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CHICAGO — Slightly more than one-quarter of shoppers anticipate they will be financially better off a year from now, up from the 22% who held this view one year ago, SymphonyIRI Group reported Tuesday in its second annual EconoLink survey. And 21% believe their financial positions will be worse a year from now, down from the nearly one-third of consumers who held that opinion last year at this time. 

NEW YORK — Only 58% of consumer packaged goods executives view dollar stores as a strategic channel, according to Deloitte’s new "Dollar Store Strategies for National Brands" study. Deloitte advises that CPG companies may not be keeping pace with the explosive growth of the $56 billion dollar store industry, and should act now to maximize market share and profits.

In other survey highlights:

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings now is offering its Kmart and Sears customers the option of ship-to-home delivery for items purchased through online layaway.

The new service, also available on store kiosks, now enables shoppers to select, purchase and have the items delivered directly to their homes, bypassing the layaway line altogether. Both retailers will begin the exclusive layaway ship-to-home service starting Nov. 7.

Sears has also joined Kmart in removing all layaway service fees both online and in-store leading up to the holiday season.

PURCHASE, N.Y., and QUINCY, Mass. — Coinstar announced that customers utilizing its service at Stop & Shop stores now have the option of placing the full value of their coins, without fees, onto a Stop & Shop gift card.

In addition, customers also have the option to select a gift card from a variety of national retailers and e-retailers. The gift cards are immediately activated and can be used the same day.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Mark Feldstein and Associates has introduced unique housewares and gifts in time for the holiday season.

• MFA said its Plant Pal moisture meter now is available in a snowman variety. Each meter features a moisture-sensing probe that measures moisture at a plant's root level to help prevent under- or over-watering. The Plant Pal carries a suggested retail price of $11.95;

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — 2012 was a tough year for Walgreens. The Chicagoland retailer took a stand against a major PBM and took it on the chin. But that entire time, while the company did what it thought was right to protect the value of the services it provides today, Walgreens continued to focus on developing a better retail pharmacy experience with many new product offerings and services that is setting the stage for tomorrow. Well Experience and flagship stores. Pharmacists practicing at the top of their license. Health ambassadors in the aisle. Fresh.

NEW YORK — Deloitte is forecasting holiday sales will increase between 3.5% and 4% as the economy's health and the presidential election take center stage among consumers this fall.

Despite some distractions this year, retailers should expect a modest increase in 2012 holiday sales, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday forecast release Tuesday morning.

The predictability of the chain store shopping experience has long been both a strength and weakness. The quality and experience may be predictably good, but can a shopper have a warm relationship with a store that treats everyone the same? 


Walgreens gets that. So it is transforming its relationship with its customers by getting to know their needs more closely. 


MINNEAPOLIS — Target customers who receive the retailer's mobile coupons now can access them on their iPhone or iPod Touch via Passbook.

"We're thrilled to bring our guests the ability to use Target mobile coupons via Passbook on their iPhone and iPod Touch," said Phil McKoy, VP Target.com and mobile experience. "Passbook marks an exciting step forward as Target continues to seek the most innovative ways to deliver a great shopping experience to our guests."

NEW YORK — While holiday retail sales will remain flat or only slightly up from last year, emerging consumer buying trends will have significant implications for retailers, according to a new survey from Booz & Co.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens over the weekend officially launched its customer loyalty program, which since Sept. 6 has garnered more than 1 million customers during an online-only, early-enrollment period.

“Our loyalty program is distinctive,” stated Graham Atkinson, Walgreens SVP and chief customer experience officer. “This comprehensive rewards program is one of Walgreens largest and most important programs in company history."

Balance Rewards offers three key benefits, all customized for the consumer: