Monthly Archives: August 2013

The National Grocers Association (NGA) has released its 2013 Independent Grocers Financial Survey, saying that "independent grocers capitalized on the improvements in the economy and posted an average net profit before taxes of 1.65 percent in fiscal year 2012, up…

The Small Business Administration has launched an online tool that seeks to clarify the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate, saying businesses will not be able to avoid the law's costs by cutting full-time employees to part-time hours because the government…

Retailers including Wal-Mart, Macy's and J.Crew have teamed up with Internet companies including Yahoo, Facebook and Google to urge Congress to address the growing problem of patent trolls. More than 40 U.S. companies signed a letter saying lawmakers must "ensure…

Coupon use is increasing, according to NCH Marketing Services, with double-digit growth of digital distribution and redemption, though free-standing inserts still command 91.1% of the market. "For marketers, it's about finding the right media mix and defining the coupon characteristics…

With the start of school just around the corner, 17 states are preparing for tax-free holidays to help increase back-to-school savings for families, who are expected to spend about $635 on clothes, shoes, electronics and school supplies, according to NRF.…

Home goods retailers including Williams-Sonoma, Pier One Imports, Bed Bath and Beyond and Restoration Hardware are benefiting from an increasing demand for furnishings as homeownership rates fall and consumers look to furniture and accessories to give rentals a more permanent…

A federal judge on Wednesday invalidated the Federal Reserve 21-cent cap on debit card swipe fees, agreeing with merchants that the fee was more than Congress intended. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said the Fed rule was an "utterly indefensible"…