Amazon entered the fast-growing Indian ecommerce market with Junglee.com.  To start with, this shopping website will offer over 12 million products that include 14,000 Indian and global brands and the top-selling Kindle e-reader.  Amazon first fulfillment centers in India will also be set up to support Junglee.com.

Amazon is enthused to compete with the likes of Flipkart, India’s largest online bookseller, and other Indian online retailers.  Amazon vice president Amit Agarwal states: “We are excited to give customers in India a single online starting point where they can shop a wide selection of products sold by local and global retailers, and make informed purchasing decisions.”

Amazon.com announced its new Sports Collectibles Store, offering its customers with an organized, condition-rated, and authenticated selection of sports memorabilia from the professional U.S. football, baseball, basketball, and hockey leagues.  These collectibles are available on www.amazon.com/sportscollectibles.

 Total Company Financial Results Highlights – Q4

For fourth quarter ending December 31, 2011, Amazon.com reported net sales of USD 17.43 billion, up 35% (or 37% excluding foreign exchange rate) from USD 12.95 billion in this period last year.  Earnings were negatively affected by investment in the AWS infrastructure, digital media content for such as streaming video and e-book titles, fulfillment, and marketing.

• Net income decreased 58% to USD 177 million, compared to USD 416 million for the same period in 2011.
• Operating income was USD 260 million, compared to USD 474 million for the same period in 2011. 
• Free cash flow decreased 17% to USD 2.09 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared to USD 2.52 billion for the previous period.

Segment Financial Highlights – Q4

• The North American segment, including Canada and the US, reported sales rose 37% this quarter to USD 9.90 billion.  By category, segment sales and growth YoY:
  • Media: USD 2.56 billion, 8%
  • Electronics and general merchandise: USD 6.88 billion, 51%
  • Other: USD 459 million, 62%
• The International segment, including the UK, German, Japanese, French, Chinese, and Italian websites, reported sales increased 31% for the period to USD 7.53 billion.  Excluding the positive exchange rates impact, the company explained sales would have risen by 29%.  By category, segment sales and growth YoY:
  • Media: USD 3.45 billion, 20%
  • Electronics and general merchandise: USD 4.03 billion, 42%
  • Other: USD 50 million, 32%
• Worldwide Media sales grew 15% to USD 6.01 billion; excluding favorable exchange rates, sales grew 14%
• Worldwide Electronics and Other General Merchandise sales grew 48% to USD 10.91 billion; excluding favorable exchange rates, sales grew 47%

Total Company Financial Results Highlights – Fiscal/Full Year 2011

For full year ending December 31, 2011, Amazon.com earnings were negatively affected by investment in the AWS infrastructure, international online stores, digital media content, a new publishing arm, 17 new fulfillment centers, and head count in these distribution centers and customer services support. 

• Net income decreased 45% to USD 631 million, compared to USD 1.15 billion in 2010.
• Net sales of USD 48.08 billion, up 41% from USD 34.20 billion in this period last year. Adjusting for favorable exchange rates, the retailer reported that sales would have risen 37%.  
• Operating income was USD 862 million, decreasing 39% from USD 1.41 billion in 2010.
• Free cash flow decreased 17% to USD 2.09 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared to USD 2.52 billion for the previous period.
• Worldwide active customer accounts exceeded 164 million, up 26% from over 130 million in Q4 2010.
• Worldwide seller accounts were over 2 million.  Seller units were 36% of total unit sales, up 4 percentage points from Q4 2010.

Segment Financial Highlights – Fiscal/Full Year 2011

• The North American segment, including Canada and the US, reported sales rose 43% in 2011 to USD 26.71 billion.  By category, segment sales and growth YoY:
  • Media: USD 7.96 billion, 16%
  • Electronics and general merchandise: USD 17.32 billion, 57%
  • Other: USD 1.43 billion, 73%
• The International segment, including the UK, German, Japanese, French, Chinese, and Italian websites, reported sales increased 38% for the period to USD 21.37 billion.  Excluding the positive exchange rates impact, the company explained sales would have risen by 31%.  By category, segment sales and growth YoY:
  • Media: USD 9.82 billion, 55%
  • Electronics and general merchandise: USD 11.40 billion, 24%
  • Other: USD 155 million, 38%
• Worldwide Media sales grew 19% to USD 17.78 billion; excluding favorable exchange rates, sales grew 16%
• Worldwide Electronics and Other General Merchandise sales grew 56% to USD 28.71 billion; excluding favorable exchange rates, sales grew 53%

Looking Forward

The online retailer expects net sales of between USD 12.0 billion and 13.4 billion for the first quarter 2012, or growth between 22% and 36% compared with the same period in 2011.

