[caption id="attachment_347" align="aligncenter" width="499" caption="Single Dress Z Global Mart Booth 102"][/caption]Single is an unapologetic stand for the individuality of style and confidence. Co-founded by GALINA SOBOLEV and MICHAEL SOBOLEV, Single was conceived to reaffirm every woman’s zest for life, romance and luxury. Z Global Mart Booth 102

Confident. Sexy. Feminine. Fabulous!
Single is an unapologetic stand for the individuality of style and confidence. Co-founded by GALINA SOBOLEV and MICHAEL SOBOLEV, Single was conceived to reaffirm every woman’s zest for life, romance and luxury.

Fashion and style run deep in Galina’s blood. As a child in her native Russia, Galina learned how to sew and crochet from her grandmother, a well respected dressmaker who had her own atelier, just steps away from the Opera House, in a glitzy neighborhood in Odessa. Even today, Galina cites this as a profound influence in her life, recalling the supple garments and colorful fabrics she used to play with.

Single offers the very latest in fashion trends with a fresh and unique interpretation. Combining classic luxury with an exuberant attitude, Single is fabulous fun in lavish fabrics, from delicate silks to the softest cashmeres. Its one-of-a-kind prints are developed from original artwork, in coordination with art studios in Italy and France. When you wearSingle, you possess an optimistic outlook and a strong sense of self.

Single have been available in such stores as Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Fred Segal, Harvey Nichols and many other exclusive boutiques worldwide.

We at Z Global Mart are very excited to have such a prestigious designer join us as we help build booths for numerous designers.

Introducing Z Global Mart for Apparel Exhibitors

Our goal is to become the premiere On Line International Fashion Trade Show and hereby extend our invitation to the Exhibitors who exhibited with their booth at major trade shows. We went live on September 2, 2009 and are in the process of populating the site with design exhibitors and sourcing exhibitors, we expect to have in place around 100 exhibitors whithin the next 30 days or so. We’ve been interviewed by a reporter from Senken Newspaper, the largest fashion daily paper in Japan, and the big article was published on 11/16/09. We’re in the process of reaching an agreement with PTEA (Pakistan Textile Exporters Association) that does around $400 billion a year to bring their sourcing members to our site. We also just reached an accord with MUDPIE the famous Fashion Trends Company from London our exclusive provider of Trends on our site and on our blog to exchange links, banners and cross promote one another.

We all know that physical trade shows are important and are here to stay, however the costs are very high, the number of shows are too many, the cost of disruption to your business due to travel and time is high, and in these difficult times its very important to control costs which is why today’s entreprenuers have to cut back on the number of shows they attend and use other avenues to maximize return on investment with a global reach. Its time for Z Global Mart your new international partner.

Please take a look at our site, it has two parts, the flash side that tells you who we are and what we’ve created for you, then once you take the tour (its free) you can see the ecommerce side with the exhibitor booths and all their features as outlined below, just go to http://www.zglobalmart.com

THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW®

By
Z GlobalMart

The Fashion Industry’s Virtual Trade Show by ZGlobalMart is a B2B site for women’s apparel, men’s clothing, youth and juniors trendy getup, apparel accessories, and sourcing companies. ZGlobalMart is essentially an international fashion trade show happening on the Internet, bringing together fashion designers, sourcing companies, manufacturers, reps, distributors, importers, exporters, wholesalers from all over the world, all showcasing trade show collections, available inventory, and sourcing/services for wholesale apparel and clothing buyers, retail clothing and apparel stores, clothing and apparel boutiques, department store buyers, independent clothing and apparel retailers on a scale never before seen, open 365 days 24/7. Join us in the New Era of Fashion.

Site Features:

Affordable launching of lines and sourcing services worldwide
Promoting on a worldwide basis all the exhibitors as they become members through press releases, social media and fashion associations
Each Exhibitor has its own Professional Numbered Booth they control, Show-casing their existing, and to be delivered items
Exhibitors and Attendees handle their own transactions, including shipping (no % of sales fees)
Exhibitors and Attendees are screened
Fashion Industry’s Code of Ethics in place (exhibitors can’t see other exhibitors lines)
Fostering of New Talent (affordable launching of lines and Fashion Show for top 10)
Video Conferencing Capabilities for the all important “Face to Face” contact
Exhibitors post their photo, 3 +/- minute videos of their line, with full contact information
Professional mood shots and photos only and ability to look at detail
Membership in exclusive community through zglobalmart blog (share, mentor, promote)
Unique, Classy B2B site, incorporating Social Media features and ease of use qualities (not an off-price, close-out, liquidation site)
No Disruption to your business through travel and the cost associated with it, be it as an exhibitor or attendee
Links to Trade Publications, Associations, Networks, Government Agencies, Factoring Companies

Costs: All Exhibitors, Sourcing, and Attendees receive a 60 day free trial from sign up, then they can choose as follows:

Design Exhibitors: a) Month to month $500.00 cancellable; b) Yearly paid up-front $4,800 ($400 per month basis)

Sourcing Exhibitors: a) Month to month $149.00 cancellable; b) Yearly paid up-front $1,188 ($99 per month basis)

Attendees: a) FREE

ALL HAVE UNLIMITED ACCESS
We look forward to your feedback and hope to have you join us in the new era of fashion.

