Retailers’ summer optimism makes for better sales after consumer confidence plunged. Quentin Fottrell / SmartMoney Recent market volatility and an uncertain economic outlook may be enough to make shoppers renew recession-era vows of frugality. They may get some help from a surprising place — retailers once again struggling to drum up sales. Most years, spending […]
Archives for August 2011
Investors Show Faith in JC Penney, Barnes & Noble’s Future
Investors Show Faith in JC Penney, Barnes & Noble’s Future Elaine Misonzhnik / Retail Traffic …Both retailers have taken significant steps to improve their standing. Barnes & Noble’s Nook e-reader has been among the most popular e-readers available. In July, Consumer Reports declared the Nook Simple Touch Reader the best e-reader on the market, marking […]
Nobody’s Perfect
In my most recent Retail Rap column, I take a look back at some of the retail trends that I misjudged at the time. Success is great, but missteps can offer great learning experiences and keep me humble. It’s always satisfying to look back and enjoy your professional successes. While I see nothing wrong with […]
Tax-free weekend kicks off
Tax-free weekend kicks off David Kaplan / Houston Chronicle Cynthia DeLeon describes herself as “a smart shopper.” On her work break Friday she zipped through the Palais Royal at 4438 North Freeway, picking out back-to-school clothes for her daughter and grandson. She was taking advantage of the tax-free holiday, and she brought coupons. DeLeon, a Houston Community […]
‘Plugging in’ to Outlets
Many retailers are pursuing Outlet Shopping options in favor of traditional retail stores, but I’m not sure if this is the best option for many retailers. In my latest Retail Rap column, I share my thoughts on the latest outlet trend. The retail real estate community has a tendency to dive into a trend head […]
Weather a boost to July retail sales
Weather a boost to July retail sales Joan Verdon / The Record of Bergen County A record-breaking run of hot weather heated up retail sales in July, but analysts and Wall Street are worrying that the country’s economic woes could have a chilling effect on future sales. Sales at retailers that report monthly results rose […]