Amazon is close to a launching its new home furnishings website, Casa.com.  This Quidsi creation shows a “coming soon” message on the website, which already indicated that it will offer over 35,000 bedroom, bathroom, home décor, and kitchen products.  In addition, Casa.com will offer a 1-2 day free delivery and honor a 365-day return policy, including free return shipping.

Best Buy will give a USD 50 gift card to customers who register and then purchase and activate mobile phones at the retailer by year-end. Shoppers have until February 12 to register their phone numbers at bestbuy.com/phonefreedom. Customers then have until December 31, 2012, to activate the registered number by buying a mobile phone with a two-year agreement at Best Buy or BestBuy.com, after which they will receive a USD 50 Best Buy gift card. Best Buy hopes the nearly year-long promotion will stimulate demand longer than the traditional week-long or other limited-time phone sales.

Members of Best Buy’s loyalty program, Reward Zone, can begin registering their phone numbers now, and all other customers can begin on Sunday, February 5. The gift card offer is valid for Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile phones. Best Buy Mobile services are available at 1,100 Best Buy stores and 279 Best Buy Mobile specialty stores.

Best Buy will grant in-store data transfer services by its Geek Squad for free this month to customers who buy a new notebook or Ultrabook from the Microsoft Premium Collection at a Best Buy store or on BestBuy.com. The service, which will be free through February 29, is valued at USD 99.99 and will allow shoppers to safely move their pictures, videos, music, documents, and more to their new computers. The Microsoft Premium Collection is available exclusively at Best Buy.

Big Lots has released its retail sales for US operation for Q4 and FY 2011 results for the period ended January 28, 2012.

Q4 2011

• Sales increased 7.7% to USD 1.6 billion as compared to USD 1.5 billion in the prior year.
• Comparable store sales (Comps) increased 3.4% over the prior period. The retailer reports comps exceeded their guidance which was 1% to 2%.

Year-to-Date

• Sales increased 3.9% to USD 5.1 billion as compared to USD 4.9 billion in the prior year.
• Comps increased 0.1% over the prior period.

As of January 28, 2011, Big Lots operated 1,451 stores in US and 82 Liquidation World and LW stores in Canada.

The retailer will report full results include the Canadian and Wholesale operations on Thursday, March 1, 2012.

CVS has launched Order Ready Text Messaging, enabling customers who enroll in the program to receive immediate notification when their prescription is ready.

• Customers can sign up by speaking to a pharmacy staff member; they can also visit www.cvs.com/text for further information.
• Text alerts are also available in Spanish.
• Order Ready Text Messaging is available through most leading cell phone carriers and their message and data rates may apply.

This launch complements CVS/pharmacy’s other mobile features, which allow shoppers to use their mobile devices and smartphones to scan and order prescription refills.

Source: CVS.com (February 2, 2012)

Lowe’s has appointed Richard W. Dreiling, 58, to its board of directors. Dreiling, who will bring the board to 12 members, is chairman and CEO of Dollar General Corporation, a position he’s held since 2008. Previously he served as chairman and CEO of Duane Reade Holdings; executive vice president and chief operating officer of Longs Drug Stores Corporation; executive vice president of marketing, manufacturing, and distribution for Safeway, Inc.; and president of Vons. Dreiling is also the vice chairman of the Retail Industry Leaders Association.

Forever 21 opened its first store in France in the Vélizy 2 shopping mall, on the outskirts of Paris. On the sidelines of the opening, Executive Vice-President, Larry Meyer expressed the retailer's intentions of expanding in France.

Fred's reported net sales of USD 132.4 million for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012, a 3% increase over numbers reported for the same period in 2011.

