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[Retailers Enjoy Solid January, Led by Luxury Set]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/retailers-enjoy-solid-january-led-by-luxury-set/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/retailers-enjoy-solid-january-led-by-luxury-set/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/retailers-enjoy-solid-january-led-by-luxury-set/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shoppers spent more time - and money - in malls last month, with many retailers posting on Thursday strong results in what tends to be the final month of their fiscal year. The rich are doing a better job of prying open their wallets, as RetailMetrics, a research firm that covers the industry, reported that luxury retailers such as Saks (SKS) enjoyed larger gains in January than bargain stores. Signs of life in financial markets have made wealthier consumers more willing to spend ... and we all know that a recovery has to start someplace.

Continue reading Retailers Enjoy Solid January, Led by Luxury Set

Retailers Enjoy Solid January, Led by Luxury Set originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abercrombieabercrombie and fitchanfcostcostcoGap Inc.GPSICSCInternational Council of Shopping CentersinthenewsjcpJcPenneylimited brandsmacysretailretail salesretail sectorretailerssaksSaks Fifth AvenuesksTargetTarget Corp.TargetCorp.TGTTgtTargetCorp.wal-martWal-Mart StoreswmtFri, 05 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Community colleges missing the social media boat]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/16/community-colleges-missing-the-social-media-boat/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/16/community-colleges-missing-the-social-media-boat/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/16/community-colleges-missing-the-social-media-boat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Imagine taking the personal connections and interactions that occur every day on the likes of Facebook and Twitter... and bringing them to bear on an education. To a large extent, this hasn't been done yet, but the potential is profound. In a new report by the Center for Community Survey for Student Engagement, two-year programs aren't taking advantage of the tools at their disposal -- plenty of growth is still possible. Kay McClenney, director of the CCSSE, says, "Colleges are not taking advantage of that particular set of tools for making connections with students to the extent that they could."

Continue reading Community colleges missing the social media boat

Community colleges missing the social media boat originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBYbest buyBestBuyclassroomcollegeCommunity CollegeCommunity CollegesCommunityCollegeCommunityCollegeseducationfacebookfeaturedSBUXsocial mediaSocialMediaSocialNetworkingstarbucksTargetTarget Corp.TargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTTgtTargetCorp.twitterMon, 16 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumers' wallets peeking open]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/09/consumers-wallets-prying-open/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/09/consumers-wallets-prying-open/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/09/consumers-wallets-prying-open/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Consumers are finally spending more, with September posting the first gain in more than a year. The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) found that retail sales inched 0.1% higher last month. It doesn't seem like much, but a gain when you anticipate a fall is good news magnified. But, it came at the expense of great deals and other tools to entice somewhat hesitant customers into stores.

Kohl's (NYSE: KSS) and Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD) reported sales increases in September for stores open more than a year. J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP), Macy's (NYSE: M) and Target (NYSE: TGT) posted declines, but they were better than expected. Delayed school openings thanks to a late Labor Day helped push to September sales that might have occurred in August otherwise.

Of course, all eyes are on the coming holiday season. The National Retail Federation forecasts U.S. consumer spending of $437.6 billion - up only slightly from $433.7 billion four years ago. So, we still have a lot of ground to make up before we can celebrate a recovery. As long as the situation is staying steady, though, we'll at least have a solid starting point.

Consumers' wallets peeking open originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer spendingConsumerSpendinggoldman sachsgoldman sachs group gsGoldmanSachsGoldmanSachsGroupGsgsinternational council of shopping centersInternationalCouncilOfShoppingCentersjc penneyjc penneysJcPenneyJcPenneyskohlslabor daylabor day weekendLaborDayLaborDayWeekendlimited brandsLimitedBrandsmacysnational retail federationNationalRetailFederationretailretail salesretail sectorretail stocksretail storeretail storesretailersRetailSalesRetailSectorRetailStocksRetailStoreRetailStorestargettarget corp.target storesTargetCorp.TargetStoresFri, 09 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury spending on the rise]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/luxury-spending-on-the-rise/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/luxury-spending-on-the-rise/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/luxury-spending-on-the-rise/#commentsFiled under: ,

MasterCard Advisors (NYSE: MA) service SpendingPulse says luxury and electronics sales headed upward last month, in a pleasant deviation from what became the norm all too long ago. A few other product categories posted gains as well - showing stability, if not a recovery. But, at this stage of the game, we'll take what we can get, right?

