Fast Food Quality Restaurant Service
Dec0
I'm taking away one star because the food was a little too salty for me. Although it was a little salty, the food was exceptionally delicious!
Instead of driving all the way to San Bruno to have yummy hummus and Chicken Shawerma, I decided to try Old Jerusalem at the recommendation of my coworker.
Came here with my sister and my friend. Sissy-poo ordered the regular hummus (the one with chunks of chick peas in it) and the falafels. I ordered the hummus with meat. Their pita bread was warm and yummy!
The pita bread comes with a plate of some kinda weird veggie and olives, two dipping sauces: one that's tomato-ish that reminds me of salsa or spaghetti sauce and another garlic-y sauce with parsley leaves...kinda like a spinach dip. Haha.....
My hummus was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to eat all of it like a piggie but decided to be nice and let my friend have half. Haha.....
My friend and I ordered the Chicken Shawerma plate with rice while my sister ordered the falafel wrap. My friend really liked the restaurant. It was our first time and we really liked it.
I think we'll go back for more. =) The only thing we didn't really like was that the restaurant was narrow and everyone felt like cramped sardines in a can. Plus, it took a while for our waters to be refilled since it was busy. Other than that....it was yummy. Parking can be a pain but it depends on what time you go.
Z Global Mart Top Retail News
Survey: Black Saturday sales up 1.5%
Chicago ( November 30, 2009 ) Retail spending continues to show the slightest improvement versus the same period in 2008, according to ShopperTrak’s National Retail Sales Estimate (NRSE).
ShopperTrak reported Black Friday/Black Saturday sales increased 0.9%, with daily sales posting $10.66 and $6.107 billion respectively, totaling $16.77 billion.
KFC launches ‘penny-per-calorie’ promo
Louisville, Ky. ( November 30, 2009 ) KFC is rolling out a new “penny-per-calorie” holiday promotion for its Kentucky Grilled Chicken combo meals.
The meals are now on sale at participating restaurants for $3.95. The meal contains 395 calories, according to the company.
Walgreens announces exec promotions
Deerfield, Ill. ( November 30, 2009 ) Walgreens announced that Laura K. Merten, currently Walgreens divisional VP health law, has been named divisional VP compliance, loss prevention and profit sharing. She replaces Chester G. Young, who is retiring at the end of January after 41 years with the company.
Merten will also replace Young as the company’s chief compliance officer while continuing her role as Walgreens privacy officer. She joined Walgreens as an attorney in the law department in 1988.
Best Buy expands mobile phone store format in shopping malls
Toronto ( November 30, 2009 ) Best Buy Canada has announced the opening of its newest Best Buy Mobile retail store at Toronto’s Dufferin Mall.
The stand-alone store location, which offers more than 100 handsets and six carriers to choose from, are staffed by non-commissioned mobile phone specialists that offer information on pricing in the same way the Best Buy Mobile store-within-a-store locations do across Canada, the company said.
Gerry Weber chooses Avery Dennison RFID solution
Framingham, Mass. ( November 30, 2009 ) Gerry Weber, a fashion and lifestyle retailer with 338 Houses of Gerry Weber stores and 1,400 shop-in-shop areas worldwide, will become the first German retail company to roll out RFID technology combining inventory management and loss prevention.
Gerry Weber will be using an RFID solution from Pasadena, Calif.-based Avery Dennison based in over 25 million garments a year through an RFID chip imbedded in a care label. This solution will optimize Gerry Weber logistics and retail processes, reduce theft and ensure stores are well stocked with popular items.
Survey: More consumers buying gift cards online
Portland, Maine ( November 30, 2009 ) More consumers are buying gift cards online instead of purchasing them in person, according to the Pre-Holiday Online Shopper Gift Card Survey, sponsored by CashStar.
In addition, the survey data revealed that 68% of online shoppers agree that buying a gift card online that can be sent via e-mail is more convenient than having plastic cards shipped to the gift-card recipient. Meanwhile, about 80% of online shoppers indicated that if their favorite store or restaurant offered a personalized online gift card on their site, they would be more likely to purchase an online gift card from that retailer.
Survey: Holiday advertising, marketing budgets flat
Chicago ( November 30, 2009 ) More than half (55%) of retailers said that their 2009 advertising budget is flat this holiday season, up from 43% in 2008, according to accounting and consulting organization BDO Seidman, LLP.
Only 19% of retailers have increased their advertising budgets this year, while one quarter (26%) of retailers cite budget reductions. Of the retailers who do not expect a turnaround until third quarter 2010 or later, 50% said their holiday marketing and advertising budget in 2009 is lower.
Guess earnings inch up in Q3
Los Angeles ( November 30, 2009 ) Guess reported net earnings of $64.1 million for its third quarter ending Oct. 31, a slight increase compared with $64.0 in the same period from the year before.
