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Industrial production, measuring the output of manufacturers, utilities and mines, rose .1% in February from January. Cold weather caused an increase in utility output, but factory and mining production declined, lowering capacity utilization two-tenths to 78.9%, instead of economist expectation of gains to 79.5%. Lower capacity utilization could prompt businesses to wait on investments. Manufacturing,… Read more »

Home Depot and Macy’s both posted solid earnings for the fourth quarter 2014. However, both retailers report that the situation with the West Coast ports will begin to really affect them now. This is after a report that a tentative deal was reached in the dispute that has affected retailers, manufacturers, farmers and merchants. “The… Read more »

Ulta Beauty announced fourth quarter growth in same store sales at a very high 11.1% and e-commerce growth of 55.2%. The 11.1% same store increase was after a prior year gain of 9.2%. The company opened 100 new stores last year and are planning another 100 new stores for 2015. It is forecasting same store… Read more »

Sales at Bon Ton grew 3% in the fourth quarter, attributing its success to top-producing sales in cold weather and active apparel and home. The company continued its growth trend with double-digit sales growth in e-commerce, prompting them to announce expanded omnichannel strategies and opening an e-commerce fulfillment center. “As we look ahead, we are… Read more »

Inclement weather and low wage gains slowed consumer retail spending in February, which is the third straight month of decline. February showed a .6% decline, after a .8% drop in January. Sales declined in nine of thirteen major categories, led by auto dealers and building supply merchants. The 2.3% drop in purchases at building-material stores… Read more »

In a report released by Price Waterhouse Coopers, it provided an overview of what will challenge retailers in 2015. The reports focuses on what retailers and suppliers must do to satisfy the needs of their customers in order to be successful and profitable in an ever-changing, customer-centric environment. Targeted Collaboration between retailers and suppliers is… Read more »

TJX Companies revealed in their annual report net sales for the past fiscal year were $29.1 Billion. This is greater than Macy’s report of $28.1 Billion. This marks a 6.2% sales increase for the year, and 4th quarter earnings jumped 15%. TJX Companies operates retail stores in the US as T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, and… Read more »

Sephora announced several strategies and technologies focused on omnichannel retailing, for both in-store and mobile shopping. The first is “Sephora Flash”, an Amazon Prime style subscription service, offering customers free 2-day shipping on all products for $10 per year. The Flash will be free for their Rouge Beauty Insider members, who spend more than $1,000… Read more »

The National Hardware Show, the largest industry event for home improvement retailers around the world, will be introducing an auction concept this year: The Outdoor Supply Auction. The show, taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center May 5-7, will host the auction in a 50,000 square foot arena. The North American Retail Hardware Association… Read more »

The 100-year-old Florida based Bealls, Inc. announced plans to launch a specialty store concept in 2015, named “Bunulu”. “Bunulu is an Aboriginie name that means a place of water,” said Lorna Nagler, president, Bealls Department Stores, in a report by the Bradenton Herald. “Our tagline for our store is Land, Water and Style.” Bunulu will open… Read more »