Luxury sales, not including jewelry, gained 3.4% year-over-year - that's an increase of $891 million. Last September, luxury goods suffered a 9.4% decline. Yet, this category is still below its September 2005 level of $94 million. Jewelry sales gained 1.2% relative to last year, compared to a year-over-year decline of 5.8% a year ago. Compared to apparel sales, this is a profound turn. In September 2008, the clothing category was off 5.7%, and this September, it was down only 2.9%.

Continue reading Luxury spending on the rise

Luxury spending on the rise originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsjewelryluxuryluxury retailluxury retailersluxury retailingLuxuryRetailLuxuryRetailersLuxuryRetailingmacysmastercardmastercardadvisorsretailretail salesretailersRetailSalesspendingpulsetargettarget corp.target storesTargetCorp.TargetStorestgttgttargetcorp.Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Target to increase marketing spending for the remainder of 2009]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/target-to-increase-marketing-spending-for-the-remainder-of-2009/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/target-to-increase-marketing-spending-for-the-remainder-of-2009/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/target-to-increase-marketing-spending-for-the-remainder-of-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) wants to up the game a bit in the second half of 2009 as it seeks to increase its marketing and hopefully prop up sales. One area of focus for its marketing efforts for the remainder of 2009 will be on Target's in-store pharmacies.

Target will increase marketing as a percentage of sales for the last four months of 2009, sating that "For the year, our marketing plan is right on, but we've saved some money here in the front half for the express purpose of being able to invest it in the back half."

Continue reading Target to increase marketing spending for the remainder of 2009

Target to increase marketing spending for the remainder of 2009 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewspharmacyTarget Corp.Target marketingTarget StoresTargetCorp.TargetMarketingTargetStoresTGTTue, 01 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Target: a retailer and a REIT]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/target-a-retailer-and-a-reit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/target-a-retailer-and-a-reit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/target-a-retailer-and-a-reit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) has raised the ire of activist investor Bill Ackman a few times over the years, to little effect. Target, which owns roughly 85% of the real estate under its stores, owns more than just discount locations. It's estimated that Target's real estate holdings alone are worth $30 billion. That's on top of the $50+ billion it makes every fiscal year in revenue. Does Target's share price reflect that fact?

Continue reading Target: a retailer and a REIT

Target: a retailer and a REIT originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill AckmanBillAckmanPershing SquarePershingSquareTarget Corp.Target storesTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTTue, 28 Jul 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gas prices drive retail sales rebound, coveted brands still struggle]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/14/gas-prices-drive-retail-sales-rebound-coveted-brands-still-stru/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/14/gas-prices-drive-retail-sales-rebound-coveted-brands-still-stru/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/14/gas-prices-drive-retail-sales-rebound-coveted-brands-still-stru/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last summer we lamented the price of gas. This year, however, there's at least one upside. Retail sales for June were up 0.6% - substantially better than the 0.4% anticipated - with the gas prices leading the charge. A slight tip in the brutalized auto manufacturer sector helped, as well. This was the largest retail sales increase in five months.

Gas stations benefited from the cost of fuel, adding a bit of pep to a beleaguered retail industry: sales were up 5% year over year, after doing the same in May. And, car dealers had their best month since January: the sales of cars and parts climbed 2.3%. Nonetheless, this corner of the retail world is still off 14.5% from last year. It may have helped last month, but we're still pretty far from a cure.