Total net revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 decreased 1.0% to $522.8 million, from $527.9 million in the prior-year quarter. The company’s retail stores in North America generated net revenue of $239.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, a 1.9% increase from $235.1 million in the same period a year ago.
Report: Cyber Monday traffic expected to be record high
New York City ( November 30, 2009 ) Nearly 100 million shoppers are projected to hit the Web on Monday to seek out discounted merchandise, according to a Dow Jones report.
The record 96.5 million online shoppers that are expected would top the 85 million visitors during last year’s Cyber Monday, according to Shop.org, which coined the phrase five years ago and has been tracking the day’s action since.
Amazon and Wal-Mart most visited sites on Black Friday
Seattle ( November 30, 2009 ) Amazon was the top visited retail Web site on Black Friday, receiving 13.55 % of U.S. visits among the top 500 retail Web sites, according to a report by HitWise. This is the second year in a row that Amazon was the top visited site on Black Friday.
Wal-Mart was the second most visited with 11.18 % of visits, followed by Target.com with 5.65%, BestBuy.com with 4.62%. followed by Sears with 2.95%.
7-Eleven taps Quality Sign for new signage
New York City ( November 30, 2009 ) 7-Eleven has selected Quality Sign Co., a national sign engineering and manufacturing company based in Jacksonville, Fla., to create signage for the chain’s new stores across the country. Quality Sign Co. will provide exterior double-faced pylon signs and wall signage, all lit exclusively with LED technology.
The use of LED lights will provide 7-Eleven stores with significant reductions in carbon footprint, estimated energy savings between 60% and 80%, an average one-year return on investment and minimized service requirements over the life of their signs.
Retail Eye Partners: Recap on Black Friday
New York City ( November 30, 2009 ) Retail Eye Partners offered a recap of Black Friday shopping in which it noted that over the weekend as a whole, shoppers still appeared very focused on purchasing only discounted and sale items (particularly advertised items). It saw little evidence of impulse and self-purchasing, with the exception of Uggs, which remain one of the few items shoppers are willing to buy now and at full price, according to Retail Eye Partners’ principals, Lisa Walters and Sapna Shah.
Family Dollar names SAS as IT Strategic Partner of the Year
Matthews, N.C. ( November 30, 2009 ) Family Dollar Stores Monday announced that software-development company SAS has been named IT Strategic Partner of the Year at the company’s annual IT Strategic Partner Summit. Joshua Jewett, Family Dollar senior VP, information technology and procurement, CIO presented the award to a representative of SAS.
“The work SAS has done through our Project Accelerate initiative as well as their partnership across people, process and technology make them a great choice for our first strategic partner of the year award,” said Jewett. “Our work with SAS and their commitment to Family Dollar has helped our team drive improved inventory productivity and greater financial returns.”
Food Lion Plan to Acquire Bi-Lo Unravels
25 Nov 2009, Delhaize banner Food Lion’s announced deal to acquire the majority of Bi-Lo’s assets for USD 425 million has lapsed after both retailers failed to submit a reorganization plan by November 20, 2009. Bi-Lo, which operates approximately 210 stores, will continue to operate as a standalone retailer with USD 350 million in additional funding from parent company Lone Star Funds. Food Lion has stated, however, that it is still interested in acquiring certain Bi-Lo assets if the opportunity arises.
J. Crew profit more than doubles in Q3; same-store sales up 8%
New York City ( November 25, 2009 ) J. Crew Group said Tuesday its profit more than doubled in the third quarter as sales rose by a double-digit percentage. The company earned $43.9 million in the quarter that ended Oct. 31, compared with $19 million a year earlier. The results beat expectations.
Revenue rose 14% to $414.1 million, from $363.1 million. Same-store sales climbed 8% at a time when many competitors are coping with declines.
Dress Barn closes deal to buy Tween Brands
Suffern, N.Y. ( November 25, 2009 ) Dress Barn completed its merger of Tween Brands on Wednesday, giving Tween shareholders 0.47 shares of Dress Barn stock for each share of Tween.
Tween Brands owns the Justice brand that caters to children from the ages of 7 to 14. It will now operate as a subsidiary of Dress Barn. Tween CEO Michael Rayden will run the unit and join Dress Barn’s board.
Kroger to offer its first Black Friday promotion
Cincinnati ( November 25, 2009 ) The nation’s largest traditional grocery chain is getting into the Black Friday shopping game.
Kroger Co. will give shoppers $10 back for every $100 worth of gift cards they buy at their stores for such retailers as Best Buy, Bass Pro Shops, Pottery Barn and Sears.
Penn Traffic to close 53 stores
( November 25, 2009 ) The Penn Traffic Co. has told New York officials it expects to close dozens of supermarkets in upstate New York and lay off more than 4,000 employees, Reuters reported.
The Syracuse-based supermarket chain’s layoff notice filed with the state Labor Department says it will close 53 P&C and Quality Markets in central and western New York by Feb. 15.