• Comparable store sales (comps) decreased 0.8% compared with an increase of 2.1% in the same period last year.
• Year-to-Date (YTD) sales increased 2% to USD 1,879 million as compared with USD 1,842 million reported last year.
• YTD Comps increased 0.5% as compared to 2.2% in the prior year.
• Fred's opened six new stores and four pharmacy stores, and closed one franchise stores during January 2012.

Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Efird, stated, "In light of the economic environment, I am pleased with the ability of our team to accomplish both top- and bottom-line growth. The driving forces enabling us to achieve these improvements have been new core initiatives and effective cost-reduction programs instituted by the operations team. For two consecutive years, we refreshed or remodeled more than 200 stores, significantly reimaging our chain, and in 2011, we increased the pace of store openings – with 26 new stores and 24 new pharmacies. As we look toward the new year, we remain enthusiastic about our long-term strategic plan, a revamped marketing program, and the opportunities we see to drive higher sales and profits in 2012."

As of January 28, 2012, Fred's operated 700 discount stores, including 21 franchised stores in the United States.

Gap reported net sales of USD 833 million for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012, a decrease of 1% as compared to the previous year.

• Comparable-store sales (comps) for the group decreased 4%.
  • Comps for Gap North America declined 5% as compared to an increase of 2% in the prior year.
  • Comps for Banana Republic North America increased 6% compared to an increase of 5% in the prior year.
  • Old Navy North America reported negative 6% comps as compared to flat growth in the prior year.
  • Comps for the international markets decreased 10% as compared to a positive of 9% in the prior year.

Year-to-date (YTD) sales totaled USD 14.55 billion, a decrease of 1% as compared to prior year.

• YTD comps decreased 4% as compared to an increase of 2% in the prior year.

As of January 28, 2012, Gap operated about 3,100 stores and 200 franchise stores worldwide and eCommerce sites.

JC Penney launched 'Fair and Square' marketing campaign on February 1, 2012.

• The retailer replaced coupons and deep discount sales with a new color coded three-tier pricing model:
  • Everyday Prices (Red Tag)- includes everyday regular prices that are 40% less than last year's prices
  • Month-Long Values (White Tag) - includes discounted items shoppers need now such as jewelry and Valentine's Day gifts.
  • Best Prices (Blue Tag) - formerly known as clearance, this will happen on the first and third Fridays of every month when shoppers get paid.
• JC Penney also switched to dollar pricing and unveiled a 'Happy Returns' policy, enabling shoppers to return goods without the receipt.

Kohl's reported sales for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012 of USD 844 million, a 2.4% increase over numbers reported for the same period in 2011.

• Comparable store sales (comps) for the month increased 0.6%.
• Year-to-Date (YTD) sales increased 2.2% to USD 18,804 million; while comps increased 0.5%.

Kevin Mansell, Kohl's Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our January's sales were in-line with our expectations. I am pleased to report that we achieved our goal of USD 1 billion in eCommerce revenues in fiscal 2011. The eCommerce business was a key contributor to our fiscal 2011 sales performance and we plan to build on its momentum in 2012. Additionally, strong expense management during the quarter contributed to better than expected profitability."

As of January 28, 2012, Kohl's operated 1,127 stores in 49 states, compared to 1,089 stores at the same time last year.

Limited Brands reported net sales of USD 774.5 million for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012, as compared with USD 772.6 million during the same period in 2010. Group comparable-store sales (comps) increased 9% during the month.

• Comps for Victoria's Secret stores increased 17%
• La Senza store comps decreased 8%.
• Bath & Body Works comps decreased 3%

Year-to-date (YTD) sales for the group were USD 10.364 billion, as compared with USD 9.613 billion in the same period last year. YTD comps increased 10% when compared to the same period in 2011.

• Comps for Victoria's Secret stores increased 14%
• La Senza store comps decreased 2%
• Bath & Body Works comps increased 6%

As of January 28, 2012, Limited Brands operated 2,623 specialty stores in the US. Its Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Henri Bendel banners operated 1,017; 1,587; and 19 stores in the US, respectively.

Lowe’s will partner with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) to educate and train Lowe’s employees who specialize in kitchen and bath projects. The program will enable Lowe’s associates to earn NKBA certifications to enhance their work in the kitchen cabinets, countertops, and fashion plumbing departments, as well as in interior project advice.