Z Global Mart

December 16, 2009

Fashion Trade Show welcomes Michelle Kim Mk2k women’s clothing line Z Global Mart booth 114

Mk2k is a brand beloved by many stars like Jessica Alba, and regular shoppers alike. Their line consists of adorable tops, fun and flirty dresses and versatile blouses.

Fashion Trade Show Z Global Mart booth 114.

MK2K Designer Michelle Kim couldn’t find the sweater she wanted – something clean and simple and made with high quality fabrics. So she put her design skills to work and debuted her knitwear line, MK2K, in 2006 at the Intermezzo Show in NY. Focusing on basic, seasonless looks, Michelle Kim has created a line of knits that can be worn year-round, either on their own or layered. Comfy, classic, and wonderfully versatile, this is a collection that will never be retired from your wardrobe.

MK2K is a brand beloved by many stars like Jessica Alba and regular shoppers alike. Their line consists of adorable tops, fun and flirty dresses and versatile blouses.

MK2K is a brand beloved by many stars like Jessica Alba

We at Z Global Mart are very excited to have such a prestigious designer join us as we help build booths for numerous designers.

Introducing Z Global Mart for Apparel Exhibitors

Our goal is to become the premiere On Line International Fashion Trade Show and hereby extend our invitation to the Exhibitors who exhibited with their booth at major trade shows. We went live on September 2, 2009 and are in the process of populating the site with design exhibitors and sourcing exhibitors, we expect to have in place around 100 exhibitors whithin the next 30 days or so. We’ve been interviewed by a reporter from Senken Newspaper, the largest fashion daily paper in Japan, and the big article was published on 11/16/09. We’re in the process of reaching an agreement with PTEA (Pakistan Textile Exporters Association) that does around $400 billion a year to bring their sourcing members to our site. We also just reached an accord with MUDPIE the famous Fashion Trends Company from London to exchange links, banners and cross promote one another. Mudpie, our exclusive fashion trends partner will shortly have a trends page on our site.

We all know that physical trade shows are important and are here to stay, however the costs are very high, the number of shows are too many, the cost of disruption to your business due to travel and time is high, and in these difficult times its very important to control costs which is why today’s entreprenuers have to cut back on the number of shows they attend and use other avenues to maximize return on investment with a global reach. Its time for Z Global Mart your new international partner.

Please take a look at our site, it has two parts, the flash side that tells you who we are and what we’ve created for you, then once you take the tour (its free) you can see the ecommerce side with the exhibitor booths and all their features as outlined below, just go to http://www.zglobalmart.com

THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW®

By

Z GlobalMart

The Fashion Industry’s Virtual Trade Show by ZGlobalMart is a B2B site for women’s apparel, men’s clothing, youth and juniors trendy getup, apparel accessories, and sourcing companies. ZGlobalMart is essentially an international fashion trade show happening on the Internet, bringing together fashion designers, sourcing companies, manufacturers, reps, distributors, importers, exporters, wholesalers from all over the world, all showcasing trade show collections, available inventory, and sourcing/services for wholesale apparel and clothing buyers, retail clothing and apparel stores, clothing and apparel boutiques, department store buyers, independent clothing and apparel retailers on a scale never before seen, open 365 days 24/7. Join us in the New Era of Fashion.

Site Features:

Affordable launching of lines and sourcing services worldwide
Promoting on a worldwide basis all the exhibitors as they become members through press releases, social media and fashion associations
Each Exhibitor has its own Professional Numbered Booth they control, Show-casing their existing, and to be delivered items
Exhibitors and Attendees handle their own transactions, including shipping (no % of sales fees)
Exhibitors and Attendees are screened
Fashion Industry’s Code of Ethics in place (exhibitors can’t see other exhibitors lines)
Fostering of New Talent (affordable launching of lines and Fashion Show for top 10)
Video Conferencing Capabilities for the all important “Face to Face” contact
Exhibitors post their photo, 3 +/- minute videos of their line, with full contact information
Professional mood shots and photos only and ability to look at detail
Membership in exclusive community through zglobalmart blog (share, mentor, promote)
Unique, Classy B2B site, incorporating Social Media features and ease of use qualities (not an off-price, close-out, liquidation site)
No Disruption to your business through travel and the cost associated with it, be it as an exhibitor or attendee
Links to Trade Publications, Associations, Networks, Government Agencies, Factoring Companies

Costs: All Exhibitors, Sourcing, and Attendees receive a 60 day free trial from sign up, then they can choose as follows:

Design Exhibitors: a) Month to month $500.00 cancellable; b) Yearly paid up-front $4,800 ($400 per month basis)

Sourcing Exhibitors: a) Month to month $149.00 cancellable; b) Yearly paid up-front $1,188 ($99 per month basis)

Attendees: a) FREE

ALL HAVE UNLIMITED ACCESS

We look forward to your feedback and hope to have you join us in the new era of fashion at Z Global Mart http://www.zglobalmart.com .