Continue reading Gas prices drive retail sales rebound, coveted brands still struggle

Gas prices drive retail sales rebound, coveted brands still struggle originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abercrombieabercrombie and fitchAbercrombieAndFitchabercrombiefitchaeoamerican eagleamerican eagle outfittersAmericanEagleAmericanEagleOutfittersanfconsumer spendingConsumerSpendinggasgas pricesgas stationgas stationsGasPricesGasStationGasStationsinthenewsretailretail salesretail stocksretailersRetailSalesRetailStockstargettargetcorptargetcorp.tgtwal-martwalmartwmtwmt stockWmtStockTue, 14 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Target's same-store sales slide 6.1% in May]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/05/targets-same-store-sales-slide-6-1-in-may/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/05/targets-same-store-sales-slide-6-1-in-may/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/05/targets-same-store-sales-slide-6-1-in-may/#commentsFiled under: ,

Since late last year, retail has been hurt as the recession dug in for the winter and stayed throughout the start of the 2009 summer. Although job loss data for May just in indicates a steep drop (leveling off perhaps?), consumers are still pinching pennies and keeping savings under the proverbial mattress. One of the continuing casualties -- Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT).

The second-largest discount retailer in the U.S. said that same-store sales for May came in at a -6.1% level -- worse than analysts had forecast. Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel indicated sales "were somewhat below our expectations." By comparison, average same-store sales from 32 retailers in May dropped 4.6%, putting Target at a worse-performing range than most.

Continue reading Target's same-store sales slide 6.1% in May

Target's same-store sales slide 6.1% in May originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsretail salesRetailSalesTarget Corp.Target salesTargetCorp.TargetSalesTGTFri, 05 Jun 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: TGT, SWY, CSIQ, HOTT, MPEL, RIO, CPB, CVD and HGG]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-tgt-swy-csiq-ho/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-tgt-swy-csiq-ho/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-tgt-swy-csiq-ho/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • UBS upgraded Target (NYSE: TGT) to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to $52 from $45 citing reduced inventories, some credit stability, and an improved back-to-school period.
  • Credit Suisse said concerns regarding Safeway's (NYSE: SWY) price position are overblown and that earnings risk is limited. The firm upgraded shares to Outperform from Neutral and raised the target price to $25 from $22.
  • Oppenheimer upgraded Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ) to Outperform from Perform as it believes the story is underappreciated following the recent sector rally. The firm has a $14 price target on the stock.
  • CME Group (NASDAQ: CME) was upgraded to buy from Neutral at Goldman.
  • Freeport McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) was upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at JP Morgan.
  • Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at FTN Equity.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: TGT, SWY, CSIQ, HOTT, MPEL, RIO, CPB, CVD and HGG

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: TGT, SWY, CSIQ, HOTT, MPEL, RIO, CPB, CVD and HGG originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 May 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Campbell SoupCampbellSoupCanadian SolarCanadianSolarCICignaCMECME GroupCmeGroupCovanceCPBCSIQCVDFCXfreeport mcmoranFreeportMcmoranGILDGilead SciencesGileadSciencesHGGhhgreggHot TopicHOTTHotTopicMelcoMelco CrownMelcoCrownMPELMT BankMTBMtBankPerrigoPETMPetSmartPRGORIOSafewaySTPsuntechsuntech powerSuntechPowerSWYtargettarget corp.TargetCorp.TellabsTGTTLABValeThu, 21 May 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Target to start stocking fresh food in its stores to revive sales]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/13/target-to-start-stocking-fresh-food-in-its-stores-to-revive-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/13/target-to-start-stocking-fresh-food-in-its-stores-to-revive-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/13/target-to-start-stocking-fresh-food-in-its-stores-to-revive-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is looking at every possible way to increase sales and discount store market share this year. Part of that plan will soon be to sell fresh food and products in up to 100 of its normal merchandise stores to supplant sales at its merchandise/grocery SuperTarget locations that already exist.

Continue reading Target to start stocking fresh food in its stores to revive sales

Target to start stocking fresh food in its stores to revive sales originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 13 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Food storesFoodStoresgrocery storesGroceryStoresSuperTargetTarget Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTWed, 13 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Ackman lines up new board against Target's current one]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/12/bill-ackman-lines-up-new-board-against-targets-current-one/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/12/bill-ackman-lines-up-new-board-against-targets-current-one/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/12/bill-ackman-lines-up-new-board-against-targets-current-one/#commentsFiled under: ,

Longtime Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) supporter and share activist Bill Ackman has finally had enough. Not content with Target's board and wishful thinking that the retailer's fortunes will turn around any time soon, Ackman wants to replace at least four board members on Target's board. Ackman says his picks have the needed expertise in retail, credit card operations and real estate.