Lowe’s employees will be able to earn certifications as Kitchen & Bath Designers (AKBD), Certified Kitchen Designers (CKD), Certified Bathroom Designers (CBD), and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designers (CMKBD). Candidates will have to meet requirements for education and experience and pass exams, and will be able to take classes in a virtual classroom environment.

Lowe’s stores and employees will also now be listed in the NKBA database, which homeowners can search for kitchen and bath designers (certified and noncertified).

Macy's reported net sales of USD 1.336 billion for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012, a 2% increase over numbers reported for the same period in 2011.

• Same-store sales increased 2.4%.
• Online sales, including Macys.com and Bloomingdales.com, increased 38.7%.

Fiscal year-to-date sales grew 5.6% to USD 26.404 billion.

• Same-store sales increased 5.3%.
• Online sales, including Macys.com and Bloomingdales.com, increased 39.6%.

In continuation with the designer collaboration series, Macy's, in collaboration with Italian fashion designer, Alberta Ferretti, will launch a set of capsule collection for its Impulse Department. The limited women apparel designer collection, priced between USD 49 to USD 119, will be available in 185 stores and online at macys.com beginning April 17, 2012.

Macy's announced several senior management changes effective February to March 2012. The retailer stated that the changes are designed to further strengthen its key growth strategies including My Macy's localization, omnichannel, and MAGIC Selling customer engagement.

• Ron Klein, Chief Stores Officer of Macy's will retire on March 31, 2012.
  • He has been working in this position since February 2009.
  • Klein was working with Macy's for the past 36 years and since then has held several roles including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Macy's East in New York, Chairman of Rich's/Lazarus/Goldsmith's in Atlanta, Vice Chairman and Director of Stores for Macy's East, and Chairman of Stern's in New Jersey.
• Chief Marketing Officer and Chairman of macys.com, Peter Sachse, will succeed Klein, effective February 13, 2012.
  • He will report to Terry J. Lundgren, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Macy's.
  • Sachse will be responsible for nationwide portfolio of Macy's stores along with region and district stores organization and visual merchandising.
  • In his role, he will continue to be responsible for the retailer's omnichannel strategy and will remain a member of the Executive Committee.
  • Sachse has been serving as the Chief Marketing Officer and Chairman and CEO of macys.com since February 2009 and April 2006 respectively.
  • He started his retail career with Macy's and has held several roles including Division Merchandise Manager at Bullock's in Los Angeles, Executive Vice President (EVP)/General Merchandise Manager and Vice Chair/Director of Stores at Macy's East.
• Macy's Chief Merchandising Officer, Jeffrey Gennette, will be given additional responsibility to oversee Marketing and macys.com.
  • Gennette will coordinate these functions within the company's My Macy's localization and omnichannel strategies.
  • He will continue to be a member of the company's Executive Committee and will report to Lundgren.
  • Gennette has been serving as the Chief Merchandising Officer since February 2009.
  • He joined Macy's in 1973 and since then has held several positions including chairman of Macy's Northwest in Seattle, EVP and Director of Stores for Macy's Central in Atlanta, and Senior Vice President/General Merchandise Manager at Macy's West.
• Jeff Kantor, currently President-Merchandising of macys.com, will be appointed as chairman of macys.com effective February 13, 2012.
  • Kantor along with Kent Anderson, President of macys.com, will be responsible for Internet business and will play a key role in the omnichannel strategy.
  • He will join the company's Executive Committee and report to Gennette.
  • Kantor has been serving in this position since August 2010 and has held several positions including President-Merchandising for Home and President for Furniture for Macy's Home Store.
• Executive Vice President for Marketing, Martine Reardon, will succeed Sachse, effective February 13, 2012.
  • In his role as Chief Marketing Officer, he will be responsible for all marketing, advertising, creative development, social media, cause marketing, brand public relations, tourism marketing, customer insights, and data analysis.
  • She will be a member of the Executive Committee and will report to Gennette.
  • Reardon has been serving as the Executive Vice President for marketing since February 2009 and has held several positions with Macy's including Executive Vice President, national marketing strategy, events and public relations for Corporate Marketing.

Macy's in partnership with ValueVision Media, a US based multichannel electronic retailer, will sell private label home products on the latter's ShopNBC network from February 11, 2012.

