| December 16, 2008 | News for the retail industry |
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- Borders rethinks traditional return model
In return for a discount on books, Borders has agreed to keep books from publisher HarperStudio that it can't sell instead of returning them for full credit. Publishers and retailers are departing from standard practices to see what works amid the economic slowdown, HarperStudio's president said. The Boston Globe/Reuters (free registration)
(12/16)      
- Staples puts the focus on in-store marketing
Staples is partnering with News America Marketing for an in-store focus that includes coupon machines, as well as on-shelf and floor ads. The campaign, set to launch this month, will reach more than 1,500 Staples stores across the U.S. Brandweek
(12/15)
- Sweetbay changing high-price perceptions
A recent survey says 30% of customers believe Sweetbay has improved its price image since its overhaul from Kash n' Karry, which left many customers thinking the store was too high-end. Delhaize Group, which owns the stores, reported that the number of transactions rose in the third quarter this year, in part because of a boost in price perception and customer satisfaction. The Tampa Tribune (Fla.)
(12/15)
| Retail trends |  | |
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- Survey: Holiday shopping is far from complete
Shoppers still have a lot of holiday shopping to do -- the typical consumer has finished 47%, compared with 53% this time last year, according to an NRF survey. NRF President Tracy Mullin said a late Thanksgiving might be to blame. "Retailers will try to manage the rush of last-minute shoppers with expanded hours, extra employees to stock shelves, and a lot of sales and promotions," Mullin said. CNNMoney.com
(12/16), Reuters
(12/16)
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Personal, practical gifts top shoppers' lists: Holiday shoppers are seeking out personal and practical gifts this year, such as handmade blankets and clothing for children, NRF data show. As consumers put more thought into presents while spending less, gift cards aren't expected to be as popular as they were last year. STORES magazine
(12/2008)
- Retailers open up to dogs
More shopping centers and stores, including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York, are welcoming shoppers' four-legged family members. But not everyone is following the trend: Sears, Target and Staples keep all but service dogs out, and some consumers would rather not share retail space with the pooches. Los Angeles Times
(12/14)
- Outlook bright for specialty retailers
Some local specialty stores are doing better than expected amid the downturn because they have knowledgeable staff, offer niche products and have a loyal following. And the NRF is optimistic for the year ahead, predicting that consumers will spend money to stave off gloom. Orlando Sentinel (Fla.)
(12/16)
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| NRF News | | |
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- Register today and save -- RAC '09 is heading to Vegas
Join the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association Feb. 25 to 27 at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas for the 2009 Retail Advertising Conference. Be among the cutting-edge creative minds that are already finding solutions to the challenging economy with more than 60 actionable take-aways and 10 fast-track sessions on how to get business in tough times. Register by Dec. 19 and save $200. Read more here.
| Chain Restaurant News | | |
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- Sonic to add meal deals
Sonic will add a value menu to its lineup as more consumers are eating at home or opting for inexpensive quickservice options. The company hasn't revealed which items will be on the new menu. Forbes/Associated Press
(12/15)
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 Region Manager | Dollar General | Various Locations |
| Director, International Logistics | PETCO | San Diego, CA |
| Director, Supply Chain Performance | Stein Mart, Inc. | Jacksonville, FL |
| POS Technical Support Representative - System Device Sales | Epson America, Inc. | TBD |
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| Merchandising Specialist - MD, Glen Burnie | Mosaic | US-MD-Glen Burnie |
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| | Recent NRF SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, December 15, 2008
- Friday, December 12, 2008
- Thursday, December 11, 2008
- Wednesday, December 10, 2008
- Tuesday, December 09, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Megan Conniff
Contributing Editor: Faye Rapoport
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HR Marketer Blog
Gift-card spending is expected to decline 6% this holiday season. Source: 