December 10, 2009

Lauren Moshi Joins as an Exhibitor Z Global Mart, The Fashion Industry’s Virtual Trade Show

The Fashion Industry's Virtual Trade Show

Lauren Moshi Z Global Mart Booth 111

Lauren Moshi the famous designer favored by young celebrities joins Z Global Mart, The Fashion Industry’s Virtual Trade Show, as an exhibitor to sell their new line to wholesale buyers. You can find Lauren Moshi in booth 111.

Based on their love of the finer things in life, brother and sister team, Michael and Lauren have created their own standout clothing company, Lauren Moshi. Michael and Lauren are inspired by high fashion and fine art. Lauren Moshi creates unique pieces that are meticulously crafted in limited quantities. Every mark, every line on every piece is hand drawn by Lauren. Each garment is an original piece of artwork. The clothing is targeted towards customers who appreciate the finer details and intricate designs.

We at Z Global Mart are very excited to have such a prestigious designer join us as we help build booths for numerous designers.

Lauren Moshi Celebrities

Introducing Z Global Mart for Apparel Exhibitors

Our goal is to become the premiere On Line International Fashion Trade Show and hereby extend our invitation to the Exhibitors who exhibited with their booth at major trade shows. We went live on September 2, 2009 and are in the process of populating the site with design exhibitors and sourcing exhibitors, we expect to have in place around 100 exhibitors whithin the next 30 days or so. We’ve been interviewed by a reporter from Senken Newspaper, the largest fashion daily paper in Japan, and the big article was published on 11/16/09. We’re in the process of reaching an agreement with PTEA (Pakistan Textile Exporters Association) that does around $400 billion a year to bring their sourcing members to our site. We also just reached an accord with MUDPIE the famous Fashion Trends Company from London to exchange links, banners and cross promote one another.

We all know that physical trade shows are important and are here to stay, however the costs are very high, the number of shows are too many, the cost of disruption to your business due to travel and time is high, and in these difficult times its very important to control costs which is why today’s entreprenuers have to cut back on the number of shows they attend and use other avenues to maximize return on investment with a global reach. Its time for Z Global Mart your new international partner.

Please take a look at our site, it has two parts, the flash side that tells you who we are and what we’ve created for you, then once you take the tour (its free) you can see the ecommerce side with the exhibitor booths and all their features as outlined below, just go to http://www.zglobalmart.com

THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW®

By

Z GlobalMart

The Fashion Industry’s Virtual Trade Show by ZGlobalMart is a B2B site for women’s apparel, men’s clothing, youth and juniors trendy getup, apparel accessories, and sourcing companies. ZGlobalMart is essentially an international fashion trade show happening on the Internet, bringing together fashion designers, sourcing companies, manufacturers, reps, distributors, importers, exporters, wholesalers from all over the world, all showcasing trade show collections, available inventory, and sourcing/services for wholesale apparel and clothing buyers, retail clothing and apparel stores, clothing and apparel boutiques, department store buyers, independent clothing and apparel retailers on a scale never before seen, open 365 days 24/7. Join us in the New Era of Fashion.

Site Features:

Affordable launching of lines and sourcing services worldwide
Promoting on a worldwide basis all the exhibitors as they become members through press releases, social media and fashion associations
Each Exhibitor has its own Professional Numbered Booth they control, Show-casing their existing, and to be delivered items
Exhibitors and Attendees handle their own transactions, including shipping (no % of sales fees)
Exhibitors and Attendees are screened
Fashion Industry’s Code of Ethics in place (exhibitors can’t see other exhibitors lines)
Fostering of New Talent (affordable launching of lines and Fashion Show for top 10)
Video Conferencing Capabilities for the all important “Face to Face” contact
Exhibitors post their photo, 3 +/- minute videos of their line, with full contact information
Professional mood shots and photos only and ability to look at detail
Membership in exclusive community through zglobalmart blog (share, mentor, promote)
Unique, Classy B2B site, incorporating Social Media features and ease of use qualities (not an off-price, close-out, liquidation site)
No Disruption to your business through travel and the cost associated with it, be it as an exhibitor or attendee
Links to Trade Publications, Associations, Networks, Government Agencies, Factoring Companies

Costs: All Exhibitors, Sourcing, and Attendees receive a 60 day free trial from sign up, then they can choose as follows:

Design Exhibitors: a) Month to month $500.00 cancellable; b) Yearly paid up-front $4,800 ($400 per month basis)

Sourcing Exhibitors: a) Month to month $149.00 cancellable; b) Yearly paid up-front $1,188 ($99 per month basis)

Attendees: a) FREE

ALL HAVE UNLIMITED ACCESS
We look forward to your feedback and hope to have you join us in the new era of fashion.