• The retailer's featured private label Home collection will include textiles from Hotel Collection and Charter Club, and housewares from Tools of the Trade and The Cellar.
• The collection will also be available online at shopnbc.com/macys.
• The move forms part of Macy's omnichannel strategy of reaching out to new and existing shoppers across channels.

Nordstrom reported net sales of USD 688 million for the five weeks ended January 28, 2012, a 13.2% increase compared to USD 607 million in the same period last year.

• Same-store sales for the group increased 5% compared to the same period in 2010.
  • Same-store sales for Nordstrom Stores increased 5.3%.
  • Same-store sales for Nordstrom Rack Stores increased 1.3%.

Year-to-date (YTD) sales were USD 10,497 million, up 12.7% compared to USD 9,310 million in the same period last year.

• Same-store sales increased 7.2% compared to the previous year.
  • Same-store sales for Nordstrom Stores increased 8.2%.
  • Same-store sales for Nordstrom Rack Stores increased 3.7%.

As of January 29, 2012, Nordstrom operated 225 stores in 30 states, of which 117 were full-line stores, 104 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques, one treasure&bond, and one clearance store.

RadioShack has reported preliminary Q4 2011 results for theperiod ended December 31, 2011

• RadioShack Net Sales and Operating Revenues increased approximately 6% to USD 1.39 billion, as compared with USD 1.31 billion in Q4 2010 due to Sprint postpaid wireless sales growth.
• Comparable same-store sales for the domestic company-operated stores increased approximately 2% as compared to Q4 2010.
• Mobility platform sales at company-operated stores increased approximately 16% as compared to Q4 2010.
• Signature platform sales and consumer electronics platform sales were down approximately 1% and 30% respectively in Q4 2011 mainly due to product cycle declines.
• Capital expenditure for FY 2011 is expected to be between USD 70 million and USD 90 million.

Audited Q4 and FY 2011 financial results are expected to be released on February 21, 2012.

RadioShack has kicked off ‘Mobile Low Price Guarantee Program’ from January 29, 2012. Through this program, Radioshack will price match and refund the difference to the customer if a cheaper smartphone by any competitor is listed. This offer is valid for upto 30 days from the time of purchase.

Rite Aid reported total drugstore sales increased 1.6% to USD 1.923 billion for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012.

• Same store sales increased 2.2% over the prior year period.
• Front-end same store sales increased 2.7%.
• Pharmacy same store sales increased 2.1%, including a negative 230 basis point impact from new generic introductions.
• Prescription count at comparable stores increased 1.6% and prescription revenue accounted for 70.0% of drugstore sales.

Total year-to-date drugstore sales for the 48-week period ended January 28, 2012, increased 1.4% to USD 23.468 billion.

• Same stores sales increased 1.9%.
• Front-end same store sales increased 1.0%.
• Pharmacy same store sales increased 2.3%.
• Prescriptions filled at comparable stores increased 0.8%.
• Prescription sales accounted for 68.1% of total drugstore sales.

As of January 28, 2012, Rite Aid operates 4,672 stores compared to 4,718 stores a year ago.

Rite Aid has launched a two-month campaign honoring American Heart Month, beginning February 1, 2012.

• The campaign provides customers with access to free heart health resources, including “Take Heart” health guides, blood pressure screenings, and online tools and assessments.
• Rite Aid will also lead in-store fundraisers through February to support the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” initiative.
• Through February 29, 2012, customers who purchase a red paper dress for USD 1 (for which all proceeds benefit this program) will receive coupons for more than USD 9 off products such as aspirin, batteries, and digital photo prints, among others.

Rite Aid announced the launched of “Sweet Escape”, a two-week social media promotion for Valentine’s Day.

• Rite Aid is promoting the interactive campaign through Facebook, Twitter and online.
• Hershey’s and American Greetings are providing the prizes, which include a two-night stay at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA.
• To enter the grand prize spa sweepstakes, Facebook visitors need to “like” Rite Aid and enter an exclusive promo code available through wellness+ member emails, a photo puzzle on its Facebook page and its Twitter feed.
• Visitors to Rite Aid’s Facebook page can send shareable e-cards, games, quizzes and Facebook coupons.  

