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December 2, 2008 10:34:36 PM CST

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5 Stories

 For Retail Workers, 
 Big Bro Is Tracking 

Computer systems help max productivity, cut costs

Wall Street Journal Wall Street Journal Sep 10, 08 6:37 AM CDT
(Newser) - As a sluggish economy pinches retailers, many are now turning to computer programs to track employee productivity, the Wall Street Journal reports. At Ann Taylor stores, a computer system calculates average sales per hour, units sold, and dollars per transaction —then automatically schedules the best workers during the store’s peak hours. More »

More about:  retail stores • productivity • Gap • Limited • Ann Taylor • Williams Sonoma

Former Retail Workers Stuck
in Folding Mode

Gap-style training creates a generation
of neat freaks

Wall Street Journal Wall Street Journal Jul 9, 08 9:49 AM CDT
(Newser) - Countless current and former retail workers have an obsessive urge to fold clothes ironed into their brains, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Gap started the trend for tightly folded displays in the '80s and rivals quickly followed suit. A whole generation of retail alumni spent thousands of hours folding and is now unable to tolerate the sight of imperfectly folded T-shirts. More »

More about:  retail • clothing • retail stores • The Gap • Gap

Ditching TV Ads Helps Put Gap Back on Track

Clothing seller sees profit up 40% after cutting marketing costs

Advertising Age Advertising Age May 27, 08 10:27 AM CDT
(Newser) - The Gap's balance sheet is back in the black, helped along by its decision to stop spending on TV ads, Advertising Age reports. The clothing retailer slashed marketing spending by nearly a fifth in the first quarter and saw profits leap 40%, even as sales slumped. The Gap has switched its focus to merchandising initiatives instead. More »

More about:  advertising • retail sales • marketing • retail • clothing • TV advertising • Gap • advertising budgets

 March Retail Sales Fall Flat 

Easter partly to blame as chains fall short of expectations

Wall Street Journal Wall Street Journal Apr 10, 08 11:29 AM CDT
(Newser) - Retailers’ same-store sales were flat in March, due in part to an early Easter, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Thomson Financial Same Store Sales Index, projected to sink 0.1%, fell 1.1%, excluding Wal-Mart. Shoppers weren’t ready to buy for spring on the heels of winter, store closings for the holiday reduced sales, and consumer sentiment his a five-year low amid still-rising fuel prices. More »

Wal-Mart Leads Feb. Retail Rally

Overall sales jump doubles expectations, calms consumer spending fears

Wall Street Journal Wall Street Journal Mar 6, 08 10:47 AM CST
(Newser) - Big retailers showed unexpected signs of life in February, beating weak sales predictions to inject some hope into the market. Wal-Mart led the way, posting a 2.6% same-store increase, beating its own predictions of flat-to-2% growth. Overall, same-store sales climbed 1.9%, with more than half of retailers beating predictions, the Wall Street Journal reports. More »

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