BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Blizzard Hits Retailers Hard]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/29/blizzard-hits-retailers-hard/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/29/blizzard-hits-retailers-hard/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/29/blizzard-hits-retailers-hard/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 blizzard cost retailers $1 billionOver the past week, people in the Northeast have been dealing with the after math of the blizzard that struck over the holiday weekend, but even worse hit are retailers that lost out on huge post-Christmas holiday shopping as people were forced to stay at home.

While it is impossible to put an exact number on just how much retailers lost out on, ShopperTrak, who tracks sales and customer traffic at over 70,000 stores and malls, estimated that retailers lost around $1 billion during the blizzard.

Continue reading Blizzard Hits Retailers Hard

Blizzard Hits Retailers Hard originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarde-commercefeaturedinthenewsmallspost christmasretailretailersShopperTrakshoppingWed, 29 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Isn't It Romantic? Shop Tiffany from Your Phone]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/15/isnt-it-romantic-shop-tiffany-from-your-phone/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/15/isnt-it-romantic-shop-tiffany-from-your-phone/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/15/isnt-it-romantic-shop-tiffany-from-your-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

diamond ringWell, guys, it's become a little easier for your girlfriend to hint for that engagement ring. On the plus side, it's become easier for you to shop for one. Tiffany & Co. (TIF) has launched a new app for Apple's (AAPL) iPhone, and it may just become a girl's best friend.

The free app, called the "Engagement Ring Finder," allows a would-be groom (or bride) to browse through shapes, settings, metals, designs, and carat sizes (only up to 2.5 carats, so the super generous among you will have to visit a TIF store). It is also possible to view the rings from various angles and look at them "actual size." Users can save their favorite looks to consult with friends and family via text, email, Facebook, and Twitter.

Continue reading Isn't It Romantic? Shop Tiffany from Your Phone

Isn't It Romantic? Shop Tiffany from Your Phone originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeApplediamondsengagement ringinthenewsiphoneshoppingtiffanyTiffanyAndCoTue, 15 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer Spending Stalls Out in April]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/30/consumer-spending-stalls-out-in-april/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/30/consumer-spending-stalls-out-in-april/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/30/consumer-spending-stalls-out-in-april/#commentsFiled under: ,

In order for the current U.S. economic recovery to continue, people are going to need to spend. But in April, consumer spending had its weakest showing in the past seven months.

Consumption was flat for the month, despite rising incomes, as consumers opted to stash away their money in savings instead of running out and spending it. The savings rate jumped to 3.6% for the month, up from 3.1% during March.

Continue reading Consumer Spending Stalls Out in April

Consumer Spending Stalls Out in April originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 30 May 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer spendingconsumerseconomic recoveryincomeinthenewspersonal incomerecessionsavingsshoppingspendingSun, 30 May 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Simon Properties Still Wants a Piece of GGP]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/15/simon-properties-still-wants-a-piece-of-ggp/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/15/simon-properties-still-wants-a-piece-of-ggp/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/15/simon-properties-still-wants-a-piece-of-ggp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

SPG makes another offer for GGPEarlier this year, General Growth Properties Inc. (GGP) rejected a $10 billion buyout offer from rival Simon Property Group (SPG), but Simon Property is not giving up completely. Wednesday Simon Property announced it would up its offer to $10 per share for GGP in exchange for 25% of the company.

The offer that was quickly rejected a couple of months ago placed a $9 value on GGP stock, and rose some anti-trust concerns.

Continue reading Simon Properties Still Wants a Piece of GGP

Simon Properties Still Wants a Piece of GGP originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrustbankruptcyBPOBrookfield Asset ManagementbuyoutsGeneral Growth PropertiesGGPinthenewsmallsreal estateshoppingSimon Property GroupSPGThu, 15 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madonna Working a Deal with Macy's]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/23/madonna-working-a-deal-with-macys/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/23/madonna-working-a-deal-with-macys/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/23/madonna-working-a-deal-with-macys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Let the cone-bra jokes begin! Women's Wear Daily is reporting that the music icon is negotiating with Macy's (M) about launching a line of women's contemporary apparel. The collection, which would be available exclusively through the department-store chain, would reportedly run the gamut of fashion, including apparel, lingerie, footwear and accessories.