Coinciding with the social media campaign, Rite Aid stores are offering a seasonal assortment of gifts, greetings, toys and confectionary, including items from its private brand HOME.

Source: http://www.facebook.com/riteaid

Safeway has announced Lori Raya as the new President for its Vons Division. She succeeds Tom Keller, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Raya was the former Senior Vice President (SVP) of Main Meal and was in charge of the retailer’s center-store business in categories such as ingredients, beverages, and snacks.

Raya first joined Safeway 25 years ago working as a store-level employee for the Denver Division. She has held several leadership roles within the company including Von’s District Manager and Vice President (VP) of the retailer’s Northern California Division.

Saks reported sales of USD 175.6 million for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012, a 7.2% increase over numbers reported for the same period in 2011.

• Comparable-store sales (comps) increased 10.5% during the month.
• Year-to-date (YTD) sales were USD 2,955.7 million, up 7.8% compared to USD 2,740.6 million in the same period last year. YTD comps increased 9.5% during the period.

As of January 28, 2012, Saks operated 46 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, 60 Saks OFF 5TH stores, and saks.com.

Sears and H&R Block are highlighting tax services in more than 500 Sears stores and online at www.sears.com/hrblock. Customers filing the simple 1040EZ form can use both in store and online services for free. Separately, they offer 15% off Basic, Deluxe, and Premium H&R Block online services.  All H&R Block locations in Sears stores also offer customers H&R Block Second Look Review to examine past years’ filings to insure all eligible deductions.

Staples has laid down plans to open a new eCommerce innovation center at Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, in May 2012.

• The center will be engaged in innovating new online solutions including mobile commerce and social media for business customers.
• The retailer also intends to continue investing in multichannel operations to enhance shopper experience through mobile phones, desktops, and stores.
• To strengthen its presence in the online segment, Staples recently developed a new mobile website and application.

Supervalu banner Albertsons has run its first promotion through Groupon.  Shoppers can choose from two options, both of which offer a 60% discount:

• 5 Healthy Choice meals for USD 9 (up to a USD 21.95 value)
• 10 Healthy Choice meals for USD 16 (up to a USD 43.90 value)

The promotion is being managed through Cambridge, MA based Incentive Targeting, Inc.

Incentive Targeting managed a similar Groupon deal with Supervalu’s Jewel banner last year that sold more than 3,800 offers, with a value of over USD 57,000 on select ice cream products.

Source: Groupon.com

Target released 11 new locations, 7 in Alberta and 4 in British Columbia, to its first opening wave of stores for Canada.  In total, there are 46 sites.  The full list includes:

Alberta (9)

• Calgary – Chinook Centre  *new*
• Calgary – Forest Lawn Shopping Centre *new*
• Calgary – Market Mall *new*
• Calgary – Signal Hill
• Edmonton –Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre *new*
• Edmonton – Mill Woods Town Centre *new*
• Edmonton – West Edmonton Mall *new*
• Medicine Hat – Medicine Hat Mall
• St. Albert – St. Albert Centre *new*

British Columbia (6)

• Campbell River – Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre *new*
• Courtenay –Driftwood Mall
• Cranbrook – Tamarack Mall *new*
• Kelowna – Orchard Park Plaza
• Langley – Willowbrook Shopping Centre *new*
• Victoria – Tillicum Centre *new*

Ontario (30)

• Ajax –Durham Centre
• Ancaster – Meadowland Power Centre
• Aurora – Aurora Shopping Centre
• Brampton – Bramalea City Centre
• Brampton – Shoppers World Brampton
• Brampton – Trinity Common
• Burlington – Millcroft Centre
• Burlington – Burlington Mall
• Cambridge – Cambridge Centre
• Fergus – Gates of Fergus
• Guelph –  Stone Road Mall
• Hamilton – Centre Mall
• Hamilton – South Hamilton Square
• Kawartha Lakes – Lindsay Square Mall
• Kingston – Cataraqui Town Centre
• London Westmount – Westmount Shopping Centre
• Milton – Milton Mall Shopping Centre
• Mississauga – Square One Shopping Centre
• Niagara Falls –7190 Morrison St.
• Newmarket – Upper Canada Mall
• Orillia – Orillia Square Mall
• Oshawa –Five Points Shopping Centre
• Toronto – Centrepoint Mall
• London – Masonville Place
• Toronto – Cloverdale Mall
• Toronto – East York Town Centre
• Toronto – Shoppers World Danforth
• Waterdown – Flamborough Power Centre
• Whitby –Taunton Road Power Centre
• Windsor – Devonshire Mall

Saskatchewan (1)

• Saskatoon – The Mall at Lawson Heights

Target reported net sales of USD 4.6 billion for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012, up 5.1% compared to last year. The retailer’s comparable-store sales (comps) for January increased 4.3%.  Target’s fiscal year 2011 sales increased 4.1% to USD 68.5 billion. Comps were up 3.0% for fiscal year 2011.

