Part Timers Spur Economy

Any job growth helps retailers, because it puts money in the pockets of consumers. At least one expert predicts a dramatic increase in part time workers as 2010 progresses; from the current 13 percent of employees to 39 percent this year. “This is good news for boomers, seniors and retirees, as these demographics are often more likely to be hired on a part time, temporary or project assignment basis,” says Art Koff, founder of www.RetiredBrains.com, a job and information service for Americans 50 and older. Many older workers do not... 

5 Ways To Ensure Success

With unemployment figures hitting all time highs and credit markets tight, many individuals are taking the opportunity to follow the dream of owning their own business. Regus, a provider of office space for small business, has put together five essential tips for success in business: Focus on what you do best and outsource the rest. Administrative and support services are necessary for any business, but the costs and time expended managing these services may not be worth the investment for a small organization. Rather than hiring an office manager... 

Retail Partners with FBI

Hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers around the country will gain instant access to information on retail crime, through a new partnership between retailers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Through the FBI’s Law Enforcement Online network, federal and local law enforcement will be able to directly connect to the retail industry’s Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Network, or LERPnet, a secure national database where retailers track and report retail crimes. The... 

UPS: Recession Over

According to UPS, the bellwether of shipping, the recession is over. According to UPS CEO, Scott Davis, “It looks like the recession is finally over, and believe it or not, that makes 21 recessions that UPS has successfully managed through.” “Economic forecasts indicate gradual improvement as 2010 unfolds,” says Kurt Kuehn, UPS’s chief financial officer. “The first quarter will be the most challenging of the year for UPS, with profitability only slightly better than last year. For 2010, UPS will substantially... 

Cautious Optimism for 2010

There is cautious optimism to report for both the U.S. and the global economy, according to the latest edition of the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Manufacturing Barometer. Nearly half (47 percent) of survey respondents are optimistic about the U.S. economy’s prospects, whereas only five percent were optimistic a year ago. Similarly, 41 percent of panelists who sell internationally are optimistic about the prospects for the world economy, compared to only four percent a year ago. Indicating a continued hint of optimism, 35 percent of panelists... 

Retail Sales Increase?

Any increase in retail sales in 2010 is welcome news, after what the economy has been going through. So it is good news that the National Retail Federation is projecting retail industry sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 2.5 percent from last year. According to its bi-monthly Retail Sales Outlook, influential economic indicators such as the housing market and employment are beginning to show positive signs, which will bolster consumer confidence throughout the year. Total industry retail sales for 2009 declined... 

Wal-Mart Implements Greener Standards for Its Suppliers

The nation’s largest retailer is taking further steps toward an environmentally sound business model–specifically by evaluating its supply chain. Wal-Mart announced on Thursday that it planned to cut as much as 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which would be the environmental equivalent of taking 3.8 million cars off the road. In order to achieve this goal, the company’s suppliers are being asked to rethink the manner in which they source, manufacture, package and transportgoods with the highest embedded carbon.... 

General Growth to Sidestep Bankruptcy By Splitting in Two

After rejecting a buyout offer from Simon Property Group, General Growth Properties, one of the largest shopping mall owners in America, is expected to announce that it will divide into two companies, in order to avoid going under. As part of the move, General Growth will accept a $2.63 billion pledge from Canadian property investor Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. It is believed that the board of General Growth had been greatly conflicted on the Simon Property offer, whether due to hopes for a higher offer from Simon, or a rival offer from Brookfield.... 

Toy Fair 2010 Comes to NYC

In the toy business, there’s one trade show that stands head and shoulders above the rest, and that’s the American International Toy Fair—which will be returning to New York’s Jacob Javits Convention Center for its 107th annual installment beginning Sunday, February 14, and running through Wednesday, February 17. The largest international toy show in the Western Hemisphere, Toy Fair is the place to find all the newest and hottest products. The event also serves as a prime meeting place for those within the industry, from manufacturers and... 

Discount Chain Recalls Toy Gun Sets

Bright-orange plastic tips have been placed on toy guns for years now, in order to differentiate them from the real thing and keep kids safe. But now, discount chain Dollar General Corp. has announced that it is officially recalling a series of toy gun sets due to a danger involving this safety feature. Specifically, the “Special Forces Weapons and Accessories Set” and “SWAT Police Play Equipment Set” were both identified, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall is completely voluntary, and due to the discovery... 

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