Helping with the negotiations is Iconix Brand Group, a brand-management firm with several other impressive brands under its umbrella, including Candie's, London Fog, and Danskin. The firm already has experience dealing with iconic pop superstars; the Britney Spears line of Candie's is available exclusively at Kohl's (KSS) stores. While Iconix has declined to comment so far, sources claim the deal is a foregone conclusion.

Continue reading Madonna Working a Deal with Macy's

Madonna Working a Deal with Macy's originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfeaturedMmacysmadonnaretailshoppingTue, 23 Feb 2010 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Price Club founder, Sol Price, dies ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/15/price-club-founder-sol-price-dies/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/15/price-club-founder-sol-price-dies/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/15/price-club-founder-sol-price-dies/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A visionary in the hyper-competitive retail industry, Sol Price saw a huge opportunity -- in the mid 1970s -- to create a bulk discount chain with a membership fee model. It was the Price Club. By the early 1990s, the company merged with Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST), becoming a powerhouse in the discount market.

Unfortunately, Price died this week. He was 93.

Interestingly enough, Price started his career as a lawyer (he graduated from the University of Southern California). It was a great way to learn about the intricacies of different businesses. For example, one of his clients was Seven Seas Locker Club, which had a bulk-retail model for sailors during World War II.

Continue reading Price Club founder, Sol Price, dies

Price Club founder, Sol Price, dies originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PriceSmartshoppingSol PriceSolPricewholesaleTue, 15 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumers sick of recession, may spend extra on holidays]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/26/consumers-sick-of-recession-may-spend-extra-on-holidays/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/26/consumers-sick-of-recession-may-spend-extra-on-holidays/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/26/consumers-sick-of-recession-may-spend-extra-on-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If consumers try a little harder this year, the holiday season has a shot of hiding memories of last year's nightmare for retailers. The retailers are doing their part, with Walmart (WMT), Gap (GPS), RadioShack (RSH), Walgreens (WAG) and many others opening their doors Thanksgiving Day, giving shoppers the opportunity to start their spending early. There's a chance that consumers will spend a bit more this year to thank each other for keeping their belts so tight for so long.

Forecasts of the season's ultimate result remain difficult to pin down. Some expect a year-over-year decline of 3%, and predictions range to an increase of 2%. Credit is harder to come by, and unemployment remains over 10% and at a 26-year high. But, the pressures on spending are offset by pent-up emotion and a stabilizing financial environment -- even if it isn't getting better yet, it doesn't seem to be getting worse.

Continue reading Consumers sick of recession, may spend extra on holidays

Consumers sick of recession, may spend extra on holidays originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black Friday 2009christmas shoppingconsumer spendingDeloitte Touche TohmatsufeaturedgapGPSholiday shoppinginthenewsnpd groupRadioShackretail salesretail sectorretail stocksretailersrshshoppingthanksgivingwagwal-martWalgreenwalgreenswalmartwmtThu, 26 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Costco Wholesale stops carrying Coke ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/costco-wholesale-stops-carrying-coke/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/costco-wholesale-stops-carrying-coke/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/costco-wholesale-stops-carrying-coke/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you are hitting Costco Wholesale (COST) for your Monday Night Football party or Thanksgiving celebration, you won't be able to get those cases of Diet Coke. The warehouse-style retailer, which operates more than 550 locations, is no longer carrying Coca-Cola (KO) products in its U.S. stores. That means no Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, or Dasani water, among other products.

Evidently, the retailer and the beverage giant are embroiled in a pricing dispute. A statement on the Costco website indicated that "Coca-Cola has not provided Costco with competitive pricing so that we may pass along the value our members deserve."

Continue reading Costco Wholesale stops carrying Coke

Costco Wholesale stops carrying Coke originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coca-colacokeCOSTcostcointhenewsKOshoppingTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumers feel entitled to free shipping]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/16/consumers-feel-entitled-to-free-shipping/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/16/consumers-feel-entitled-to-free-shipping/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/16/consumers-feel-entitled-to-free-shipping/#commentsFiled under:

Okay, so we all know retailers are looking for every holiday edge this holiday season. Consumer spending's been down, and the sprint to Christmas offers the last chance to pump up those Q4 numbers. They are trying out new ways to reach and engage shoppers, particularly via social media. But, the most effective way to bring new customers into the fold -- and keep them around for a while -- may be to pick up the shipping tab. It's pretty old fashioned, but it's best by test.

Once considered a bonus, a special effort, free shipping isn't really optional any more. If a shopper has to pay for shipping from one retailer, he may move on, knowing that plenty of others aren't charging for it. Rebecca Lieb, vice president at Econsultancy, a digital marketing news publisher, notes, "You're delighted the first time you get free shipping, but you expect it the second time."