Additional January highlights include:

• Just over half of Target’s comps were due to an increase in average transaction size, combined with an increase in comparable-store transactions. 
• Sales trends were healthy throughout the month.
• Every region experienced an increase in comparable-store sales (comps).
• Category comps:
  • Food increased in the “low-teens.”
  • Household essentials increased in the “mid single-digit” range, with the strongest performance in healthcare. 
  • Apparel and accessories increased “mid single-digit” range, with the strongest performance in shoes and boy’s & girl’s apparel, and the weakest in women’s apparel.
  • Hardlines reported a “mid single-digit” decline, with the strongest performance in sporting goods, and the softest in electronics and music, movies, & books.
  • Home furnishings and decor decreased in the “low single-digit range.”  The strongest performance was in housewares, and the weakest was in domestics. 
• In February 2012, which is a four-week period, Target is anticipating a low to mid single-digit increase in comps.
• Net quarter-to-date sales increased 3.3% to USD 20.9 billion.

Target Corp. will be the sole operator to use the Target brand name and rights in Canada starting on January 31, 2013.  The U.S. retailers and Fairweather Ltd., International Clothiers Inc., and Les Ailes De La Mode Incorporees, have come to an agreement with terms yet to be disclosed. Prior to this agreement, the retailers were set to go on trial on November 2012.  Target Corp.’s first Canadian stores are to open starting March or April 2013.  

Target Canada announced it will operate its pharmacies on a franchise model. The retailer indicated it will have pharmacies in as many of its locations as possible.  Target will begin its pharmacist franchise owner search in March 2012, in preparation for its first store openings in March or April 2013. 

Target Canada also announced that the prescription files at Zellers stores will remain with Zellers and not be sold.  This is in contrast to Target’s earlier announcement that they would sell the files once stores closed for remodeling.  

TJX has promoted Scott Goldenberg to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 29, 2012. He will continue to retain the title of Executive Vice President.

• In his current role, Goldenberg will be responsible for corporate finance functions.
  • He will report to the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Jeffrey Naylor, who oversees information technology, legal, risk management, and investor relations.
  • Goldenberg served in TJX’s predecessor company Zayre Corp from 1983 to 1988.
  • He rejoined TJX in 1997 as Vice President, Corporate Controller and since 2009 has held the position of Executive Vice President, Finance at The TJX Companies.
• The retailer also announced the appointment of Zein Abdalla to its Board of Directors.
  • He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Pepsico Europe since November 2009.
  • Abdalla brings significant experience in the European and other international markets.

Following a lackluster holiday season, Chief Executive Officer Gerald  “Jerry “ Storch has made senior management and reporting changes.  In a recent SEC filing, Toys R Us announced the departure of Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President Deborah Derby, whose employment will end February 17, 2012.  Derby previously had served the company as President of the Babies R Us division.  The company reportedly has no plans to replace Derby.

Also leaving the company is Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Karen Dodge.  She is being replaced by Richard Barry, formerly the Vice President and General Merchandising Manager for Toys R Us, US.  He will be reporting directly to Storch. 

Toys R Us and Capital Retail Bank have entered into a multi-year agreement that will provide a private-label, co-branded card. Holders of the card will earn special rewards for purchases made in Toys R Us, Babies R Us, and online at Toysrus.com. 

GE Capital Retail Finance, the operating entity, will manage the Toys R Us relationship and service the account.  As part of the deal, GE Capital Retail Bank will acquire Toys R Us’s existing card program assets from JP Morgan. 

The new credit card program will launch in June 2012. 