Z Global Mart

http://www.zglobalmart.com

December 8, 2009

Z Global Mart Top Retail News Black Friday Cyber Monday

The Fashion Industry's Virtual Trade Show

Z GLOBAL MART TOP RETAIL NEWS

Departmental Stores News

Kohl’s beats expectations, J.C. Penney and Macy’s miss

New York City ( December 3, 2009 ) Kohl’s Corp. said Thursday that its same-store sales rose 3.3% in November as more cost-conscious shoppers visited the discount department store. The increase surpassed analyst forecasts. Overall net sales for the month rose 7.1% to $1.87 billion, up from $1.75 billion last year. Items for the home were among the best sellers.

Macy’s said its November same-store sales fell 6.1% in November, a bigger drop than analysts expected. Kohl’s rival J.C. Penney did not fare as well. J.C. Penney said that its November same-store sales fell 5.9%. Analysts, on average, had expected same-store sales to fall 4.4%.

Kohl’s strengthens sustainability commitment

Menomonee Falls, Wis. ( December 2, 2009 ) Kohl’s Department Stores has become the first retailer to announce a commitment to reach net zero U.S. greenhouse gas emissions as part of its ongoing partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program.

To achieve this goal of being carbon neutral, Kohl’s will continue to invest in projects to reduce the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions that the company emits into the atmosphere.

J.C. Penney to introduce Mango line

Plano, Texas ( December 1, 2009 ) J. C. Penney Co. said Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Barcelona, Spain-based Mango whereby J.C. Penney will become Mango’s exclusive U.S. outlet for the “MNG by Mango” brand.

Mango, an international “fast fashion” retailer with more than 1,300 stores in 94 countries, is known for rapidly delivering European runway fashion at affordable prices. As J.C. Penney’s largest contemporary brand, MNG by Mango will dramatically expand the brand’s presence in the United States where there are currently 12 Mango stores.

Macy’s: Online sales influence in-store transactions

New York City ( December 1, 2009 ) Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren says every dollar of online sales influences almost $6 of sales inside the retailer’s stores, according to a report by Daily Finance.

According to Lundgren, many shoppers first see an item online and want to look at it in person before making a purchase.

Drug Stores News

Rite Aid reports drop in same-store sales for November

CAMP HILL , Pa. (Dec. 3) Rite Aid on Thursday posted a 0.5% decline in same-store sales for the five weeks ended Nov. 28. Front-end same-store sales were down 2.5%, while pharmacy same-store sales were up slightly by 0.4%. Prescriptions filled at comparable stores increased 1.5% over the prior-year period.

Sales totaled $6.3 billion for the period, representing a decrease of 1.8%. Prescription revenue accounted for 68.6% of sales, and third-party prescription revenue represented 96.2% of pharmacy sales

Walgreens’ November sales miss expectations

Deerfield, Ill. ( December 2, 2009 ) Walgreens said on Wednesday that same-store sales rose 3.9% in November, while analysts’ had expected a stronger 6.1% increase, according to Thomson Reuters data.

The chain said pharmacy same-store sales rose 5.7%, while analysts were looking for a 7.2% jump.

Connecticut accuses CVS of selling expired items

Woonsocket, R.I. ( December 1, 2009 ) The state of Connecticut is suing CVS/pharmacy, a division of CVS Caremark Corp., claiming the drugstore chain has sold food, beverages and over-the-counter medications past their expiration dates in at least 20 of its Connecticut stores.

Investigators from State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s office found expired products on CVS store shelves during summer 2008 and this summer. Expired products included cough and allergy medications, baby formula, antacids, energy drinks and dairy products.

China Nepstar reports profit slightly up in Q3

Shenzhen, China ( December 1, 2009 ) China Nepstar Chain Drugstore, the largest retail drugstore chain in China based on the number of directly operated stores, reported Tuesday that profits for the third quarter ended Sept. 30 edged up to RMB37 million (US$5 million) from RMB36 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue increased 8.0% to RMB556 million (US$81 million), compared with RMB515 million in third quarter 2008. Same-store sales increased 3.8% from the same period in 2008.

Apparel Stores News

Metropark launches iPhone app

Los Angeles ( December 3, 2009 ) Apparel retailer Metropark has launched a free application for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The Metropark app allows shoppers to search inventory to narrow results by brand or item. Product pages feature multiple photo views, full descriptions and the ability to view the next or previous page with a tap.

Shoppers can also choose their size and add selected items to their bag, or decide later by adding items to a Wish List.

TJX November same-store sales up 8%

Framingham, Mass. ( December 3, 2009 ) TJX Cos. said Thursday that same-store sales climbed 8% in November, as shoppers continued to flock to its T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores in search of bargains, but missed Wall Street expectations as it dealt with unseasonably warm weather.

TJX has been among the few retailers in 2009 to report solid increases in sales at stores open at least a year as many stores struggled during the recession as shoppers curtailed spending. But analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had higher expectations for TJX, predicting a 9.3% increase.

Aeropostale income up 47% in Q3, plans 50 new stores in 2010

New York City ( December 2, 2009 ) Aeropostale reported its net income for the third quarter increased 47% to a record $62.6 million, compared with $42.6 million in the same period last year.