And, free shipping shouldn't come with any strings attached, according to Shop.org's eHoliday Study (Shop.org is the e-commerce division of the National Retail Federation). Five years ago, 25% of retailers didn't charge for shipping during the busiest shopping day of the year. This year, however, 57% are planning not to hit their customers up for the extra cash, making this cost just another expense associated with running the business during the holiday season.

Continue reading Consumers feel entitled to free shipping

Consumers feel entitled to free shipping originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.comamznChristmasShoppingConsumerSpendingfree shippingfree shipping offersinthenewsNational Retail FederationNationalRetailFederationnrfretail salesretail sectorretailersRetailSalesRetailSectorRetailStocksshop.orgshoppingthanksgivingMon, 16 Nov 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Target's Black Friday prices are leaked]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/13/targets-black-friday-prices-are-leaked/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/13/targets-black-friday-prices-are-leaked/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/13/targets-black-friday-prices-are-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Black Friday, as the day after Thanksgiving has come to be known, is the day when most retailers get themselves back into the black. It is also a bargain-hunter's delight. In the age of Internet, several websites emerged dedicated to helping shoppers decide in front of which store to pitch their tents. One of those sites, GottADeal.com, has reportedly landed Target's (TGT) Black Friday ad. Target, it appears, is taking a rather aggressive approach to the upcoming Holiday shopping season.

According to the website, the retailer will offer a 32-inch Westinghouse LCD HDTV for $246, which GottADeal.com's founder Brad Olson calls the "lowest price that we've ever seen for that model." The ad also touts $3 toasters and coffeemakers, and 50% discount on kids' clothes and toys.

Continue reading Target's Black Friday prices are leaked

Target's Black Friday prices are leaked originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black FridayBlack Friday 2009Black Friday dealsBlackFridayBlackFriday2009BlackFridayDealsfeaturedHDTVholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingLCDshoppingTargettgtFri, 13 Nov 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[While others are cutting back, Disney is spending]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/13/while-others-are-cutting-back-disney-is-spending/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/13/while-others-are-cutting-back-disney-is-spending/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/13/while-others-are-cutting-back-disney-is-spending/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

disney storesIn the current economic environment, a lot of companies are cutting back costs wherever they can in hopes of boosting earnings, but entertainment giant Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) is taking a different approach and spending in hopes of boosting its sales.

Disney is hoping that by completely revamping its retail stores that it will be able to lure in more customers, keep them longer, and encourage more sales. In order to make the best of their new marketing direction, they have enlisted the aid of one of the greatest (in my opinion) retail designers out there, Steve Jobs.

Continue reading While others are cutting back, Disney is spending

While others are cutting back, Disney is spending originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLamusement parksapplecompetitive strategyDISdisney storesexpansionfeaturedinthenewskidsretailshoppingsteve jobstoyswalt disneyTue, 13 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer confidence drops unexpectedly]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/consumer-confidence-drops-unexpectedly/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/consumer-confidence-drops-unexpectedly/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/consumer-confidence-drops-unexpectedly/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

consumer confidenceAs we continue to question whether or not America is emerging from the recession, one indicator that a lot of people are paying attention to is consumer confidence. Unfortunately, consumer confidence fell unexpectedly this month, as more and more people are worried about their jobs.

According to the New York-based Conference Board, its consumer confidence index dipped to 53.1 in September, down from 54.5 in August.

The dip ends a three month streak, and is being blamed mostly on Americans concerns over job security. The drop raises concerns over any economic rebound, and comes at a bad time for retailers that are gearing up for the upcoming holiday season.

Continue reading Consumer confidence drops unexpectedly

Consumer confidence drops unexpectedly originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceconsumer spendingConsumerConfidenceConsumerSpendingeconomyholiday shoppingHolidayShoppinginthenewsretailersshoppingstocksTue, 29 Sep 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer confidence continues to drop]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/consumer-confidence-continues-to-drop/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/consumer-confidence-continues-to-drop/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/consumer-confidence-continues-to-drop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The nations high unemployment rate impacted consumer confidence again in July, the second straight month that people's faith in the economy has wavered.

The Conference Board's index that measures consumer confidence dipped to 46.6, down from June's measure of 49.3. The good news is that we are well above the low we hit back in February at 25.3.