Walgreens announced it is acquiring select assets of pharmacy and home health services provider BioScrip’s community specialty pharmacies and centralized specialty and mail service pharmacy businesses.

• As a result of this deal, BioScrip would receive a total of USD 225 million, including an estimated USD 170 million in cash at closing and retention of associated accounts receivable and working capital liabilities of USD 55 million, per Dec. 31, 2011, balance sheet values.
• An extra USD 60 million in purchase price could also be payable depending on events related to Walgreens retention of certain business included in the transaction.
• BioScrip will maintain its pharmacy benefit management and cash card business.

According to Walgreens President and CEO, Greg Wasson, “This acquisition also significantly expands our nationwide reach to an additional half-million patients with chronic and complex health conditions who have strong clinical relationships with their current BioScrip pharmacy.”

• BioScrip’s national community specialty pharmacy business comprises 30 locations in 16 states and the District of Columbia and largely serves HIV, oncology and transplant patients.
• In addition to acquiring these locations, Walgreens will acquire select assets of BioScrip’s centralized specialty pharmacy business and traditional mail service pharmacy business, which dispenses prescriptions for drugstore.com (acquired by Walgreens in June 2011), among others.
• The transaction will transfer servicing of patients for the central specialty pharmacy and mail service pharmacy businesses to Walgreens facilities.

Set to close by late April 2012, Walgreens expects this acquisition will help grow its centralized specialty and mail service pharmacy operations, while supporting its strategy to advance community pharmacy and access to specialty pharmacy products and services.

Walgreens has appointed Robyn L. Peters Group Vice President of Managed Market Sales, reporting to Jeff Berkowitz, Senior Vice President, Pharmaceutical Development and Market Access.

• In this role, Peters will lead sales and account management activities in the company’s employer, health systems, health plans, government and small and individual payer segments, as well as Walgreen’s client retention, expansion programs and sales operations.
• She replaces Joseph Terrion, Chief Client Officer, who joined the company in 2009 and is departing for “personal interests.”
• With more than 25 years of health care experience in marketing, market access and reimbursement and business development positions, Peters most recently served as Vice President, US Payers and National Accounts, Corporate and Government Customers for Pfizer.
• Prior to her role at Pfizer, Peters held positions at Boehringer Ingelheim, Schering Plough Corp and MediFit Corporate Services.

According to Berkowitz, “This represents the next step we’re taking to strengthen our sales organization, as part of a focused approach to sales, contracting, pricing and marketing.”

Walgreens announced it will acquire the prescription files and inventory from 33 Kmart pharmacies in 16 states.

• Walgreens will transfer the pharmacy patient files to its nearby pharmacies.
• Patients whose files are being transferred, and who have filled a prescription in the past two years, will be notified by letter.
• Walgreens expects to complete the transaction later in February.

Walgreens completed the acquisition of the first pharmacy’s prescription files and inventory on January 27, 2012, in Rice Lake, WI.

Walmart has adjusted the role of its store greeters, moving them about 10 feet further inside of the store. As part of this move, the greeters will no longer be required to tend the shopping carts or mark returned merchandise.  The intention is to instead make them more available to answer shopper questions in-store.  This announcement follows scheduling adjustments made last year where the retailer stopped scheduling greeters for the overnight shift.

Walmart Canada has opened its smaller urban supercentre prototype near Toronto, Ontario.  This 90,000 square foot store sits on 4.5 acres of land, instead of the 8 to 10 acres required for a typical supercentre.  It is located close to the corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Markham Road in Scarborough.

On February 10, 2012, Walmart will host a Twilight fan celebration at more than 2,700 of its stores nationwide.  The event is to include special giveaways, trivia, and twilight themed bakery items. At midnight shoppers will be able to receive exclusive Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn collectibles with their purchase of the newly released film. 

Walmart has announced through its Facebook page a 50% off “Red Ballon Clearance Event” from February 3 to February 5, 2012.  Deals are to be offered on winter apparel, seasonal decor, select toys, tires, and more.

Expanding on its 2011 Race Time program, Walmart has announced that it has tripled the number of companies offering merchandise displays, doubled the number of NASCAR fan events at stores, and widened the number of racing markets offering the USD 99 Walmart Family Track Packs. This pack of four discounted NASCAR tickets and meals is available in-store and at Walmart.com.