For the third quarter, total net sales increased 18% to $567.8 million, from $482.0 million in the year-ago period. Same-store sales for the third quarter increased 10%.

Zumiez sales down in November

Everett, Wash. ( December 2, 2009 ) Zumiez announced that total net sales for the four-week period ended Nov. 28, decreased 1.8% to $32.0 million, compared with $32.6 million for same period from the year before.

Meanwhile, the company reported that its same-store sales decreased 8.5% for the four-week period, versus a same-store sales decrease of 15.0% in the year-ago period.

Hot Topic same-store sales drop in November

City of Industry, Calif. ( December 2, 2009 ) Hot Topic said Wednesday its same-store sales fell 11.7% in November.

The company said same-store sales at its namesake stores dropped 14.5% for the four-week period ended Nov. 28. Same-store sales at its Torrid stores rose 1.6%.

Collective Brands earnings drop, sales up in Q3

Topeka, Kan. ( December 2, 2009 ) Collective Brands reported its third-quarter earnings were $36.9 million, compared with $47.5 million in the same quarter of 2008.

Collective Brands’ net sales were $867.0 million, up 0.5% versus last year and up 2.9% versus last year on an adjusted basis.

Liz Claiborne Canada to count heads at NRF’s Big Show

New York City ( December 2, 2009 ) Liz Claiborne Canada will detail its traffic-counting program at the upcoming National Retail Federation “Big Ideas” convention at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. The session, entitled “There is a Silver Bullet,” will be held on January 12, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Presenters Eric Champagne, VP information technology and logistics for Liz Claiborne Canada, and retail consultant Jim Dion, founder and president of Dionco, Chicago, will cover traffic-counting aspects such as creating additional store revenue and optimizing labor costs.

Charming Shoppes narrows loss on lowered expenses

Bensalem, Pa. ( December 2, 2009 ) Charming Shoppes reported a smaller third-quarter loss on Wednesday, helped by lower expenses.

Charming said its Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Catherines stores all posted sales declines. The company lost $48.4 million for the period ended Oct. 31, compared with a loss of $83.8 million a year earlier.

American Apparel debuts Kids store

Los Angeles ( December 1, 2009 ) Clothing manufacturer/retailer American Apparel said Tuesday it has opened the first American Apparel Kids store, in Berlin, Germany.

The 829-sq.-ft. store is dedicated to American Apparel’s expanded Kids line. The store is the first retail location dedicated to featuring the collection.

Jos. A. Bank profit up 26% on strong sales

Hampstead, Md. ( December 2, 2009 ) Jos. A. Bank Clothiers said Wednesday that its profit climbed 26% in the third quarter as sales of its men’s products improved.

It was the 14th consecutive quarter that profits have risen from prior-year levels.

Payless ShoeSource to open franchise stores in Philippines

Topeka, Kan. ( December 2, 2009 ) Payless ShoeSource said Tuesday that it will begin selling shoes in the Philippines as part of an international expansion.

Payless will work with Stores Specialists, which is based in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, to open its first store there by mid-2010. Terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

Home Improvement & Home Goods News

Ex-Home Depot manager pleads guilty in Georgia

Atlanta ( December 3, 2009 ) A Georgia man who was a manager at The Home Depot has pleaded guilty to stealing trade secrets from the company. Officials said Guillermo Martinez entered the plea in federal district court Wednesday.

Martinez was senior manager of product engineering for Home Depot and was responsible for assisting the company’s vendors in preparing to sell products to the company.

Pier I Imports Q3 sales climb 13.7%

Forth Worth, Texas ( December 3, 2009 ) Pier 1 Imports said Thursday that its same-store sales climbed 13.7% in the third quarter, helped by better traffic and fewer markdowns.

Pier 1 said the average transaction amount improved in the quarter, which ended Nov. 28.

Michaels Stores profit up in Q3

Irvine, Texas ( December 2, 2009 ) Michaels Stores said Tuesday that it swung to a third-quarter profit on the strength of Halloween and improved sales in other categories, including bakeware and jewelry making.

Michaels reported a profit of $15 million in the period that ended Oct. 31, compared with a net loss of $20 million in the same period last year.Total sales increased 2.5% to $929 million. In addition, same-store sales increased for the first time in two years. Same-store sales rose 1.3%, as transactions increased 4.7% but average customer receipts declined 3.5%.

Discount Stores News

Family Dollar reports Q1 sales increase

MATTHEWS , N.C. (Dec. 3) Family Dollar Stores reported that net sales for the first quarter ended Nov. 28, increased 3.9% to $1.823 billion from $1.754 billion in the first quarter ended Nov. 29, 2008.

Comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 2.4%.

Fred’s reports decrease in November sales

MEMPHIS , Tenn. (Dec. 3) Deep discounter Fred’s on Thursday reported a 2% sales decline to $138.3 million for the four weeks ended Nov. 28. Comparable-store sales for the month were down 3.3%, versus a decline of 1.8% in the same period last year.

