| October 19, 2012 | News for the retail industry |
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- Layaway Secret Santas inspire Toys R Us to action
The layaway Santas who anonymously paid off people's holiday orders at retail chains across the country last year have inspired Toys R Us to donate $200 worth of toys each time one pays off a layaway order in one of the toy retailer's stores this year. The retailer also said Thursday that it will extend its free layaway program until Dec. 16. CNBC/Consumer Nation blog
(10/17)     
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| Industry Watch |  |  |
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- How Target has maintained its cool for 50 years
Target launched in 1962, the same year as Wal-Mart and Kmart, but with a different mission from its peers. Rather than try to beat them at the low-price game, the retailer focused on the "cool" factor. Since then, the retailer has succeeded by building its reputation for trendy-but-affordable fashions, home furnishings and other merchandise created in partnership with popular designers. Time.com
(10/17)
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Target enhances in-store experience with GPS, QR codes: Target will expand the use of QR codes and GPS navigation for the holiday shopping season. The top 20 toys -- and all of its shoe offerings -- will get a QR code for scanning by cellphones to connect shoppers to further information and online ordering. Free Wi-Fi will be available in all stores, and a select number will be outfitted with in-store navigation via GPS. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires
(10/18)
- Macy's targets millennials with 13 new brands
Macy's will add 13 new brands and expand lines from 10 more existing labels across all categories in its push to build its appeal with shoppers ages 13 to 30. Earlier this year, the department store said it would ramp up its efforts to appeal to the children and grandchildren of the baby boomers who now comprise its largest customer base. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required)
(10/18)
| Retail Trends | | |
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- Retailers take aim at online rivals with private labels
Retailers from Macy's to Family Dollar are fighting off the rising showrooming trend with private-label lines customers won't find anywhere else, industry experts say. "The need to aggressively innovate and develop recognizable brands has resulted in an increased focus on quickly, efficiently and effectively creating products," said Citi analyst Deborah Weinswig. Forbes
(10/18)
- J. Crew CEO urges would-be entrepreneurs to "be a contrarian"
It's much tougher for brands to stand out in today's world, where consumers all over the world have access to the same styles, so the best entrepreneurs will be the ones who find a way to be different, J. Crew Chairman and CEO Millard "Mickey" Drexler told would-be fashion entrepreneurs. Drexler joined other designers including Tory Burch and Calvin Klein for Martha Stewart’s inaugural American Made Awards, a two-day event at New York City's Grand Central Terminal. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required)
(10/18)
| Retail Technology | | |
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- Retailers make preparations for Cyber Monday
Online retailers are working to prepare their operations to handle spikes in demand on Cyber Monday, according to a new survey from cloud infrastructure provider Rackspace Hosting. Retailers are increasing capacity, redesigning websites and enhancing security features as part of their efforts to improve customer experiences. Forbes
(10/18)
| NRF News | | |
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- Make your voice heard: Why retailers will play a big role in Election 2012
Election Day is drawing near, and after a few debates, it has become clear that the onus is on Main Street to make the industry’s policy concerns known in Washington. In a post on Retail’s BIG Blog, NRF’s SVP of Government Relations David French explains that the perfect complement to the Federation’s efforts to drive retail’s public policy priorities in Washington is an informed, engaged and involved electorate -- and Retail Means Votes has all the resources retailers need to exercise their right to vote on November 6. Read more. Retail's BIG Blog
(10/4)
- How retailers can leverage pre-Black Friday promotions for deal-seeking shoppers
Driven by a sputtering economy, nearly 40% of parents with children under the age of 18 are beginning their holiday shopping before November, according to a study by RetailMeNot. In a new white paper posted in the Shop.org library, the company explains how retailers can create smart offer strategies to reduce shopping cart abandonment and positively influence brand loyalty for shoppers seeking Black Friday-like savings leading up to the holiday season. Download the white paper.
| Chain Restaurant News | | |
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- Chipotle's look inspires quickservice redesigns
Wendy's, Taco Bell and Sbarro are all debuting store redesigns inspired by the sleek, modern look pioneered by Chipotle. The chain's signature design was first seen in 1996 when architect Brand Gould designed Chipotle's second Denver store, using natural colors, wood, metal, concrete floors and exposed pipe. The Huffington Post
(10/17)
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| Position Title | Company Name | Location |
| Retail Associate Merchandise Manager | Hallmark | Kansas City, MO |
| The Divisional Merchandise Manager - Ladies | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, FL |
| Director of Merchandising - Factory House | Under Armour | Baltimore, MD |
| Sr. IT Internal Auditor | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ |
| Selling Manager - Handbags | Saks Fifth Avenue | Palm Beach Gardens, FL |
| Channel Sales and Business Development | SLI Systems | San Jose, CA |
| Sales Director - East Coast | SLI Systems | New York/New Jersey, NY |
| Market Development Representative | SLI Systems | San Jose, CA |
| SALES SUPPORT TEAM MANAGER | Saks Fifth Avenue | Birmingham, AL |
| Corporate Saks Fifth Avenue Recruiting Manager | Saks Fifth Avenue | Miami, FL |
| Associate Buyer | Floor and Decor | Smyrna, GA |
| Corporate Safety Manager | OfficeMax | Naperville, IL |
| RECRUITING MANAGER | Saks Fifth Avenue | Boca Raton, FL |
| Selling Manager - Women's Shoes | Saks Fifth Avenue | Atlanta, GA |
| Selling Manager - Men's | Saks Fifth Avenue | Short Hills, NJ |
| Sr. Food Buyer | 99¢ Only Stores | Los Angeles, CA |
| Sr. General Merchandise Buyer | 99¢ Only Stores | Los Angeles, CA |
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 | Not all those who wander are lost."
--J.R.R. Tolkien,
British writer, poet, philologist and professor
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| | Recent NRF SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, October 18, 2012
- Wednesday, October 17, 2012
- Tuesday, October 16, 2012
- Monday, October 15, 2012
- Friday, October 12, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Megan Conniff
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Shoppers will spend a combined $2.87 billion on Halloween costumes this year. Source: 
