Labor Market Holding Up At A Reasonable Rate

March 7, 2014 The economy generated a gain of 175,000 jobs in February.  Whether that is enough to dissipate uncertainty about where the economy is headed this year remains the big question.  Even though the number of workers unable to report to work due to inclement weather increased strongly, and average weekly hours declined, the… Read more »

Builder Confidence Treads Water In March

March 17, 2014 Builder confidence in the market for newly-built, single-family homes rose one point to 47 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today. “The March HMI mirrors last month’s sentiment, as builders continued to be affected by poor weather and difficulties in finding lots and labor,” said… Read more »

The Conference Board Employment Trends Index Increases In February

March 10, 2014 The Conference Board Employment Trends Index (ETI) increased in February.  The Index now stands at 116.39, up from 115.99 (a downward revision) in January.  This represents a 4.4 percent gain in the ETI compared to a year ago. “February’s job report and the ongoing improvement in the Employment Trends Index should provide… Read more »

NRF Weighs In On February Retail Sales

March 13, 2014 Many retailers have pointed to a persistent and severe winter for weak holiday and fourth-quarter sales.  But according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail sales rebounded in February. The NRF said that February retail sales, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.2% adjusted month-to-month and 2.3% year-over-year. “Today’s positive retail… Read more »

Bad Weather Not Slowing Dollar General Growth

March 13, 2014 An unrelenting Dollar General continues to push forward with plans to open 700 stores this year despite reporting weak financial results and a 1.3% same-store sales increase for the fourth quarter. Sales during Dollar General’s fourth quarter ended December 31, increased 6.8% to nearly $4.5 billion and were driven mainly by the… Read more »

Albertsons Acquiring Safeway For $9 Billion

March 6, 2014 Albertsons plans to acquire Safeway for $32 a share in a deal valued at roughly $9 billion that will create a supermarket chain with roughly 2,400 locations to rival market leader Kroger. The deal announced late Thursday ended longrunning speculation regarding the potential acquisition of Safeway. “This transaction offers us the opportunity… Read more »

Bon-Ton Seeks New CEO

March 11, 2014 Following disappointing fourth-quarter sales, the Bon-Ton Stores president and CEO Brendan L. Hoffman has notified the company’s board of directors that he will not renew his employment agreement with the company when it expires February 7, 2015.  Hoffman also plans to resign as a director of the company. “I am extremely proud… Read more »

Smaller Format Stores

March 11, 2014 Smaller format stores are all the rage these days.  Dollar General, which already operates nearly 12,000 stores, plans to open 700 more  this year.  Walmart recently announced plans to accelerate growth of its smaller format stores by opening between 270 and 300 small stores, more than double the 120 to 150 store… Read more »