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November 28, 2012
Exclusive: Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Who won the buzz?

The sales figures are in for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

NEW YORK — The sales figures are in for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Using a sophisticated social media analytics platform, SAP tracked consumer sentiment on these critical shopping days via Facebook, Twitter and 165 million other sites across the social web to identify patterns and uncover revealing shopper insights.

View SAP's sentiment-tracking infographic on our sister publication's Chain Store Age by clicking here.

November 28, 2012
Kiss My Face, CommonKindness.com partner to further fund charities

CommonKindness.com has launched printable coupons for Kiss My Face moisture shave and hair care products on its online coupon gallery.

SAN FRANCISCO — CommonKindness.com has launched printable coupons for Kiss My Face moisture shave and hair care products on its online coupon gallery. Along with other CommonKindness coupons, each Kiss My Face coupon that is redeemed at the register saves the shopper money and generates funds for the nonprofit organization of their choice.

November 27, 2012
Chase Holiday Pulse report: Cyber Monday online sales up 22% from last year

Cyber Monday continues its importance, driving a nearly 22% increase in year-over-year online sales, Chase reported Tuesday as part of its latest HolidayPulse report.

NEW YORK — Cyber Monday continues its importance, driving a nearly 22% increase in year-over-year online sales, Chase reported Tuesday as part of its latest Holiday Pulse report. Monday sales beat Sunday, the next highest day, by a margin of 26.7%.

November 27, 2012
P&G offers products to preserve aging hair

To help women counteract age-related changes to their hair, Proctor & Gamble has announced a new lines of Pantene products designed to improve the strength and diameter of their hair. A result of significant clinical research, P&G will offer shampoo, conditioner, masque and thickening treatment in their new Pantene Age-Defy line.

CINCINNATI, OH — To help women counteract age-related changes to their hair, Proctor & Gamble has announced a new line of Pantene products designed to improve the strength and diameter of their hair. A result of significant clinical research, P&G will offer shampoo, conditioner, a masque and a thickening treatment in their new Pantene Age-Defy line.

November 26, 2012
Retail foot traffic edges up on Black Friday, but sales decline slightly

Retailers saw increased foot traffic this Black Friday, but that didn't generate higher sales, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest counter of retail foot traffic.

CHICAGO — Retailers saw increased foot traffic this Black Friday, but that didn't generate higher sales, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest counter of retail foot traffic.

According to ShopperTrak's analysis, when compared to Black Friday 2011, retail foot traffic rose 3.5%, to more than 307.67 million store visits. However, retail sales decreased 1.8%, with shoppers spending an estimated $11.2 billion on Friday, compared to $11.4 billion last year.

November 21, 2012
Holiday Shopper Sentiment Report: Black Friday and Cyber Monday Consumer Face-Off 

NEW YORK — On Wednesday, November 28, chainstoreage.com will unveil an exclusive and revealing look at how shoppers felt—what turned them on and off—on two of the busiest and most critical retail days of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The Holiday Shopper Sentiment Report: Black Friday and Cyber Monday Consumer Face-Off by SAP will explore real-time trends and insights that will inform the next generation of retail.

November 21, 2012
Most adults plan to buy gifts on Black Friday weekend, but fiscal cliff casts shadow

More than half of U.S. adults plan to buy holiday gifts during Thanksgiving weekend, according to a new survey from the Consumer Electronics Association.

ARLINGTON, Va. — More than half of U.S. adults plan to buy holiday gifts during Thanksgiving weekend, according to a new survey from the Consumer Electronics Association.

The survey found that 60% will buy gifts during Black Friday weekend, with the average adult planning to spend $218 between Thursday and Monday, compared with $159 last year. At the same time, the "fiscal cliff" may affect their holiday spending. Overall, consumers plan to spend $842 on gifts this year.

November 20, 2012
Emphasizing lower sales prices may hint at lower quality for some consumers, study finds

While sale prices may attract many consumers to products, for others, they may denote lower quality, a new study suggests.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While sale prices may attract many consumers to products, for others, they may denote lower quality, a new study suggests.

The study, conducted by Vanderbilt University marketing professor Steve Posavac and others, and set for publication in the Journal of Consumer Research, found that consumers use a series of theories when considering the relationship between value and price.

November 20, 2012
Rite Aid gives customers head start on Black Friday shopping

Rite Aid is offering Black Friday discounts early at its stores, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering Black Friday discounts early at its stores this year.

The retail pharmacy chain said it would open its stores from at least 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and emailing Black Friday survival guides with shopping tips and savings to customers. The National Retail Federation predicts that 71 million shoppers will visit retailers over Black Friday weekend.