Report: Sam’s Club testing solar
New York City ( November 25, 2009 ) Sam’s Club is testing solar at five locations, according to Supermarket News. The wholesale club store also is looking into radiant flooring and energy-efficient refrigeration measures.
Additionally, Sam’s Club is doing three tests of carbon dioxide refrigeration systems that should help prevent the release of ozone into the atmosphere, the report said.
Saks and Microsoft team up for holiday displays
New York City ( November 25, 2009 ) Saks Fifth Avenue worked with Microsoft, combining fashion and technology to deliver the sixth annual Snowflake Spectacular display at Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York flagship.
The retailer is also using Microsoft’s latest version of its operating system, Windows 7, to power its holiday window displays. The system powers the unique displays and 3D animations behind the windows to tell the story of Saks’s holiday children’s book “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Flake,” the story of a snowflake named Twinkle.
Tiffany profit dips but raises full-year forecast
New York City ( November 25, 2009 ) Tiffany & Co. reported a larger-than-expected profit for the third quarter and raised its forecast for full-year earnings on the strength of its overseas sales and a solid start to the holiday season. Profit dipped 1% to $43.3 million, from $43.8 million a year ago. Sales for the quarter ended Oct. 31 fell 2.9% to $598.2 million.
The company’s sales showed double-digit growth in Asia and a slower rate of decline for the United States. Global same-store sales fell 6% during the quarter and were down 10% in the United States.
Starbucks puts priority on China
New York City ( November 25, 2009 ) China will become Starbucks Coffee Co.’s next major market after the United States in the near future, the firm’s China chairman said on Wednesday.
“It’s absolutely very, very important. This has really become our second home market,” said Wang Jinlong, the company’s head for Greater China, according to a Reuters report.
Three Walgreens board members to retire
Deerfield, Ill. ( November 25, 2009 ) Three members of Walgreens board of directors have announced plans to retire effective at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting on Jan. 13. Charles R. “Cork” Walgreen III, grandson of the company’s founder, will step down after serving on the board for 46 years.
Longstanding directors Cordell Reed and Marilou M. von Ferstel also will retire from the board in January.
Dollar General offers discount on volume toy purchases
Goodlettsville, Tenn. ( November 25, 2009 ) Dollar General is helping organizations give more this holiday season by offering a discount on bulk toy purchases. The company is giving customers a 10% discount on toy purchases of $250 or more.
The volume toy discount was developed to assist organizations with their holiday toy drives. As a longtime supporter of local toy drives, Dollar General stores will be hosting in-store toy drives to benefit children in the local community.
Restaurants eye holiday shoppers
WASHINGTON (Nov. 24, 2009) Restaurateurs are hoping that a projected increase in the number of shoppers seeking bargains over the upcoming Black Friday weekend will help to energize lagging foodservice sales.
But while larger crowds are expected to take to the retail aisles this holiday weekend, the general mood among recession-weary consumers still appears to one of frugality, experts say. A survey conducted for the National Retail Federation here predicts that 134 million people will go shopping this weekend, marking an increase over last year’s tally of 128 million.
Sears and Kmart celebrate Black Friday specials
HOFFMAN ESTATES , Ill. (Nov. 24) Sears and Kmart are celebrating Black Friday by hosting deals, extending store hours and offering convenient shopping options such as layaway. Sears is also taking featuring its ShopYourWay initiative and select Kmart stores will be open on Thanksgiving so that holiday shoppers can beat the Black Friday shopping rush.
Black Friday shoppers can take advantage of layaway, which is available both in store and online. Layaway enables customers to reserve gifts, including Black Friday deals, pay for them over time and pick them up right before the holidays.
Sears.com goes global
HOFFMAN ESTATES , Ill. (Nov. 24) Sears.com now offers international shipping to 90 countries. Customers can choose from over 300,000 products in a variety of categories including tools, children’s and infant
clothing, shoes, jewelry and home fashions and can have it delivered to locations all around the globe as Sears.com expands its reach to major markets such as the UK, France, Germany, Spain, China, India, Japan, Argentina and Brazil.
Dollar Tree reports increase in Q3, raises outlook
CHESAPEAKE , Va (Oct. 24) Dollar Tree reported increase in sales and earnings during third quarter ended Oct. 31 and raises outlook.
The company reported earnings per diluted share of 76 cents, for third quarter ended Oct. 31, an increase of 61.7% compared with the 47 cents earnings per diluted share reported for quarter ended Nov. 1 the prior year. Consolidated net sales for third quarter were $1.25 billion, a 12.1% increase compared with $1.11 billion reported for quarter ended Nov. 1 the prior year. Comparable-store sales increased 6.5% for the quarter.
Target.com launches Thanksgiving and Cyber Week deals
MINNEAPOLIS , Minn. (Nov. 24) Target.com is hosting its first-ever, one-day-only online sale on Thanksgiving Day, as well as offering discounts and free shipping on items across the site throughout the season, including Cyber Week which begins Sunday, Nov. 29.