Continue reading Bill Ackman lines up new board against Target's current one

Bill Ackman lines up new board against Target's current one originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 12 May 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill AckmanBillAckmaninthenewsTarget Corp.Target managementTarget stockTargetCorp.TargetManagementTargetStockTGTTue, 12 May 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Target thinking about nationwide price-matching program]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/11/target-tgt-thinking-about-nationwide-price-matching-program/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/11/target-tgt-thinking-about-nationwide-price-matching-program/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/11/target-tgt-thinking-about-nationwide-price-matching-program/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) has woken up and realized that in this day and age, marketing, colors, positioning and everything else comes second hat when discount retail is involved. Larger competitor Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) has taken the lion's share of retail dollars in the last three quarters based on its "Save Money. Live Better" marketing slogan and mode of operation. When pennies are to be pinched, pricing is all that matters.

Continue reading Target thinking about nationwide price-matching program

Target thinking about nationwide price-matching program originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 11 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>price matchingPriceMatchingTarget Corp.Target pricesTargetCorp.TargetPricesTGTWal-MartWMTMon, 11 May 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wal-Mart up, Target down in January same-store sales]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/09/wal-mart-up-target-down-in-january-same-store-sales/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/09/wal-mart-up-target-down-in-january-same-store-sales/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/09/wal-mart-up-target-down-in-january-same-store-sales/#commentsFiled under: ,

In what is becoming standard practice in retail, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) reported a same-store sales increase of 2.1% in January while competitor Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) experienced a same-store sales decline of 1.6% from the year-ago period. Surprising? Not at all.

As the economic stimulus bill hangs around Capitol Hill and more and more Americans are becoming unemployed, Wal-Mart is continuing to experience an influx of business that's coming in from the competition. This will continue throughout 2009. Even though Wal-Mart won't be giving monthly same-store sales forecasts for the time being, the retailer will be one of the very few shining lights in retail this year.

Continue reading Wal-Mart up, Target down in January same-store sales

Wal-Mart up, Target down in January same-store sales originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewssame-store salesSame-storeSalestarget corptarget corp.TargetCorpTargetCorp.TGTWal-MartWMTMon, 09 Feb 2009 14:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Target layoffs at headquarters; it's not just store employees getting axed]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/target-sees-layoffs-at-headquarters-its-not-just-store-employe/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/target-sees-layoffs-at-headquarters-its-not-just-store-employe/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/target-sees-layoffs-at-headquarters-its-not-just-store-employe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) has indicated that it will slice 9% of its headquarters staff as the retailer continues to weather the economic downturn and uncertainty in 2009's performance. This week has seen companies from every industry cuts tens of thousands of jobs. In what is starting to infiltrate the headquarters of many companies, it's not just for store workers or front-line folks any longer.

Target also said it would cut back on new store openings this year in addition to closing down a distribution center for an unspecified time. At its headquarters in Minnesota, 600 positions will be let go and the company will cancel plans to hire for an additional 40 positions. In Arkansas -- just down the street from the headquarters of rival Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), Target will close a distribution center and put another 500 people out of work.

Continue reading Target layoffs at headquarters; it's not just store employees getting axed

Target layoffs at headquarters; it's not just store employees getting axed originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewslayofsretail layoffsRetailLayoffsTarget Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTThu, 29 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Target's same-store sales in December down 4.1%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/09/targets-same-store-sales-in-december-down-4-1/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/09/targets-same-store-sales-in-december-down-4-1/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/09/targets-same-store-sales-in-december-down-4-1/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) reported what many retail industry analysts were expecting regarding December sales (hint: they went down from the prior year).

The second-largest discount retailer in the U.S. indicated that its December same-store sales dipped down 4.1% in December, even though that level was better than expected. The previous expectation was for Target to see a 9.1% drop in same-store sales. In other words, the retailer did twice as good as expected.

