Articles By Jennifer Lynn

1. PetSmart’s Holiday Omni-Channel Focus Simplified Shopping 1/8/2014

   PetSmart is continuing to focus its omni-channel efforts to simplify the shopping experience for its customers, whenever and wherever they choose to engage. The company is employing e-commerce, e-influence, and building new capabilities in its strategy to meet this goal.

2. Whole Foods Plans 1,200 Store Expansion, Reports Strong Fourth Quarter 1/7/2014

   Whole Foods Market's has opened 12 new stores and plans to expand to 1,200 stores throughout the entire U.S. Whole Foods Market’s fourth quarter total sales reached a record $12.9 billion, an increase of 10 percent from the 53-week period last year and an increase of 13 percent on a comparative 52-week basis. "We reported record fourth quarter operating results which contributed to the best fiscal year performance in our Company's 35-year history," says John Mackey, cofounder and co-CEO of Whole Foods Market. Comparable store sales increased 6.9 percent, and identical store sales, excluding six relocations and four expansions, increased 6.6 percent.

3. GameStop New Software Sales Increase by 43% 12/26/2013

   Mobile and digital channel growth is expected to drive higher profitability for GameStop. The world’s largest multichannel video game retailer, reported its sales and earnings for the third quarter, which ended Nov. 2, 2013. During the quarter, sales of new software increased by 43.1 percent , driven by the strong performance of recently released new titles, such as Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V. New hardware sales grew 15.3 percent, led by strong sell-thru of Nintendo 2DS and 3DS. The console gaming market was faced with challenges in 2012. The company invested in mobile and digital business this year to position GameStop for future success.

4. Nordstrom Poised For Growth With Off-Price Division And Multi-Channel Focus 12/19/2013

   Nordstrom announced on Tuesday, Dec 10 its plans to expand its presence in New Jersey by opening a 32,155-square-foot Nordstrom Rack store at Livingston Center in Livingston, NJ. The new store, scheduled to open in autumn 2014, will be the third of its kind in the Garden State and feature the same multi-channel offerings as traditional Nordstrom stores.

5. Amazon-Focused Developers Rewarded With “Select” Program 12/19/2013

   Amazon launched Appstore Developer Select this year, a program for developers who optimize their apps and games for Amazon's Appstore and Fire OS. The program allows developers to leverage Amazon’s 500,000 ad impressions on the Amazon Mobile Ad Network. Developers also have access to Amazon Appstore Coins Reward. Amazon’s Appstore allows developers to distribute their apps and games to millions of Amazon customers in nearly 200 countries.

6. Third-Quarter Sales Surge At Michaels 12/18/2013

   Michaels, the first national craft store to carry the season's hottest kids' trend — the Rainbow Loom — reported its third-quarter financial results. For the quarter ending Nov. 2, Michael’s reports comparable sales increases of nearly 8 percent, the largest the retailer has seen since 2005. Gross profits climbed to $402 million, up nearly 13 percent against the same time frame of 2012, due to improved margins. The specialty retailer of arts and crafts credits the growth in sales to the Rainbow Loom, as well as digital intiatives

7. The Home Depot Expects Sales To Climb, Releases Mobile App 12/18/2013

   The Home Depot presented strategic priorities and financial targets at its 2013 Investor and Analyst Conference on Dec. 11, 2013 The company set the stage for a happy New Year with sales expected to grow by 5.6 percent, with earnings per share anticipated to climb by 24 percent to $3.72 per share for the year. Also, annual comparable store sales are estimated to increase by approximately 7.0 percent next year.

8. Walgreens Reaps The Benefits Of Boosted Promotions 12/17/2013

   Increases in promotional activity and loyalty programs elevate sales at the nation’s largest drugstore chain. The month of November was very friendly to Walgreens, as it is reporting sales of $6.07 billion for the month leading into the holiday shopping season. This marks an increase of more than 4 percent versus the same month last year. Fueling this sales growth is the company’s plan to increase promotional activity to boost in-store traffic and elevate comparable store sales, which it announced in June.

9. Gap Boosts Sales As It Focuses More On Customer Experience 12/16/2013

   Gap's “Reserve in Store” and “Ship from Store” seamlessly connect online to in-store inventory. The company reported its November 2013 net sales, which increased 8 percent compared with last year — beating sales forecasts. Net sales for the four-week period ending Nov. 30, 2013 were $1.63 billion compared with net sales of $1.52 billion for the four-week period ending Nov. 24, 2012.

10. Urban Outfitters Plans Global Expansion And Reports Record Profits 11/22/2013

    Urban Outfitters, including brands Free People and Anthropologie, reported record third quarter revenues and operating profits. The retailer reports profit increased by 18 percent and is planning global expansion of its stores. Urban Outfitters revenues increased by 12 percent for the quarter, resulting in a third quarter record of $774 million. The increase resulted from a comparable store sales increase of 7 percent. The company also opened 9 new stores during third quarter and renewed its focus on strengthening omni-channel initiatives.