| October 24, 2012 | News for the retail industry |
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- Apple debuts iPad with smaller screen
Apple unveiled its 7.9-inch iPad Mini on Tuesday, a tablet with a smaller screen that increases the need for retailers to find ways to optimize their sites for multiple screens. The new tablet is designed to compete with tablets from Amazon and Google, but comes with a higher price tag than the competitors' devices. The Wall Street Journal
(10/23), Internet Retailer
(10/23)     
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- Restoration Hardware to raise $120 million in IPO
Restoration Hardware expects to price its shares at between $22 and $24 when it goes public in an offering it expects to raise about $120 million. The share price puts the valuation of the 32-year-old retailer at about $850 million, almost five times the price equity firms paid to take it private in 2008. Reuters
(10/23)
- IKEA predicts strong sales growth by 2020
Sweden-based IKEA expects to expand its annual revenue about 85%, to a range of $58.8 billion to $65.3 billion, by the year 2020, the company said in a sustainability report released this week. The global furniture giant also plans to grow from 300 to 500 stores in the same period. The Wall Street Journal
(10/23)
| Retail Trends | | |
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- 20 retailers offer Passbook-enabled digital coupons
Coupons.com has debuted Passbook-enabled digital coupons from 20 major retailers including Macy's, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble and Sears. Customers can find and save the coupons on Coupons.com's website, and redeem them at checkout by bringing them up on their iPhones and letting cashiers scan the barcodes. TechCrunch
(10/23)
- Forecasts spell slower holiday growth for some categories
NRF expects holiday sales to grow 4.1% this year, and other groups have made similar predictions, but the growth won't come equally to all categories, experts say. Sales of toys, computer games and consumer electronics are likely to slow, and chains stressing everyday low prices may take a hit as shoppers hone their bargain-hunting skills. Time.com
(10/23)
| Retail Technology | | |
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- Isis mobile wallet hits test markets
The near field communication collaboration of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, a mobile wallet dubbed "Isis," is now being tested at hundreds of stores in Austin, Texas, and Salt Lake City. The service lets users wave their NFC-enabled mobile phones to pay for purchases at stores including Whole Foods, McDonald's, CVS and Home Depot. Fast Company online
(10/23)
| Policy & Government Affairs | | |
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- Fashion executives rate the presidential debates
Many fashion industry executives worry that taking a tougher stance with China could backfire but like what they heard from presidential candidates on taxes. “I think both President Obama and Gov. Romney have been supportive of the framework of tax reform,” said NRF's David French. “Both have acknowledged it is an important priority next year and…that the corporate tax rate is holding us back as a country.” Women's Wear Daily (subscription required)
(10/23)
| NRF News | | |
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- Survey: Online holiday promotions to meet demands of shoppers
Online retailers are ramping up their efforts to attract shoppers looking to get ahead of the expected holiday crowds with shipping deals and other exclusive online promotions, according to Shop.org’s 2012 eHoliday survey. Now in its tenth year, the survey provides an authoritative snapshot of online activities of both large and small retailers, as well as sentiments of online holiday shoppers. Read more.
- Main Street small business owner shares her retail story
For Kim Williams, owner of the Polka Dot Press in Tallahassee, Fla., working retail -- and owning a small business -- has always been a passion. But starting her stationery business was a gradual process, beginning in her dining room and selling online-only seven years ago and now to her newly expanded storefront on Main Street. In a recent interview, Williams explains how mentors in the industry fueled her passion and the biggest challenges when hiring for her store. Read more. Retail's BIG Blog
(10/24)
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- Starbucks invests in creating new crop of brand ambassadors
Starbucks spent $35 million on a recent "Leadership Lab" and conference for 9,600 store managers, an event aimed at telling the coffee brand's story and offering managers a chance to tell their own tales. It's the latest move in an ongoing strategy to engender a sense of ownership that translates into better customer service. Fast Company online
(10/22)
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| Position Title | Company Name | Location |
| The Divisional Merchandise Manager - Ladies | Stein Mart | Jacksonville, FL |
| Retail Associate Merchandise Manager | Hallmark | Kansas City, MO |
| Director of Merchandising - Factory House | Under Armour | Baltimore, MD |
| Sr. Food Buyer | 99¢ Only Stores | Los Angeles, CA |
| Sr. General Merchandise Buyer | 99¢ Only Stores | Los Angeles, CA |
| Advertising Manager | REI | Kent, WA |
| Sr. IT Internal Auditor | PetSmart | Phoenix, AZ |
| District Manager | Hallmark | New Orleans, LA |
| 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 |
| Selling Manager - Handbags | Saks Fifth Avenue | Palm Beach Gardens, FL |
| Associate Buyer | Floor and Decor | Smyrna, GA |
| Selling Manager - Women's Shoes | Saks Fifth Avenue | Atlanta, GA |
| Selling Manager - Men's | Saks Fifth Avenue | Short Hills, NJ |
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- Tuesday, October 23, 2012
- Monday, October 22, 2012
- Friday, October 19, 2012
- Thursday, October 18, 2012
- Wednesday, October 17, 2012
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Three in 10 online retailers said their free shipping offers will start earlier than last year. Source: 