Does this mean the languishing retail landscape is recovering? Not so fast -- a surge in the last two weeks of December was the reason Target gave for doing better than predicted in December. Most likely, gift-buying procrastinators saved Target from seeing a nearly double-digit same-store sales drop.

Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel indicated that the retailer dropped prices in December to gain market share. It still was not enough to stop the customer buying defections to competitor Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) which continued to see growth in December when just about all other retailers saw shrinkage.

Target's same-store sales in December down 4.1% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewstargettarget corp.target storesTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTFri, 09 Jan 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Target (TGT) opens 45 new stores, bucking negative retail trend]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/15/target-opens-45-new-stores-over-the-weekend-with-two-in-alaska/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/15/target-opens-45-new-stores-over-the-weekend-with-two-in-alaska/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/15/target-opens-45-new-stores-over-the-weekend-with-two-in-alaska/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) bucked the "retailers in the dump" news this past weekend by opening up 45 new stores across the U.S., including its first two stores in the state of Alaska. The openings also included two newer prototype stores in Minnesota. As luck would have it, one of these store openings was located where I live. And it opened less than one-half mile away from an existing Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) Supercenter.

From conversations I've heard all summer, almost everyone looked forward to the new Target opening in my area. The feeling was that most of these folks wanted a competitor to Wal-Mart, even if it didn't mean lower prices. Perhaps they looked forward to the Target shopping experience instead of the Wal-Mart shopping experience?

The two Minnesota store openings included a new general merchandise prototype location as well as a new SuperTarget prototype location. Both include more space for food and electronics (two staple merchandising segments) and both were certified under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Whether Target's newer stores will market this fact to the eco-conscious American shopper is unknown. The new store designs will be unveiled at more than 100 new locations in 2009, according to the company.

Target (TGT) opens 45 new stores, bucking negative retail trend originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsTarget Corp.Target grand openingTarget StoresTargetCorp.TargetGrandOpeningTargetStoresTGTWed, 15 Oct 2008 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Target (TGT) starts selling $229 Blu-ray disc player]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/10/target-tgt-starts-selling-229-blu-ray-disc-player/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/10/target-tgt-starts-selling-229-blu-ray-disc-player/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/10/target-tgt-starts-selling-229-blu-ray-disc-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) has started selling a Blu-ray disc player for what is probably the lowest retail price you can find one at: $229. I've said many times in the past that this new format will not catch on with consumers until retail prices routinely get to less than $200, so this new price from Target is nearing that mark. Of course, panicked U.S. consumers probably won't be buying any Blu-ray players the remainder of this year as they watch what wealth they did have evaporate in the markets.

The Target model is an Olevia brand player (yes, that's an off-brand), which marks a $70 reduction from a recent Sony Blu-ray player that is being sold alongside the Olevia player for $299. Still, unless there is some breakthrough difference that Blu-ray manufacturers and retailers can market correctly, most U.S. consumers will stay with their progressive-scan DVD players that sell for $75 or less and have a perfectly fine picture (although not true high-definition).

So, perhaps sometime in late 2009 -- roughly a year from now -- the market will see $99 Blu-ray players and regular consumers may finally feel the urge to buy one and start re-purchasing their movie libraries in yet another format. That is, until super-duper, high-fidelity Purple-ray players hit the market sometime in 2014 and the cycle repeats yet again. Perhaps by then, we'll all be out of this economic funk and won't be protecting our cash hoards, however little they may be by then.

Target (TGT) starts selling $229 Blu-ray disc player originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-raySony Blu-RaySonyBlu-rayTarget Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTFri, 10 Oct 2008 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Target sees 2.1% sales drop in August]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/target-tgt-sees-2-1-sales-drop-in-august/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/target-tgt-sees-2-1-sales-drop-in-august/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/target-tgt-sees-2-1-sales-drop-in-august/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) reported August same-store sales at the end of last week with its head held down. The second-largest discount chain in the U.S. said sales dipped 2.1% for August compared to the same period in 2007 even with the back-to-school selling season occurring. Is fellow discounter Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) stealing business away from its smaller rival? With plummeting home values and foreclosures still in full swing, and even with a temporary fuel price retreat, that is probably the case.