This year, not only will guests be able to prepare for Target’s in-store 2-Day Sale, they can get a jump start on their holiday shopping with exclusive Web-only deals during the first-ever Thanksgiving Day Online-Only Sale
Consumer confidence shows improvement
New York City ( November 24, 2009 ) The Conference Board released its November 2009 Consumer Confidence Index on Tuesday, which showed a slight increase from 48.7 to 49.5. The Index is still well below its September score of 53.4.
The Present Situation Index remained virtually unchanged, while the forward-looking Expectations Index edged up.
Sobeys releases sustainability report
Stellarton, Nova Scotia ( November 24, 2009 ) Sobeys has established new targets to reduce greenhouse gases and waste production as part of its first annual sustainability report, the footwear retailer said Monday.
According to a report by Supermarket News, Sobeys has outlined its long-term sustainability strategy, including new targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% and total waste production by 30% by 2013.
Most companies open to rehiring laid-off workers
( November 24, 2009 ) A study released Tuesday by Right Management has found that organizations are rehiring former employees because they are familiar with the job and understand the culture.
Only 10% of more than 1,000 employers surveyed said they don’t rehire past employees.
Survey: Weekly sales rise from year ago
New York City ( November 24, 2009 ) A report released Tuesday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs found that chain-store sales for the week ended Nov. 21 rose 3.3% from the year-earlier period.
On a week-over-week basis, sales were unchanged.
Bi-Lo, creditors file reorganization plans
Greenville, N.C. ( November 24, 2009 ) Bi-Lo LLC and its creditors have separately filed official plans of reorganization in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Greenville, S.C., according to a report by Supermarket News.
Both Bi-Lo’s plan — sponsored by its owner, Lone Star Funds — and the creditor’s committee plan contemplate Bi-Lo continuing to operate as a going concern with a new infusion of cash, but they differ on how the retailer would manage potential litigation.
Signet Jewelers narrows loss in Q3
New York City ( November 24, 2009 ) Signet Jewelers, the parent of Kay Jewelers, said Tuesday it posted a smaller third-quarter loss as the jeweler cut costs and gained market share.
For the period ended Oct. 31, the company posted a loss of $7 million, compared to a loss of $15.1 million a year ago. Revenue declined to $613.7 million from $629.3 million, as same-store sales declined 1.9%.
Saks announces amended/restated revolving credit facility
New York City ( November 24, 2009 ) Saks said Tuesday it has entered into an amended and restated revolving credit agreement, extending the maturity date to November 22, 2013.
The maximum committed borrowing capacity of the amended facility remains at $500 million.
Amazon and Wal-Mart heat up price wars
New York City ( November 24, 2009 ) According to a report in Tuesday’s New York Times, in what is emerging as one of the main story lines of the 2009 post-recession shopping season, Wal-Mart and Amazon.com
are waging an online price war that is spreading through product areas such as books, movies, toys and electronics.
NRF: Proposed fed rules threaten instant credit
Washington, D.C. ( November 24, 2009 ) The National Retail Federation said Tuesday it has asked the Federal Reserve to reconsider proposed new rules that threaten retailers’ ability to offer customers instant credit.
“The proposed rule would curtail or eliminate many routine credit granting practices that are safe, valued and desired by both retailers and our customers,” NRF senior VP and general counsel Mallory Duncan said. “The effect of the proposed language would be much more disruptive than we believe was ever intended or envisioned by Congress.”
Report: Year-over-year retail sales up 0.9% for week ending Nov. 21
Chicago ( November 24, 2009 ) ShopperTrak’s National Retail Sales Estimate reported Tuesday that year-over-year GAFO (general merchandise, apparel, furniture, sporting goods, electronics, hobby, books and other related store sales) retail sales increased 0.9% for the week ending Nov. 21.
Sales edged up 0.2% versus the previous week ending Nov. 14.
Report: Consumers are increasingly green
New York City ( November 24, 2009 ) A new study suggests it would be a big mistake to interpret reduced sales as reduced interest in the environment, according to a report by Marketing Daily.
In fact, according to new research from GfK Roper Consulting, there’s been little change in consumers’ commitment to the environment — just a big shift in how they approach it, replacing idealism with hard-boiled pragmatism.
Kroger to roll out Murray’s Cheese Shops
Cincinnati ( November 24, 2009 ) The Kroger Co. said Tuesday it has expanded its partnership with Murray’s Cheese, a New York-based cheese importer and retailer, contracting to open 50 additional branded Murray’s store-within-a-store locations in its supermarkets over the next three years.
According to a report by Supermarket News, the decision to expand the partnership with Murray’s was spurred by the success of the first three locations, which were opened as part of a pilot test almost a year and a half ago in the Cincinnati market.
Report: Retail sales stable entering holiday season
Purchase, N.Y. ( November 24, 2009 ) MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse, a macroeconomic report tracking national retail and service sales, on Tuesday provided summary results for the first half of the month, through Nov. 14.