A big factor influencing confidence these days is the nation's unemployment rate, which is expected to rise through 10% in the not too distant future, with 15 states already reporting 10% or greater unemployment.

Continue reading Consumer confidence continues to drop

Consumer confidence continues to drop originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>confidenceconsumer confidenceConsumerConfidenceeconomyhousinginthenewsjobsmarketschoolshoppingunemploymentTue, 28 Jul 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Back-to-school sales expected to be weak]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/14/back-to-school-sales-expected-to-be-weak/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/14/back-to-school-sales-expected-to-be-weak/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/14/back-to-school-sales-expected-to-be-weak/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the back-to-school shopping period isn't expected to be strong enough to help retailers. During the past five years, this shopping period has increased; but the NRF has forecast a drop of 7.5% to $47.5 billion this year.

This isn't just a slight drop, a 7.5% drop in sales is rather staggering. In fact, roughly half of the shoppers questioned plan on spending less this year when searching for goodies to take back to school. Ken Perkins of Retail Metrics notes that this isn't just a problem for retailers during the upcoming shopping season, weak back-to-school sales is "likely a harbinger of another difficult holiday shopping season."

Continue reading Back-to-school sales expected to be weak

Back-to-school sales expected to be weak originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back to schoolBackToSchoolfinancial crisisFinancialCrisisKohlsretail salesRetailSalesshoppingTargetTue, 14 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why the Street is wrong about Abercrombie & Fitch]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/why-the-street-is-wrong-about-abercrombie-and-fitch/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/why-the-street-is-wrong-about-abercrombie-and-fitch/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/why-the-street-is-wrong-about-abercrombie-and-fitch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF) is probably the best managed specialty retailer of the pack. It's maintained strict discipline on pricing and discounting, unlike many of its peers. ANF has managed to expand its offerings into three separated branded chains selling to different markets.

And the company enjoyed accolades from Wall Street after it beat earnings estimates handily on Feb. 13, reporting earnings of $1.10 per share versus consensus of $1.01 per share. Shares were up over 10% on the news. While I think not much has changed with Abercrombie's operational expertise and its strategy, the current environment is simply not conducive to teens paying big bucks for clothes.

Continue reading Why the Street is wrong about Abercrombie & Fitch

Why the Street is wrong about Abercrombie & Fitch originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ANFclothesconsumptionmalretailshoppingteensFri, 13 Feb 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[QVC set to capitalize on Obama inauguration]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/06/qvc-set-to-capitalize-on-obama-inauguration/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/06/qvc-set-to-capitalize-on-obama-inauguration/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/06/qvc-set-to-capitalize-on-obama-inauguration/#commentsFiled under: ,

Popular home shopping television network QVC will be at Obama's inauguration this month to sell a full line of "limited edition" and "collectible" trinkets. The network will broadcast live from the festivities.

QVC has already sold more than 100,000 Obama items. The Associated Press reports that "Among the items QVC has been selling since the election are a Barack Obama stamp collection, with stamps from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Grenada, St. Vincent and The Grenadines ($38.88). One set has an Obama-Biden half dollar coin and a 1939 stamp depicting George Washington taking the first oath of office ($23.75). An Obama throw blanket is marked down from $41 to $36.84."

It appears to be a case of life imitating art: With just a couple weeks left before the election -- and Senator McCain's presidential hopes looking increasingly dismal -- McCain appeared on Saturday Night Live in a skit featuring him and Tina Fey as Sarah Palin hocking collectibles. Watch the video below:

QVC set to capitalize on Obama inauguration originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>InaugurationinthenewsObamaQVCShoppingTue, 06 Jan 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Costco's miss is management's fault]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/12/costcos-miss-is-managements-fault/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/12/costcos-miss-is-managements-fault/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/12/costcos-miss-is-managements-fault/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Not all retailers are created equal.

Some are better than others and that has become abundantly clear during this economic recession. While the entire sector has been struggling, there are pockets of strength.

That strength comes from the discounters. Led by discount king, Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT), consumers have been flocking to these stores looking for a bargain. Nothing motivates more than a deal on a cash-starved budget.

Wal-Mart and others have been cleaning up in this environment. Yes, the operating environment is challenging no matter what your prices, but those with the lowest prices are faring much better than those with higher ones.

That is why yesterday's news from Costco (NASDAQ: COST) was so disturbing.

The company announced its first-quarter earnings, and the results were less than stellar.