Target did say that its August slump was in line with forecasts, and even the analyst consensus had predicted a 2.6% drop in Target's August sales. Although Target solidly upped the game on same-store sales performance throughout much of 2007 and into 2008, it's now seeing a role reversal as consumers are leaving more hip and cool retailers to the warm retreat of low prices that is Wal-Mart's moniker and always has been. Still, Target is a deep discounter too -- but it's feeling the negative effects of a consumer spending pullback.

Wal-Mart's "Save Money. Live Better" marketing slogan was well-timed and it's paying off for the mega-retailer. Target did see an increase in average transaction price in August, even though it did witness a slowdown in the actual number of transactions during August. Food and health care were top sellers for Target in August as well. Back-to-school items did hit a nice level late in the month, but even that was not enough to rescue Target from a solid same-store sales decline in August. Target's guidance for September was in the -1% to +1% range, but noted that current hurricanes may affect September sales.

Target sees 2.1% sales drop in August originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>TargetTarget Corp.target same-store salesTargetCorp.TargetSame-storeSalesTGTMon, 08 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharper Image lives on as a brand name, coming to a retailer near you]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/26/sharper-image-lives-on-as-a-brand-name-coming-to-a-retailer-nea/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/26/sharper-image-lives-on-as-a-brand-name-coming-to-a-retailer-nea/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/26/sharper-image-lives-on-as-a-brand-name-coming-to-a-retailer-nea/#commentsFiled under: ,

Earlier this year, chic and expensive retailer Sharper Image was purchased by a chop shop of sorts. A mall store with $5,000 massage chairs and insanely expensive geek gifts just didn't cut it in an age of high gas prices and home foreclosures. So the company, which went bankrupt, had its brand bought by Hilco Organization and Gordon Brothers Group. And guess what? You may see the Sharper Image brand again at you local Best Buy, Inc. (NYSE: BBY) or Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) store aisles soon.

The Sharper Image brand may soon be pasted onto vacuum cleaners or sunglasses on retail store shelves. As people tend to buy brands as much as actual products, the brand will probably end up being a good investment on the $49 million that was paid to purchase it after the bankruptcy. It's pretty sad that such negative publicity about a single product -- the Ionic Breeze air purifier -- led to Sharper Image's downfall, although I believe there were deeper problems at play. As in, people loved to look at (but not buy) fancy things with grossly inflated prices.

It appears now that we may yet again see the Sharper Image name on infomercials, web sites and catalogs, as well as on some retail shelves. With an expectation of Sharper Image brand sales hitting an annual pace of $1 billion -- up from 2007's $375 million -- it's pretty easy to see why the owners of the now-defunct brand want to revive it. Customers know the brand, they trust it and they would love to see it on their new vacuum cleaner robot.

Sharper Image lives on as a brand name, coming to a retailer near you originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) implemented another phase of its low-price prescription drug program this week, and as usual competitor Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) followed suit with price reductions of its own. In addition to offering a 30-day supply of many popular generic prescription drugs for $4, Wal-Mart is now offering a 90-day supply for $10. And so is Target.

Is Target just trying to keep up, or does it see a benefit in matching drug price cuts by its larger competitor? In response to the price cuts, Target said that it "understands the challenges guests are facing in the current economic environment." It probably planned to make these price cuts as soon as Wal-Mart did and gain the same kind of free PR that comes with such a drastic price reduction in something that millions of Americans now depend on.

But Target does not position itself as the "low price" leader like Wal-Mart does. Its marketing is more upscale, and so is the appearance of its stores -- even while carrying much of the same merchandise. So why is Target matching these prescription drug price cuts? Is it trying to take customers from Wal-Mart? Of course -- the two are fierce competitors even though marketing and merchandise presentation strategies are what I'd consider to be worlds apart. Sometimes, price is everything.

Target matches Wal-Mart's new prescription drug price cuts originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 May 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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