The report found that retail sales were generally stable leading up to the holiday season, although some apparel sectors were showing mild year-over-year declines after the relatively strong showing in October.
McDonald’s greens logo in Europe
Oak Brook, Ill. ( November 24, 2009 ) McDonald’s Corp. said Monday it is swapping its traditional red backdrop for a deep hunter green to promote a more eco-friendly image in Europe.
According to the quick-serve chain, about 100 German McDonald’s restaurants will make the change by the end of 2009. Some franchises in Great Britain and France have already started using the new color scheme.
Genesco reports Q3 profit lift
Nashville, Tenn. ( November 24, 2009 ) Genesco on Tuesday reported earnings of $11.5 million for the third quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with earnings $9.0 million in the year-ago period.
Sales for the quarter were $390 million, essentially even with the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Comparable-store sales decreased by 2%. By division, comp sales in the Journeys Group dipped 2%, the Hat World Group increased 1%, Underground Station decreased 6%, and Johnston & Murphy Retail decreased 2%.
DSW increases profits in Q3
Columbus, Ohio ( November 24, 2009 ) Footwear retailer DSW said Tuesday it generated net income in the third quarter ended Oct. 31 of $26.6 million, compared with net income of $13.2 million in the year-ago period.
Sales for the quarter were $444.6 million, up from $391.4 million. Same-store sales increased 8.7% versus a decrease of 4.1% last year.
Retail container volume could see increases in 2010
Washington, D.C. ( November 24, 2009 ) The monthly Port Tracker report released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation and HIS Global Insight suggested that import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports could see its first year-over-year increases in more than two years, beginning in early 2010.
“This could be the turnaround we’ve been waiting to see for a long time,” NRF VP supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold said. “There’s not enough data yet to establish a clear trend, but we’re hopeful that this is a sign of recovery.”
Report: Women are starting to buy new clothes again
San Francisco ( November 24, 2009 ) The nation’s women are wearying of their old wardrobes and are starting to freshen their attire with new purchases, according to a report by Reuters,
Bucking the existing trend to forego clothing purchases in a tight economy, an increasing number of U.S. women are opting to replenish their closets thanks to better consumer confidence, good bargains and improved fall fashions.
Walgreens names HR, communications execs
Deerfield, Ill. ( November 24, 2009 ) Walgreens announced late Monday it has appointed Kathleen Wilson-Thompson to the position of senior VP and chief human resources officer, and Charles V. Greener has been named to the new position of VP corporate affairs and communications.
They will join the company on Jan. 4.
Fred’s profit drops 17% in Q3
Memphis, Tenn. ( November 24, 2009 ) Fred’s said Tuesday its profit for the quarter ended Oct. 31 dropped to $5 million, from $6.1 million a year ago. The general-merchandise retailer cited significant increases in promotional programs and associated expenses as the reason for the 17% decline in earnings.
Fred’s total sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 increased 1% to $422.4 million, from $418.0 million for the same period last year. Comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 1.0%, compared with a 1.4% increase in the third quarter last year.
Citi Trends swings to profit third quarter, beats Street
Savannah, Ga. ( November 24, 2009 ) Value apparel retailer Citi Trends reported Tuesday net income of $606,000 for the quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with a loss of $687,000 in the year-ago period.
Third-quarter sales increased 21.4% to $127.4 million; Comparable-store sales increased 6.3%.
American Eagle Q3 profit lifts despite sales drop
Pittsburgh ( November 24, 2009 ) American Eagle Outfitters said Tuesday that its profit grew to $59.2 million for the third quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with a profit of $42.6 million in the year-ago period.
Sales in the quarter dipped 1% to $749 million from $754 million. Comparable-store sales dropped 4%.
Survey: Black Friday bargains could draw up to 134 million shoppers
Washington, D.C. ( November 24, 2009 ) A new survey released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation found that, with many Americans eager to get their hands on discounted toys, outerwear, books, and even flat-screen TVs, retailers could see shopping levels over Black Friday weekend rise from last year.
According to a preliminary Black Friday shopping survey, conducted for the NRF by BIGresearch, up to 134 million people will shop this Friday, Saturday or Sunday, higher than the 128 million people who planned to do so last year.
Book category continues to suffer in downturn
New York City ( November 24, 2009 ) The country’s two major booksellers reported quarterly results on Tuesday, and the picture wasn’t rosy. Barnes & Noble reported a second-quarter loss of $24 million, widened from a loss of $18 million a year ago. Included in the net loss were one-time transaction expenses of $0.13 per share associated with the college acquisition.
Barnes & Noble lowered its guidance due to expected weak holiday sales and higher-than-expected costs to ramp up production of its electronic book reader, the Nook. The company also noted it is increasing future investments related to its digital strategy, including additional people, technology and in-store marketing support. Total sales for the quarter ended Oct. 31 were $1.2 billion, a 4% increase over the year-ago period.
