Giving back benefits the community and the business Susan Pyle Dickenson, Retail Editor - 01/01/2007
Philanthropy that benefits the broader community also benefits the company. American corporations realized this to the tune of $13.77 billion in 2005, a 22.5 percent increase over what they gave in the prior year, according to Giving USA Foundation's Annual Report on Philanthropy (June 2006). Retailers have long realized the value of sharing their treasures and time in support of the local educ...
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Studies shed light on retail losses and return fraud Susan Pyle Dickenson, Retail Editor - 12/01/2006
A recently released report on retail security examines retail losses and the measures being taken to combat them. The University of Florida's Center for Studies in Criminology and Law polled 156 retailers, including most of the "top 100," for its 14th annual National Retail Security Survey. The 2005 NRSS represents retailers from 30 different market segments with a combined annual sales base of...
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Gift cards have retailers thinking outside the gift box Susan Pyle Dickenson, Retail Editor - 11/01/2006
Consumers spent $18.48 billion on gift cards during the 2005 holiday season, an increase of 6.6% over the 2004 season according to the National Retail Federation, which expects the growth to continue. For years, retailers have recognized the marketing potential of gift certificates and gift cards as a way to bring in new customers, grow merchant loyalty and generate sales.
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Consumer Confidence down in October 11/01/2006
NEW YORK -- The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which increased in September, edged down in October to 105.4 (1985=100) from 105.9 in September.
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Franchising can be retail opportunity Susan Pyle Dickenson, Retail Editor - 10/01/2006
"What a great store... you should franchise." Ever hear that? Or think about it? Franchises play a big role in the home decorating industry, and the Internet makes it even easier to offer and explore new business opportunities in the field. There appears to be a fee structure and business model to match just about every pocketbook and energy level, evidenced by the rapid growth of Real Deals on...
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Pier 1 eliminates stock dividend 10/04/2006
FORT WORTH, Texas — Struggling retailer Pier 1 Imports announced Tuesday that its board of directors has voted to eliminate the company’s quarterly stock dividend.
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Lending retailers an idea Susan Pyle, Retail Editor - 08/01/2006
Last month, I dove into the editorial pool here at Home Accents Today, hoping to help fill the void left by Lisa Casinger's move to Kids Today. Much of my time thus far has been spent navigating the halls, escalators and showrooms of Atlanta's AmericasMart and the World Market Center in Las Vegas, where I've met talented designers, vendors and retailers.
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New Bailey Street CEO sees opportunities for growth Thomas Russell - 07/26/2006
AT THE MARKET — The new chairman and CEO of Bailey Street Holding Company is optimistic about the growth opportunities for the accent furniture company, which spun off from retailer The Bombay Company just over a year ago.
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David Stewart joins Bombay as CEO 06/06/2006
FORT WORTH, Texas (PR) -- David B. Stewart, former president of Blockbuster Video Canada, has been hired as CEO of The Bombay Co.
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Bombay CEO Carreker to step down June 3 05/16/2006
FORT WORTH, Texas -- James Carreker will step down as The Bombay Company’s CEO and will resign from the board when his contract expires on June 3, the specialty retailer said Monday.
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Wal-Mart pledges to help small retailers 04/05/2006
CHICAGO -- In a move bound to surprise many of the retailing giant's detractors, Wal-Mart today announced the launch of a program to help small business succeed when one of its big box stores opens up nearby.
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Staying in the race Lisa Casinger, Retail Editor - 03/01/2006
There's good news and bad news. The good news is the government reported Americans spent freely in January; retail sales jumped 2.2% according to the Commerce Department, the best showing since late 1999. Consumers took advantage of the warmest January on record by using their left-over gift cards, money they didn't have to spend on heating and end-of-year sales to scoop up clothes, furniture a...
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Health insurance By Lisa Casinger - 03/01/2006
One of the most coveted employee benefits, health care is becoming an issue retailers can no longer ignore. Consultants say avoid it at all costs, and from a numbers point of view they're right. But as retailers hope to woo and retain talented, quality employees they have to compete in a larger benefit arena.
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Let your star shine By Lisa Casinger - 02/01/2006
One of the cornerstones of great retailing centers on creativity. Independent retailers small and large across the country excel at inventive marketing and advertising efforts, head-turning in-store displays and out-of-the-box business ideas and Home Accents Today recognizes many of those retailers each month with profiles.
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Axelrod will leave Linens 'n Things 01/31/2006
CLIFTON, N.J. -- Norman Axelrod, who has been ceo of Linens 'n Things since 1988, will leave the company upon the expected mid-February consummation of its acquisition by Apollo Management.
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NRF predicts jolly holiday season 10/31/2005
Consumers will be feeling the spirit of the season when they hit the stores for their holiday shopping, according to the findings of the latest National Retail Federation survey.
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It's easy being green By Lisa Casinger - 08/01/2005
During a recent trip to Atlanta I visited a slew of great stores. Interestingly enough I found a common denominator among several of them, which ranged from predominantly gift stores to furniture and home accent to home and garden. The common denominator is green. Call it peridot, chartreuse, lime, Kelly or moss, it's green and these retailers created great displays with it.
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Extremely rewarding Lisa Casinger, Retail Editor - 04/01/2005
In case you haven't noticed, there's a new reality star on the horizon, and it's a perfect fit for our industry — Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. EM: HE, as its known on message boards across the Internet and throughout the TV industry, is well into its second season and aside from garnering an Emmy nomination, the show reaches at least 15 million viewers on ABC on Sunday nights, has land...
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Penguin peekaboo paying off for Arhaus Furniture Lisa Casinger, Retail Editor - 03/01/2005
Every once in a while you come across an ad or mailer that actually grabs your attention, like the latest catalog from Walton Hills, Ohio-based Arhaus Furniture. The front cover features a single black leather chair ... with a Magellanic penguin perched on top. The tag line is "Come in from the Cold.
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