COST stated that in the period that ended Nov. 23, profits were only up fractionally as compared to the same period last year, even though revenue was up 4%. The company generated a profit of 60 cents per share that missed analyst expectations by 2 cents.

Although it's not a big miss in the scheme of things, I'm disappointed with the results.

Continue reading Costco's miss is management's fault

Costco's miss is management's fault originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer spendingConsumerSpendingcostdiscount storesdiscountersDiscountStoresinthenewsretailretail stocksretailersRetailStocksshoppingwmtFri, 12 Dec 2008 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Makeover needed: Kmart and Sears]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/23/makeover-needed-kmart-and-sears/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/23/makeover-needed-kmart-and-sears/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/23/makeover-needed-kmart-and-sears/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This post is part of a feature on companies and products that our bloggers think are in need of a makeover. See all 26.

When Kmart bought Sears to become Sears Holdings Corp (NASDAQ: SHLD) it seemed like a perfect match. Here were two retail titans of the 1970s who had completely missed the boat of modern big box retailers. Instead of trying to sell dowdy clothes, Sears could have concentrated on hardware and become Home Depot (NYSE: HD). Instead of selling dowdy everything with surly service, Kmart could have become Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT).

Now what both stores need is a makeover. They need to become that bright, wide-aisle store that people love to shop at because they find neat things they didn't know they needed. Heck, if the Kmart in my neighborhood could just manage to keep its shelves stocked and not hire the surly, it would be a step up.

Both Kmart and Sears know they have trouble, but it just may be too late to make the changes. Kmart already went through bankruptcy and closed about 300 stores. They even came up with a bright, open store prototype with wide, well-lit aisles. But then they couldn't afford to really roll it out, says Shopping Centers Today. And many think they didn't close enough bad stores.

Continue reading Makeover needed: Kmart and Sears

Makeover needed: Kmart and Sears originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HDhome depotkmartmakeoverSHLDshoppingstorewal-martWMTThu, 23 Oct 2008 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers facing a tough upcoming holiday season]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/18/retailers-facing-a-tough-upcoming-holiday-season/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/18/retailers-facing-a-tough-upcoming-holiday-season/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/18/retailers-facing-a-tough-upcoming-holiday-season/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In case you haven't noticed lately, times are tough for the American economy, and this volatility is more than likely going to carry over into the upcoming holiday shopping season, according to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required).

In an article today, the WSJ discusses the probability of a grim shopping season, reporting that economists are predicting that retailers are likely to see their lowest sales volumes for the past 17 years. These dark forecasts come from both research and consulting firms Deloitte LLP and TNS Retail Forward Inc., but the scary part is that these predictions were made before the most recent economic troubles, and the harsh reality of what lies ahead for retailers could prove to be even worse than these current predictions.

Let's take a second look at the major factors that are going to contribute to a weak holiday shopping season (granted the list could be made much longer, but let's just highlight the main factors for now):
  • High fuel prices, which have fallen over the past month but are still running at historically high levels
  • Higher unemployment
  • Rising food prices
  • Tough housing market
  • The credit crunch

Continue reading Retailers facing a tough upcoming holiday season

Retailers facing a tough upcoming holiday season originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economyforecastsinthenewsMmacysretailshoppingwal-martWMTThu, 18 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nordstrom plans to open new store at Santa Monica Place]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/16/nordstrom-plans-to-open-new-store-at-santa-monica-place/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/16/nordstrom-plans-to-open-new-store-at-santa-monica-place/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/16/nordstrom-plans-to-open-new-store-at-santa-monica-place/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you are addicted to fashion, then I have good news that should brighten your shopping days. Macerich Co. (NYSE: MAC) announced Tuesday that retailer Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE: JWN) will become the anchor at Santa Monica Place after the mall reopens.

The mall itself, which is scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2009, is seeing a major renovation from an enclosed shopping center to a three-level, 550,000-square-foot open-air retail plaza linking to the Third Street Promenade.

Leading fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom has signed a letter of intent to open a three-level, 122,000-square-foot store in the fall of 2010. "The extraordinary appeal of Nordstrom is a great match for this exceptional market, and for what we believe will be a one-of-a-kind retail project two blocks from the beach in downtown Santa Monica," Randy Brant, executive vice president, real estate, for Macerich stated.

Continue reading Nordstrom plans to open new store at Santa Monica Place

Nordstrom plans to open new store at Santa Monica Place originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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