Zale loss widens in Q1, still beats Street
Dallas ( November 24, 2009 ) Zale Corp. reported Tuesday that it lost $57.6 million in the fiscal first quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with a loss of $48.4 million in the year-ago period.
The jewelry retailer also saw revenues sag 9.6%, dropping to $329 million for the quarter, compared with $364 million in the prior year. Comp-store sales declined 6.8%. Analysts, on average, estimated sales of $319.2 million. Zale has closed a total of 209 retail locations since Oct. 31, 2008.
Heir to Gucci empire reveals plan to focus on consumer, luxury brands
Paris ( November 24, 2009 ) The son of French billionaire Francois Pinault, owner of Italian fashion house Gucci NV, said he is stripping the company of its once-core French retail business in order to focus entirely on global consumer and luxury brands, such as its high-end Yves Saint Laurent and mass-market Puma labels.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, PR chief Francois-Henri Pinault, with wife actress Salma Hayek, is embarking upon a new plan to sell the company’s European retail divisions, including the popular electronics retailer Fnac and the Conforama discount furniture stores.
Restaurants ready to kick off holiday season
(Nov. 23, 2009) As families nationwide gear up for Thanksgiving and the following long weekend, restaurateurs also gear up for such holiday offerings as large catering orders and special menus or deals. Preparing for a slight uptick in guest traffic from the doldrums of last year may also be on the menu for some operators.
Total Thanksgiving travel is projected to increase slightly this year, with 38.4 million people expected to travel 50 or more miles away from home, according to AAA projections. That is a 1.4-percent increase from the 37.8 million people who traveled last year. Still, this year’s Thanksgiving travel compares with Thanksgiving 2008, which saw a substantial 25.2-percent drop in travel amid the housing and financial crisis.
Borders names new SVP marketing
ANN ARBOR , Mich. (Nov. 23) Borders Group has appointed Bill Dandy SVP marketing.
According to the company, Dandy has more than 20 years of retail experience, serving in marketing and operations leadership roles for several multi-billion-dollar retail organizations. Most recently, he served for three years as EVP, marketing, for Mattress Firm. Prior to that, Dandy served as chief marketing officer for $2.3 billion retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Walgreens unveils redesigned Web site with enhanced health, mobile options
DEERFIELD , Ill. (Nov. 23) Walgreens Monday unveiled a redesigned Web site with a broader offering of healthy living and product resources, and more shopping tools and services that the company said will make it easier for customers to shop online.
The relaunch of Walgreens.com has been a prime objective for the 7,105-store drug chain, in line with a top-to-bottom overhaul of its retail health mission, customer-centric merchandising presentation and go-to-market strategy. The new Web site is designed to make it easier for customers manage their prescriptions online, and features “a selection of interactive tools to help consumers better understand and monitor their health,” the company said today. The site also offers photo service enhancements and new mobile applications, Walgreens announced.
Report: 7-Eleven to add 550 stores during next three years
New York City ( November 23, 2009 ) 7-Eleven will add more than 75 stores in North Texas during the next three years as part of a nationwide fast-track plan fueled by opportunities created by the downturn in the commercial real estate market, The Dallas Business Journal reported.
The chain will add 550 stores nationwide and about 4,000 worldwide during the same period, CEO Joe DePinto said in the report.
Nordstrom to open first N.C. Rack store
Durham, N.C. ( November 23, 2009 ) Nordstrom will open its first Rack location in the state of North Carolina in fall 2010.
The new 33,000-sq.-ft. Rack location is slated to open in Durham’s Renaissance Center shopping center, between Cost Plus World Market and Pier 1 Imports.
rue21 adds board member
Pittsburgh ( November 23, 2009 ) rue21 announced that Arnold S. Barron, former senior executive VP, group president of The TJX Cos., has been appointed to serve as an independent member of the company’s board of directors.
Barron fills a directorship vacated by Mark F. Darrel, who resigned on Nov. 20. With this appointment, rue21’s Board of Directors remains composed of five members.
Amazon.com launches Black Friday site
Seattle ( November 23, 2009 ) Amazon.com has launched a Black Friday Deals page at amazon.com/blackfriday.
The Black Friday page offers information on the company’s Black Friday Deals Week offered now through Nov. 30. It will also feature limited-time Lightning Deals with doorbuster-level discounts.
J.C. Penney extends Cyber Monday deals
Plano, Texas ( November 23, 2009 ) J. C. Penney Co. said it plans to offer its Cyber Monday online specials an entire day earlier this year, making Nov. 29 to Nov. 30, the biggest cyber sale in the company’s history.
The two-day online sale will feature special offers — exclusive to jcp.com — on more than 30,000 items.
Peet’s increases bid for Diedrich Coffee
Seattle ( November 23, 2009 ) Peet’s Coffee & Tea has increased its offer to buy Diedrich Coffee by 24% to about $265 million. The move follows a rival bid from Vermont’s Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, according to a Reuters report.
