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American Greetings acquires 400 U.K.-based stores
June 7, 2012

Cleveland -- American Greetings said Thursday it has acquired 400 Clinton Card stores, a U.K.-based chain that was one of American Greetingโ€™s biggest customers. The struggling retailer had about 750 stores in the United Kingdom before being placed under administration last month. About 350 stores were closed and the remaining 400 will stay under administration, said American Greetings, and the other assets will be liquidated to pay off creditors.

Burberry Lets You Shop While You Watch Its Campaigns
June 7, 2012

The British label Burberry under the direction of Christopher Bailey is one-upping everybody else with its fall/winter 2012 campaign. Sure, there are the stunning photographs of Gabriella Wilde and Roo Panes by Mario Testino, London landmarks, fog, rain and all. And yes, there are the videos too-a series of small films that call to mind the brooding cinematography of The English Patient. But what sets these videos apart from the rest of the pack is that they are, to use the digital age's favorite marketing term, shoppable.

Men's Wearhouse lowers forecast as Q1 profit disappoints; on track to close nearly 50 stores
June 7, 2012

Houston -- The Menโ€™s Wearhouse reported Wednesday that net income for the first quarter dipped 2% to $26.9 million, dragged down by negative same-store sales at its K&G off-price unit. Its results missed expectations. Revenue rose 1% to $586.6 million, missing Wall Streetโ€™s forecasted $593.7 million in revenue. The company has lowered its second-quarter outlook, and said it remains on track to close as many as 47 Men's Wearhouse and Tux stores and two K&G locations during the currently fiscal year. It will open as many as 29 Men's Wearhouse stores, three Moores stores, and a K&G.

Claireโ€™s Stores Names Former Disney Store Executive as CEO
June 7, 2012

Claireโ€™s Stores Inc. has named James D. Fielding, former president of Disney Stores Worldwide, as CEO, effective June 18, 2012. Fielding, who resigned from Disney on Monday, will also join Claireโ€™s board of directors. โ€œI look forward to capitalizing on the many growth initiatives available to the company, including new stores, development of the Icing concept, continued international expansion in markets such as Mexico, India and China, and optimization of e-commerce,โ€ Fielding said in a statement. 

Can Samsung Compete With Apple's Retail Stores?
June 7, 2012

Samsung recently announced that it will open retail stores in Canada. Although Samsung has not announced an aggressive retail strategy yet, this is a sign that they are testing the markets to see if it is a viable option. Samsung expects the location in Burnaby, British Columbia, to offer hands-on training with products and demonstrations of product features.

Ann Taylor's Loft Sets Canadian Debut
June 7, 2012

Loft, a division of Ann Inc. โ€” formerly known as Ann Taylor โ€” will open its first Canadian location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, Ontario, in late 2012. "Canada represents a natural step as we move to expand internationally, and we are excited to open our first store outside the U.S. in such a vibrant city like Toronto," said Gary Muto, brand president.

Rite Aid comps increase 1.1% in May
June 7, 2012

CAMP HILL, Pa. โ€” Rite Aid's same-store sales increased by 1.1% in May, a lower-than-expected increase that may be due to underlying economic and industry factors. The results for the five weeks ended June 2 included a 1.3% increase in front-end comps and a 1% increase in pharmacy sales over May 2011. Same-store prescription count increased 2.6%. Total drug store sales for the period increased 0.3% to nearly $2.5 billion, compared with $2.45 billion in May 2011. Credit Suisse analyst Edward Kelly had projected that Rite Aid's comps would increased by 2% to 2.5%, thanks in part to continued

American Eagle Outfitters teams up with Shopkick
June 6, 2012

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters and Shopkick, the largest location-based shopping app that rewards shoppers simply for walking into stores, announced the national rollout of Shopkick to all American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie stores across the country. Customers will earn "kicks" (points) just for walking in, as well as receive a number of other exciting, exclusive offers throughout the stores. "Shopkick is an ideal partner for AEO as we strive to be an early adopter of technologies that matter to our customers," said Fred Grover, EVP of American Eagle Outfitters. "We are excited to expand our long-time partnership with

How Sephora Integrates Offline Into the Digital Mix
June 6, 2012

Global beauty retailer Sephora is taking the lead in integrating online and retail shopping experiences. As Sephora Direct senior vice president Julie Bornstein told Forbes last month, "lots of retailers are hesitant to bridge the online and offline world," but Sephora is embracing the opportunity.