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Greetings!
With consumers examining every expenditure, many retailers are experiencing a slowdown in sales volume. Actions to compensate by reducing inventory or cutting expenses may preserve profitability, but you can only do so much. Increasing sales volume is the primary goal of the Retail Alliance buy local campaign that will launch in conjunction with National Independents Week July 1-7. The campaign, dubbed "Go Where the Locals Shop," is designed to encourage consumers to spend their dollars with small, local, independent businesses. The compelling argument for doing so is clear: 68% of every dollar spent with a local business stays in the community, compared with just 45% spent with national chains. The campaign will be supported with window clings, cash register displays, supporting news media coverage, ad co-ops and electronic public service announcements. Expect to receive additional campaign information soon, or visit the Retail Alliance website and click on the "Go Where the Locals Shop" icon.
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Costco to Pilot Food-Stamp Program at Two New York Stores
 Costco soon will accept food stamps at two New York City locations as part of a pilot program. BJ's Wholesale Club will accept food stamps at all its locations, the company announced last month.
The San Francisco Chronicle has more
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Toys R Us Acquires FAO Shwarz
 Toys R Us has acquired FAO Schwarz and will operate both brands' stores, including FAO Schwarz's Manhattan flagship. The company said the acquisition will enable it to increase its specialty business.
The Star-Ledger has the full story.
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Apple to Open 25 New Stores and Remodel 100
 Despite the economic conditions, Apple is setting out on an aggressive strategy to remodel 100 of its existing stores this year and open new ones in New York City, Paris, Italy and Germany, according to Ron Johnson, senior vice president of retail for the company. "We know that a lot of people are cutting back, but we're doing the opposite," he said. "We're investing in the downturn."
USA Today has more.
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Best Buy's Private Labels Get More Popular
 Best Buy's private-label brands -- Dynex, Insignia and Rocketfish -- are getting more popular with shoppers, with sales increasing more than 40% last fiscal year. So far, the retailer is replacing entry-level products from other brands with its own.
Investors Business Daily has more.
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What Wal-Mart and Target Are Selling

Wal-Mart's emphasis on low prices is enabling it to gain customers amid the downturn, while Target's trendier products aren't booming as much. Groceries make up almost half of Wal-Mart's sales, while all consumables make up less than 40% of Target's.
The Sun has the full story.
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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
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Wednesday Seminar 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). |
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