“During November, we saw a continuation of trends, both positive and negative, that have shaped our sales results for several months,” stated Bruce Efird, Fred’s CEO. “Our pharmacy department turned in another solid performance based on strong script growth and member gains in our Prescription Plus Program. Countering this, consumers remained very cautious in their spending because of economic and employment concerns,

and utilized layaways to a much greater extent than last year, deferring recognition of those sales until December.”

Target to open holiday pop-up shops

Minneapolis ( December 3, 2009 ) Target is opening three Target To-Go temporary stores in New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

The To-Go shops will feature 50 items, including toys, gadgets, home decor, beauty and fashion. Customers order the items by number, which come wrapped and ready for gift giving.

Target and other discounters miss Street; Ross shines

New York City ( December 3, 2009 ) Target said Thursday strong sales during the Thanksgiving weekend were not enough to offset weak sales during the earlier part of November, sending sales in stores open at least one year down 1.5%.

The drop was bigger than the 0.5% drop analysts were expecting. Target had predicted flat November sales in stores open at least one year. A year ago, the sales comparison fell 10.4%.

Wal-Mart to pay $40 million to workers in class-action lawsuit

Boston ( December 3, 2009 ) Wal-Mart Stores has agreed to pay $40 million to 87,500 Massachusetts employees who claimed the retailer denied them rest and meals breaks, manipulated time cards and refused to pay overtime, according to court documents filed Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.

The settlement, which is thought to be one of the largest of its kind in the Bay State, seeks to resolve a class-action lawsuit filed in 2001. It comes less than three months after the world’s largest retailer reached a deal with state prosecutors to pay $3 million to settle complaints that it didn’t give its Massachusetts workers proper meal breaks.

Target tests new credit-card rewards program

Minneapolis ( December 1, 2009 ) Target Corp. said Monday it is exploring a possible change in how it rewards shoppers who carry the retailer’s credit cards.

Currently, for every $1,000 or so they spend, Target cardholders receive a coupon good for 10% off a day’s worth of shopping at Target. But Target spokesman Eric Hausman said the retailer is testing alternative rewards in two markets.

BJ’s Comparable Sales Up 1% in November 2009; No Impact from Gasoline

03 Dec 2009, BJ’s reported sales of USD 833.6 million for the four-week period ended November 28, 2009, a 6.4% increase over numbers reported for November 2008.

Grocery Stores News

Kroger pays back taxes

Cincinnati ( December 2, 2009 ) The Kroger Co. said Wednesday it has paid federal taxes that it initially avoided through what turned out to be fraudulent tax shelter.

A Kroger spokeswoman said the grocery chain aided investigators, and has paid a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service. Terms weren’t disclosed, but prosecutors say Kroger had saved at least $64 million in taxes.

Report: Fresh & Easy energy consumption 32% below average

El Segundo, Calif. ( December 1, 2009 ) Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market is experiencing energy usage that is 32% below the supermarket industry average for energy consumption per square foot, Progressive Grocer reported.

Fresh & Easy said it achieved recurring energy-related cost savings of more than $3 million dollars per year, according to sustainability software solution provider Verisae.

Redner’s Warehouse Market deploys new surveillance system

Boston ( December 1, 2009 ) Grocery and convenience-store chain Redner’s Warehouse Market said Tuesday that it has deployed a surveillance system by 3VR Security. The new system, San Francisco-based 3VR’s SmartRecorder searchable surveillance solution, is designed to reduce losses, improve crime-investigation efficiency and cut down theft of all kinds.

The new system will allow Redner’s to integrate intelligent surveillance into its current security system and deploy sophisticated solutions aiding in fraud, loss prevention and addressing retail theft.

Ahold in new infrastructure and applications services agreement with HP

Palo Alto, Calif. ( December 1, 2009 ) HP Enterprise Services said Tuesday that Dutch supermarket conglomerate Ahold has extended its existing relationship with HP by signing a new seven-year infrastructure and applications services agreement.

The contract extension is designed to reduce the complexity and improve the efficiency of Ahold’s technology environment.

Electronics Stores News

BestBuy.com offering 99-cent standard shipping

Minneapolis ( December 2, 2009 ) BestBuy.com, the electronics retailer’s Web site, said Tuesday it will offer 99-cent standard shipping on most products, except those that require a scheduled delivery.

The limited-time offer started Monday. The company did not say when the offer will expire. Many retailers are offering discounted shipping around the holidays in an effort to entice customers.

Restaurant News

With strike threat looming, King Soopers seeks replacements; Safeway cuts prices

December 4, 2009, With the potential of a grocery-workers strike looming, one of the largest chains in the Denver area is looking for replacement workers and the other is discounting its prices.

About 15,000 members of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7 are expected to finish voting in about a week on whether to accept contracts offered to them by King Soopers and Safeway or whether to go on strike. The two sides have been in negotiations on a new five-year contract since April but remain apart on issues such as pay increases, health care and pension funding.