November 19, 2012
CVS/pharmacy gears up for holidays with Black Friday sales event

As the holiday shopping season officially kicks off, CVS/pharmacy has announced that it is offering shoppers deals on gifts both online and in-store on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Plus, additional savings and rewards are available for ExtraCare members.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As the holiday shopping season officially kicks off, CVS/pharmacy has announced that it is offering shoppers deals on gifts both online and in-store on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Plus, additional savings and rewards are available for ExtraCare members.

November 19, 2012
RetailMeNot launches new iPhone coupons app featuring location-based offers

RetailMeNot.com, the largest online coupon site in the U.S., has announced the launch of its newest iPhone Coupons app featuring location-specific coupons as well as expiring and new coupon notifications. These new features will allow consumers to find hundreds of deals at nearby malls this year making their holiday shopping that much easier.

RetailMeNot.com, the largest online coupon site in the United States, has announced the launch of its newest iPhone Coupons app featuring location-specific coupons, as well as expiring and new coupon notifications. These new features will allow consumers to find hundreds of deals at nearby malls this year, making their holiday shopping that much easier.

November 16, 2012
GNC product partner and AquaHydrate board member Mark Wahlberg heralds new sports drink distribution

In the wake of a summer rebranding campaign aimed at active, health-conscious consumers, AquaHydrate on Thursday announced expansion of its distribution through GNC.

LOS ANGELES — In the wake of a summer rebranding campaign aimed at active, health-conscious consumers, AquaHydrate on Thursday announced expansion of its distribution through GNC. 

The AquaHydrate line offers consumers "Supercharged Hydration," a combination of key electrolytes and alkalinity that helps restore balance to the body. While many sports and vitamin drinks hover around a 4 pH (relatively acidic) and most bottled water between 7 and 7.5 (pH neutral), AquaHydrate stands at a pH value of more than 9 (relatively alkaline).

November 16, 2012
Ibotta debuts new shopping app with opportunities for users to earn dollars at shelf

Ibotta on Friday officially launched its free mobile application for iPhone users that gives consumers a new way to earn as much as $40 in cash each time they shop.

DENVER — Ibotta on Friday officially launched its free mobile application for iPhone users that gives consumers a new way to earn as much as $40 in cash each time they shop. With Ibotta, consumers earn cash rewards for answering a trivia question, watching videos and/or providing feedback on their favorite products, then buying the products in major national retailers, such as Walmart, Target and Walgreens.  

November 16, 2012
New stomach remedy Di-Gel to provide New York Black Friday shoppers much needed relief

Di-Gel Products on Friday announced a "Di-Gel Comfort Zone" with complementary, clean restrooms will be established in downtown Manhattan the day after Thanksgiving to help alleviate some of the discomfort from Thanksgiving meals the day before and the long retail lines associated with Black Friday.

NEW YORK — Di-Gel Products on Friday announced a "Di-Gel Comfort Zone" with complementary, clean restrooms will be established in downtown Manhattan the day after Thanksgiving to help alleviate some of the discomfort from Thanksgiving meals the day before and the long retail lines associated with Black Friday. 

November 15, 2012
Neighborhood Market format revisited

When planning commission officials in Northwest Arkansas gave Walmart the go ahead for a 40,000-sq.-ft. store in Bentonville, Ark., back in 1998, it was the retail industry’s biggest story that year.


When planning commission officials in Northwest Arkansas gave Walmart the go ahead for a 40,000-sq.-ft. store in Bentonville, Ark., back in 1998, it was the retail industry’s biggest story that year.


November 14, 2012
Study: Retailers aim for consistent customer experience in holiday season

A majority of retailers say delivering a consistent customer experience is their top priority this holiday season, according to a new survey.

ATLANTA — A majority of retailers say delivering a consistent customer experience is their top priority this holiday season, according to a new survey.

Supply chain and retail technology provider RedPrairie released results of its "Holiday Hiring Snapshot" survey of 250 big-box, specialty, grocery, convenience store and food service retailers based in the United States, finding that nearly 60% cited the importance of consistency, with 29% saying they would hire more seasonal workers this year than last year.

November 13, 2012
FMI, GMA and NGA release universal digital coupon guidelines

The Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufacturers Association and National Grocers Association on Tuesday released guidelines designed to promote model practices in the “end-to-end” digital coupon process and reduce the incidence of coupon fraud.

WASHINGTON — The Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufacturers Association and National Grocers Association on Tuesday released guidelines designed to promote model practices in the “end-to-end” digital coupon process and reduce the incidence of coupon fraud.

