CEO Confidence Declines Again

October 8, 2014 The Conference and PwC Measure of CEO Confidence declined again in the third quarter of 2014.  The Measure now reads 59, down from 62 last quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses). Says Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board: “While CEOs… Read more »

Costco Sales Rise In Fourth Quarter

October 8, 2014 Costco reported a rise in sales and same-store sales for the fourth quarter. Net sales for the quarter were $34.75 billion, an increase of 9% from $31.77 billion in fiscal 2013.  Same-store sales for the total company increased 6%, while U.S. same-store sales also rose 6%. Net income for the quarter was… Read more »

Retailers’ Holiday Happiness Hinges On The G-factor

October 3, 2014 How well many retailers perform this holiday season in store and online will be determined by the shopping preferences of a demographic group that doesn’t typically get a lot of love from marketers. Marketers invest heavily in researching highly desirable segments, such as Millennials or the growing U.S. Hispanic population, to uncover… Read more »

Home Depot Extends E-Commerce Capabilities Westward

October 2, 2014 Home Depot is extending its e-commerce capabilities westward with the opening of a dedicated online fulfillment center in California. Located in Perris, California, the 858,953 sq. ft. facility will initially employ approximately 150 people, and eventually employ up to 300.  It is one of three new DFCs opening across the U.S. in… Read more »

Optimism Shines As NRF Forecasts Holiday Sales To Increase 4.1%

October 7, 2014 Holiday sales are projected to grow at their fastest level in years, rising 4.1% to nearly $617 billion after a 3.1% increase last year. The bullish seasonal spending forecast follows an uneven sales performance at the beginning of the year and a 3.1% increase during the 2013 season.  Online holiday sales are… Read more »

Strong Job Growth On Track

October 3, 2014 The economy generated a gain of 248,000 jobs in September, faster than the averge monthly over the past year, and revisions to July and August were very positive.  The slower gain initially reported for August now appears to have been simply an aberration.  The continued rapid drop in the unemployment rate increases… Read more »

Retail Industry Adds 35,500 Jobs In September

October 3, 2014 According to the National Retail Federation’s calculations, retail industry employment increased by 35,500 jobs in September, with upward revisions for July and August.  Employment gains were seen in most retail categories with the exception of clothing and clothing accessories stores, which lost 3,000 jobs, and health and personal care stores, which lost… Read more »

Rite Aid Sales Climb In September

October 2, 2014 Rite Aid reported $2 billion in sales for the four weeks ended September 27, representing a 4.5% increase over the comparable yer-ago period. Same-store sales increased 5.1% over the prior-year period, including a 2.3% lift in front-end same-store sales and growth of 6.3% in pharmacy and comparable sales.  Pharmacy same-store  sales included… Read more »

Online Labor Demand Falls 137,200 In September

October 1, 2014 September posts a decline, following strong August gain. The STEM related categories continue to gain while other occupational groups show losses. Online advertised vacancies declined 137,200 to 5,072,000 in September, according to The Conference Board Help Wanted OnLine (HWOL) Data Series released today.  The August Supply/Demand rate stands at 1.84 unemployed for… Read more »