Starbucks names new international head

Seattle ( December 2, 2009 ) Starbucks Corp. said Tuesday it named John Culver as president of its international unit, succeeding Martin Coles who resigned to pursue new opportunities.

Culver will oversee operations and business development for all markets outside the United States.

Dickey’s Barbeque selects PlayNetwork for in-store music and messaging

Redmond, Wash. ( December 1, 2009 ) PlayNetwork said Tuesday that Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has deployed PlayNetwork’s Serenade Service to deliver music and messaging content to all of its locations.

The partnership will enable Dickey’s Barbecue Pit to embed its mission into the music and promotional messages that play in all sites. Promotions, which will be narrated by founder Roland Dickey, will focus on the company’s heritage.

Red Mango to debut in Denver

Dallas ( December 1, 2009 ) Frozen yogurt retailer Red Mango said Tuesday it has awarded its first franchise agreement in Denver as part of an expansion plan to add more than 20 locations over the next three to five years.

Dayle Revious, an on-air personality with a local Denver television station, and her business partners Michele Melnick and Carrie Goff, signed a single-store agreement and will open the first Red Mango in the spring of 2010.

Papa Bello names sales/marketing exec

Baltimore ( December 1, 2009 ) Papa Bello Enterprises said Tuesday it has named Lawrence Feierstein as VP sales and marketing for the pizza chain.

Feierstein will be charged with assisting in the development of the Papa Bello brand, establishing an annual advertising program and budget, and perfecting and executing the flow of information between management and all franchised and corporately owned locations.

Peet’s Coffee presents revised offer to Diedrich

Irvine, Calif. ( December 1, 2009 ) Diedrich Coffee said Tuesday that, late Monday, it received a revised offer from Peet’s Coffee & Tea to pay to Diedrich Coffee’s stockholders a value of $32.50 per share in a combination of cash and Peet’s stock.

Peet’s publicly announced its revised offer shortly after transmitting it to Diedrich Coffee. Peet’s submitted the revised offer after getting word that Green Mountain Coffee Roasters had trumped Peet’s purchase offer.

Other Retailers News

Golfsmith opens largest golf and tennis store in Calif.

Irvine, Calif. ( December 3, 2009 ) Golfsmith International Holdings announced the unveiling of its new 40,000-sq.-ft. playground for golfers and tennis players in Los Angeles and Orange County, Calif.

The new Golfsmith Xtreme in Irvine, Calif., is the largest golf and tennis store in California.

Pantry Q4 profit drops on declining gas prices

Cary, N.C. ( December 2, 2009 ) Pantry said Wednesday that declining gasoline prices pushed its profit 42% lower in the fiscal fourth quarter.

The company made $13.3 million for the period ended Sept. 24, down from $22.9 million a year earlier. Sales slipped 28% to $1.82 billion from $2.51 billion on lower gas sales, which were pressured by declining gas prices.

Staples sees sales improvement

Framingham, Mass. ( December 2, 2009 ) Staples provided an upbeat outlook Tuesday as it reported that its customers bought more school and office supplies and technology products in its stores in the third quarter.

Staples North American retail sales rose 1% to $2.6 billion in the third quarter, the first rise in five quarters. But contract sales remained weak as small businesses are slow to recover from the recession. Same-store sales in North American Staples stores were flat compared with the third quarter of 2008, the first non-decline in nine quarters. And customer traffic rose — also for the first time in nine quarters.

Staples Q3 profit up on lower charges, beats Street

Framingham, Mass. ( December 1, 2009 ) Staples reported Tuesday that adjusted net income surged 72% for the third quarter ended Oct. 31, to $269 million. These adjusted results exclude pre-tax integration and restructuring expense of $16 million during third quarter 2009 and $132 million during third quarter 2008, as well as a one-time tax charge of $57 million during third quarter 2008.

Sales for the quarter dropped 6% to $6.52 billion, compared with third-quarter 2008 sales of $6.95 billion. Analysts expected sales of $6.45 billion.

7-Eleven in major expansion in New York City

New York City ( December 1, 2009 ) Convenience-store operator 7-Eleven is expanding its presence in the New York metro area with a major focus on New York City, and Manhattan specifically. The company is looking to open 100 stores in the next five years in Manhattan either by executing new leases or through its business conversion program (BCP). It has retailed Robert K. Futterman & Associates as its exclusive retail leasing representative in Manhattan.

Auto Parts related News

O’Reilly Automotive goes paperless with Vocollect solution

Pittsburgh ( December 1, 2009 ) O’Reilly Automotive said it is accelerating its transition to a paperless distribution center network by expanding its use of voice systems from voice solution provider Vocollect.

“Last year we processed over 96 million lines using Vocollect Voice,” said Greg Johnson, senior VP, distribution operations for O’Reilly. “Voice has helped us to reduce cost, improve customer satisfaction and overall business performance, as well as achieve a very positive return on investment. Vocollect also will help us in our continuing efforts to transition to paperless DCs,” he said.