November 13, 2012
Smartphones, social media and in-store customer service to play big roles in holiday shopping behavior

Smartphones may be among retailers’ strongest allies this holiday season, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday survey of consumer spending intentions and trends released Monday.

NEW YORK — Smartphones may be among retailers’ strongest allies this holiday season, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday survey of consumer spending intentions and trends released Monday.

November 6, 2012
P&G to provide showers, personal care kits and portable power to those impacted by Hurricane Sandy

In partnership with the American Red Cross, beginning Nov. 6, the P&G Mobile Relief Center will be stationed in Union Beach, N.J., to provide showers, personal care kits, household products — including Bounty, Charmin, Tide and Dawn — and baby products, including Pampers diapers and wipes, to victims of Hurricane Sandy, Procter & Gamble announced Monday.

UNION BEACH, N.J. — In partnership with the American Red Cross, beginning Nov. 6, the P&G Mobile Relief Center will be stationed in Union Beach, N.J., to provide showers, personal care kits, household products — including Bounty, Charmin, Tide and Dawn — and baby products, including Pampers diapers and wipes, to victims of Hurricane Sandy, Procter & Gamble announced Monday. This service will be free to all victims, responders and their families.

November 6, 2012
Strong 3Q, ability to retain ESI patients, finds CVS Caremark execs bullish

Coming off a strong third quarter, CVS Caremark executives expressed confidence that the company’s integrated retail/pharmacy benefit manager model and the unique programs and services it is able to deliver customers and clients are “making the difference,” president and CEO Larry Merlo told analysts during a Tuesday morning earnings call.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Coming off a strong third quarter, CVS Caremark executives expressed confidence that the company’s integrated retail/pharmacy benefit manager model and the unique programs and services it is able to deliver customers and clients are “making the difference,” president and CEO Larry Merlo told analysts during a Tuesday morning earnings call.

November 5, 2012
Lint-free laundry

Telebrands’ new Lint Lizard should be a hot holiday item. The 40-inch vacuum attachment is designed to specifically clean a clothes dryer’s lint catcher and outer vent. It attaches to almost any vacuum host and features a long, 
flexible neck. 


FAIRFIELD, N.J. — Telebrands’ new Lint Lizard should be a hot holiday item. The 40-inch vacuum attachment is designed to specifically clean a clothes dryer’s lint catcher and outer vent. It attaches to almost any vacuum host and features a long, 
flexible neck. 


Lint buildup can be a big problem for clothes dryers. Too much lint buildup can clog a dryer and cause its motor to burn out as the dryer is forced to work harder. Better cleaning allows a dryer to run more efficiently. The lizard retails for $10.99.

November 5, 2012
New product launches: Lessons for success

Products often fail before they ever find their way to market. Because our firm reviews more than 2,500 new health, beauty and wellness products, and sees approximately 13,000 packaging changes and line extensions annually, I’ve seen this firsthand.

Products often fail before they ever find their way to market. Because our firm reviews more than 2,500 new health, beauty and wellness products, and sees approximately 13,000 packaging changes and line extensions annually, I’ve seen this firsthand.

November 5, 2012
Walgreens launches environmentally friendly store brand Ology, formulated free of 'harmful chemicals'

Walgreens on Monday launched Ology, a nationally accessible and affordable brand formulated to be free of harmful chemicals.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday launched Ology, a nationally accessible and affordable brand formulated to be free of harmful chemicals. Exclusive to Walgreens' family of companies, the Ology brand features a line of baby and personal care products as well as household cleaners, the company stated.

November 2, 2012
Walgreens setting the stage to be an entirely different retailer; new magazine just a first step in that direction

Omni-channel retailing is so yesterday. Omni-national retailing is the space where Walgreens is looking to play, and this magazine is just one of the first examples of how retailing concepts from the Old Country will be imported from across the Pond and translated for the U.S. market.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens launches new biannual magazine showcasing private label, Balance Rewards deals. For the full story, click here.)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Omni-channel retailing is so yesterday. Omni-national retailing is the space where Walgreens is looking to play, and this magazine is just one of the first examples of how retailing concepts from the Old Country will be imported from across the Pond and translated for the U.S. market. 

November 1, 2012
Walgreens to host 'Senior Discount Day' with savings of up to 20% on store brand items

Walgreens on Wednesday announced that this Friday Nov. 2 the chain will host its first Senior Discount Day.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday announced that this Friday Nov. 2 the chain will host its first Senior Discount Day. All senior citizens over the age of 55 will receive 15% off eligible store items and 20% off eligible Walgreens, W Brand and Nice! products. 

Participants who simply reference the discount and present a valid ID, will receive the discount at any Walgreens and Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.