May 26, 2009
Issue: 19
 
Greetings!


Staying on the right side of the law can be a complicated undertaking when the rules change...If you own an establishment that serves alcohol, you should be aware of changes made to ABC regulations by the 2009 General Assembly.  Similarly, any Virginia establishment that previously allowed smoking may be impacted by the statewide ban.

Failure to stay up to date on these changes could have serious economic consequences for your business.

Join fellow merchants for a free informative session on new Virginia laws impacting tobacco and alcohol.  The session will be held 8:30 - 11 a.m. on June 3 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hampton (700 SETTLERS LANDING ROAD, HAMPTON VA. 23669)

Experts from the law firm of LeClair Ryan will share the latest news on changes approved during the 2009 session and discuss changes anticipated in the future.  Topics include penalties for violations, food to alcohol percentages, cigarette taxes and the intricacies of the smoking ban.

Attendance is limited, so reserve your space today by contact Jen Webber.

Versace CEO Expected to Resign

CEO Giancarlo Di Risio of Gianni Versace is expected to step down amid a fight over cost-cutting, a source close to the matter said. The economic downturn is hitting family-owned fashion houses harder than it is larger brands.

The Wall Street Journal has more.
Nordstrom Committed to Long Term Strategy

Nordstrom has an optimistic outlook for this year, the company president said. Its long-term strategy will focus on customer service online and in stores and the company is planning its first opening in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Seattle Times has the full story.
Big-Box Retailers Opening Small Formats

Big-box retailers such as OfficeMax, Wal-Mart, RadioShack, and Best Buy are opening smaller concept stores. The stores are not only less expensive to build, but they also might attract customers not interested in visiting larger locations. "Retailers have pulled back the reins [on store openings] somewhat, but they're not going to pull back entirely," NRF's Daniel Butler said.

The New York Times has more.
Cutting Prices Can Move More Products

Low prices can help sustain businesses in times like these, USA TODAY columnist Steve Strauss says. However, lowering prices does not work for every business, especially ones with high-end brands

USA Today has the full story.
In This Issue
Versace CEO Expected to Resign
Nordstrom Committed to Long Term Strategy
Big-Box Retailers Opening Small Formats
Cutting Prices Can Move More Products
Retail 2 Retail
Macy's Considers Outlets Stores

Retail 2 Retail



Tuesday,
June
2nd
6-8 p.m.


Hi-Ho Silver
5114 Main St #303
Williamsburg, VA  23188

Join fellow retailers for an entertaining evening of networking and fun, complete with refreshments.

Retail 2 Retail takes place the first and third Tuesday of each month and is free to RETAIL ALLIANCE members.

To RSVP call Jen Webber at 757.455.9323
 
For directions to this R2R and to view upcoming R2Rs
click here
Macy's Considers Outlets Stores



Macy's sees outlet stores as having potential, CEO Terry Lundgren said. The department store also is pleased with the number of male customers in its stores. "Men are growing proportionately as a percentage of sales -- particularly young men," Lundgren said.

Cincinnati Enquirer has more.