General News

Black Friday sales grew 7.9%

Atlanta ( December 2, 2009 ) Overall transactions on Black Friday showed a healthy growth of 7.9% over 2008, according to First Data Corp., a provider of e-commerce and payment processing. The company released on Wednesday its First Data SpendTrend transaction data from Black Friday 2009 compared with year.

Black Friday sales were in line with the overall transaction growth in October 2009, which was 8.2%. Same-store sales volume increased 4.8%, led by solid growth among value merchants.

General Growth Properties files for reorganization

Chicago ( December 2, 2009 ) General Growth Properties has filed its reorganization plan, and its lenders have agreed to restructure about $9.7 billion in shopping mall mortgage loans, more than previously planned.

Last month the mall operator, which earlier this year filed the largest U.S. real estate bankruptcy case in history, said its lenders had agreed to restructure some $8.9 billion in loans.

ShopperTrak: Black Friday weekend sales up 1.6% over 2008

Chicago ( December 2, 2009 ) ShopperTrak Wednesday reported that the critical holiday shopping season got off to a rather lukewarm start as the company’s National Retail Sales Estimate (NRSE) showed Black

Friday weekend retail sales increased a marginal 1.6%, while ShopperTrak’s Retail Traffic Index (SRTI) posted a slight 1.1% decline in total U.S. foot traffic.

Survey tracks Black Friday performance of online retailers

San Mateo, Calif. ( December 2, 2009 ) Online holiday shoppers experienced a mixed bag from a performance perspective on Black Friday, according to Keynote Competitive Research, the industry analysis group of

Keynote Systems. Data from as almost all of the sites on Keynote’s online retail shopping index showed slowdowns on this very busy online shopping day, according to Keystone’s annual study tracking the speed and reliability of the nation’s most popular retail Web sites beginning Black Friday and continuing throughout the holiday shopping season.

Report: Cyber Monday spending shifts to early a.m. and p.m.

Washington, D.C. ( December 1, 2009 ) A report released Tuesday by Shop.org found that, although lunchtime was expected to be Cyber Monday’s most robust shopping hour, early morning and evening sales turned out to be the strongest.

This year, according to the report, many retailers saw Cyber Monday traffic and sales shift this year from mid-day hours to the early morning and evening hours as more Americans shopped for deals from home.

Development opportunities most important to job seekers

Philadelphia ( December 1, 2009 ) A survey released Tuesday by Right Management found that job candidates are not particularly impressed with having a good connection with one’s manager. According to a survey of over 1,300 people on LinkedIn by Right Management, managerial connection is the least important factor when considering a new employer, and most important are opportunities to learn and grow.

Forty percent of current employment candidates on LinkedIn said that career development prospects were most important when considering a new employer, followed by work/life balance (21%), innovative company culture (15%), competitive compensation and benefits (12%), and good rapport with manager (8%).

Sachse builds five airport concession projects in eastern U.S.

Birmingham, Mich. ( December 1, 2009 ) Sachse Construction said Tuesday it has completed five construction projects valued at more than $1 million in airports in New York City and Cleveland, Ohio, in third quarter 2009.

Report: Black Friday gift-card performance up 17.8%

Atlanta ( December 1, 2009 ) Payment solution provider First Data Corp. announced Tuesday that its Black Friday gift-card performance was up significantly compared to last year.

The total dollar value of gift cards activated Friday grew 17.8% and the number of cards activated grew 9.8%. For the season, First Data predicts that gift-card performance will remain flat or increase slightly compared with last year. According to the company, approximately three-quarters of gift-card purchasers indicate that they buy their gift cards within two weeks of the holidays, so the vast majority of gift-card sales are expected

to occur in the weeks ahead.

ICSC cuts November sales forecast again

New York City ( December 1, 2009 ) A survey released Tuesday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs reported that chain-store sales for the week ended Nov. 28 rose 3.1% from the year-earlier period.

On a week-over-week basis, sales fell 0.1%.

Obama Administration weighs incentives for home improvement

Washington, D.C. ( December 1, 2009 ) The Obama administration is talking to big home-improvement retailers about using more federal dollars to encourage homeowners to embark on home-improvement projects as part of a broader effort to spur hiring, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

Administration and congressional aides said the talks are at an early stage, and are among a variety of ideas for boosting employment under consideration ahead of a “jobs summit” with business leaders that President Barack Obama is hosting Thursday. That meeting comes a day before the release of new employment data.

Cyber Monday online spending up 14%

San Mateo, Calif. ( December 1, 2009 ) While results are still being compiled, early reports show that, as predicted, Cyber Monday online retailers saw sales increases over the course of the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Despite tepid sales and customer traffic counts on Black Friday and Black Saturday, Web analytics firm Coremetrics reported that as of 1:00 p.m. Monday, online sales for the day were up 19.6% over a year ago. That number dipped as the day progressed and, as of Tuesday morning, sales were sitting at 14% above 2008 levels.

December 3, 2009

Mudpie Autumn Winter Textile Forum 10/11

Mudpie Textile Forum


December 3, 2009

Mudpie Fashion Trend Mood Board “Fable”

Mudpie Fable Mood Board Spring/Summer 2011