Peet’s offer is a $32 a share in cash and stock. Meanwhile, Green Mountain is offering $30 a share in cash for Diedrich Coffee.
Blockbuster stock below NYSE standards
DALLAS (Nov. 23) Blockbuster announced that it was notified by the New York Stock Exchange that it is not currently in compliance with the NYSE’s continued listing standard that requires the average closing price of the company’s common stock be no less than $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30 trading-day period.
Blockbuster will have six months from the date of notice to bring its share price and average price back to or above $1.00, as is required under NYSE rules. During this time the Blockbuster’s common stock will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE, subject to compliance with other NYSE continued listing requirements. If the company has not resolved price condition deficiency by the end of the cure period, its common stock would be subject to delisting by the NYSE.
Panda Express selects in-store background music provider
La Jolla, Calif. ( November 23, 2009 ) Panda Restaurant Group is deploying an in-store music and messaging solution from Trusonic, a provider of Internet-delivered music and messaging services for retail stores and restaurants.
To enhance its in-restaurant experience, Panda Express will draw on Trusonic’s catalogue of directly licensed artists and major-label artists, which includes music selections from around the world and specifically with an Asian theme. Trusonic’s third-generation energy-efficient media player enables Panda Express to customize and audit their music and messaging across each of their locations through a simple Web interface.
Whole Foods gives incentive for workers to lose weight
Austin, Texas ( November 23, 2009 ) Whole Foods Market plans to give discounts to employees who lose weight and improve their health, according to a Bloomberg report.
Workers will receive discounts of 20%, rising to 30%, based on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body-mass index and whether they smoke or not. The program is voluntary and begins in January.
Build-A-Bear to air TV special
St. Louis ( November 23, 2009 ) Build-A-Bear Workshop will have its signature animals come to life on television in a one-hour feature movie Tuesday on ABC Family.
“Holly and Hal Moose: An Uplifting Christmas Adventure” will air at 7 p.m. EST and is the latest addition to a variety of new promotions the company is rolling out to stem losses and boost sales.
Books-A-Million posts smaller Q3 loss
Birmingham, Ala. ( November 23, 2009 ) Books-A-Million said Thursday it posted a smaller third-quarter loss due to sequential improvement of same-store sales, as well as growth in bargain books.
The company posted a smaller loss of $1.6 million, compared with a loss of $2.2 million a year ago.
Conference Board Survey: Holiday shoppers in frugal mood
New York City ( November 23, 2009 ) U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $390 on Christmas gifts this holiday season, down from last year’s estimate of $418, The Conference Board said Monday.
The survey of Christmas gift spending intentions covers a nationally representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households. It was conducted for The Conference Board in November by TNS, the world’s largest custom research company.
Blockbuster to combine Class A and Class B stock
Dallas ( November 23, 2009 ) Blockbuster said Friday it plans to combine its Class A and Class B common shares after receiving notice its stock didn’t comply with the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards.
The struggling movie-rental retailer said the combination will improve the company’s stock liquidity and eliminate confusion about the differences between the two classes of stock.
Casey’s expands in Missouri
New York City ( November 23, 2009 ) Casey’s General Stores has agreed to buy nine convenience stores in Missouri owned by PICS Marketing and Ridgerunner Properties LLC for an undisclosed amount.
Casey’s operates more than 60 locations in the St. Louis metropolitan area, primarily in outlying counties. The deal is expected to close Dec. 14.
Report: Black Friday performance may not translate into retail comeback
Chicago ( November 23, 2009 ) Industry experts expect a strong turnout on Black Friday as deep discounts lure shoppers after more than a year of subdued spending. But they caution it will not mean a bumper holiday season.
Lowe’s announces executive promotion
Mooresville, N.C. ( November 20, 2009 ) Lowe’s Cos. announced Friday it has promoted Todd I. Woods to senior VP, deputy general counsel and assistant secretary.
Woods joined Lowe’s in 2002, most recently serving as VP, associate general counsel and assistant secretary to Lowe’s and many of its subsidiaries.
Hibbett Sports reports Q3 profit rise of 15%, beats Street
Birmingham, Ala. ( November 20, 2009 ) Sporting-goods retailer Hibbett Sports said late Thursday its profit surged 15% in the third quarter as sales rose and expenses were contained.
The company earned $8.8 million in the quarter ended Oct. 31, up $7.7 million a year earlier. Revenue rose 4% to $145.9 million from $140.1 million. Analysts had expected $144 million.
Kirkland’s swings to profit in Q3
Nashville, Tenn. ( November 20, 2009 ) Kirkland’s said Friday it returned to a profit in the third quarter, helped in part by fewer markdowns and increased traffic.
Kirkland’s earned $5.6 million, compared with a loss of $1.5 million in the year-ago period. Revenue for the three months ended Oct. 31 rose 8% to $92.4 million from $85.9 million. Same-store sales increased 11.3% in the quarter.
NRF: Senate healthcare reform bill will threaten retail jobs
Washington, D.C. ( November 20, 2009 ) The National Retail Federation said Friday it is disappointed in the Senate healthcare reform bill introduced by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
“This bill will not deliver the lower-cost and better-quality healthcare and insurance coverage that retailers have called for,” NRF VP and employee benefits policy counsel Neil Trautwein said. “In fact, it will increase costs and threaten retail jobs. The Senate should go back to the drawing board.”
eBay opens pop-up in Manhattan
New York City ( November 20, 2009 ) Online auction site eBay has opened a pop-up store on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
According to the company, the 5,500-sq.-ft. pop-up location gives shoppers the chance to browse a sampling of 400 holiday products available from almost 200 million product listings on eBay — including everything from Zhu Zhu Pets to diamond rings. Shoppers can then purchase their favorite holiday gifts online from eBay sellers via touchscreen kiosks at the pop-up location or through eBay’s iPhone application.
Best Buy relocating Baltimore-area store
Minneapolis ( November 20, 2009 ) Best Buy Co. said Friday it is moving into the Chesapeake Square shopping center in Glen Burnie, Md., and is slated to open the relocated store in January.
According to a report by the Baltimore Business Journal, the retailer signed a lease this week for 40,000 sq. ft. in the shopping center for 10 years with options to extend the lease, taking over the space from a Mars supermarket.
Report: Whole Food to avoid big acquisitions
New York City ( November 20, 2009 ) Whole Foods CEO John Mackey said he would consider only smaller acquisitions going forward, according to Bloomberg News.
“I don’t want to make any acquisition that requires the government to approve it ever again,” Mackey said in the report. “Mom-and-pop-type chains will be the type of acquisitions we do in the future. I don’t anticipate any large acquisitions.”
Ann Taylor swings to profit amid lower costs
New York City ( November 20, 2009 ) AnnTaylor Stores Corp. on Friday reported a third-quarter profit as it cut costs and booked lower restructuring charges than it did a year ago.
The company earned $2.1 million for the quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with a year-ago loss of $13.4 million.
Gap profit soars 25% in quarter, plans for promotional holiday
San Francisco ( November 20, 2009 ) Gap’s profit climbed 25% compared with last year, fueled by inventory controls and strong sales at its value-oriented Old Navy division.
Gap earned $307 million during the three-month period that ended Oct. 31, versus a profit of $246 million a year earlier. Sales climbed 0.8% to $3.59 billion. It was the company’s first quarterly sales increase since early 2007.
Hudson’s Bay Co. taps QuantiSense to improve retail analytics
Atlanta ( November 20, 2009 ) QuantiSense announced that Hudson’s Bay Co. has selected its retail analytics and business-intelligence application to help standardize the company’s enterprise-wide approach to inventory accounting.
Hudson’s Bay Co. is Canada’s largest diversified general merchandise retailer with more than 600 retail locations across the country under the banners Zellers, the Bay, Home Outfitters and Fields. The company’s North American parent company, Hudson’s Bay Trading Co. (HBTC), owns and operates Lord & Taylor, the well-known department store located in fine malls across the United States.
Report: Burkle buys large share of Barneys
New York City ( November 20, 2009 ) Supermarket mogul Ron Burkle and his investment arm, Yucaipa, have purchased a large amount of U.S. luxury retail chain Barneys New York’s debt, the Wall Street Journal said.
Citigroup sold a big part of Barneys’ secured term loan to Burkle at about 60 cents on the dollar, the report said. Yucaipa also bought a big part of Barneys’ subordinated debt, the paper cited one person familiar with the matter as saying.
Papa Murphy’s up for sale
November 20, 2009, Papa Murphy’s International, the thriving Vancouver-based chain of take-and-bake pizza restaurants, is for sale.
Charlesbank Capital Partners LLC has engaged San Francisco-based North Point Advisors to shop the company to prospective buyers five years after it bought the company. Officials at Boston-based Charlesbank and North Point couldn’t be reached to comment on the terms under which Papa Murphy’s is being offered.
Pizza Hut incentives on Plano’s agenda
November 20, 2009 , Pizza Hut is considering building a new corporate headquarters in the Legacy business park in West Plano, moving at least 450 high-paying jobs to a city that’s been highly successful at luring corporations in the past year.
The Plano City Council will vote Monday on a $2 million-plus economic incentive package designed to seal the deal with Pizza Hut of America Inc., according to an agenda posted Friday afternoon on the city’s Web site.
BJ’s Restaurant CEO creates scholarship program at UTSA
November 20, 2009, BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse has committed $50,000 in scholarship money benefitting business students enrolled in the University of Texas at San Antonio’s (UTSA) Honors College.
The scholarship is led by UTSA alumnus and San Antonio native Jerry Deitchle. Deitchle, now serves as chairman, president and CEO of Huntington Beach, Calif.-based BJ’s Restaurants Inc. — a casual dining company which entered San Antonio in 2008.