Industry Watch

• Best Buy debuts ad-supported multi-channel network
  Best Buy has been developing its multi-channel network, Best Buy On, for more than a year, creating content and advertising opportunities across in-store television and the Internet. The network's content includes how-to videos, gift guides and behind-the-scenes glimpses of popular movies. The company says its editorial content will focus on broader tech stories rather than product reviews, to avoid conflicts with vendors. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model) (1/3)

• Tommy Bahama to make Manhattan debut
  Tropical-themed menswear chain Tommy Bahama signed a lease to open its first New York City store, in an 8,500-square-foot space on Fifth Avenue. The upscale chain with the perpetual vacation theme was founded in the early 1990s by three entrepreneurs, who sold the company to Oxford Industries in 2003 for $325 million. The Wall Street Journal (1/2)

• Whole Foods' CEO: A leader's job is to do what no one else can
  Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey says decisions should be based on consensus, rather than majority rule. "Although it takes longer to make the decision, implementation goes a lot faster, because there isn't resistance or sabotage that works its way through the organization," Mackey says. He shares top-level decision making with two other executives at the company, so he defines his role by asking himself, " 'What is it that only I can do?' If somebody else can do it, then maybe it's not the best job for me." Harvard Business Review (1/2011)

• St. Paul in store for Target's smaller urban concept
  Minneapolis-based Target has identified several markets likely to get smaller, urban stores by the end of next year, including St. Paul. In addition to previously announced cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, the chain also hopes to take its smaller city stores to Boston, Chicago and New York. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (12/30)

• Other News

• Nook tops Barnes & Noble's all-time best-sellers
  The Wall Street Journal (12/30)

• Kroger to invest in Houston
  Houston Chronicle (12/31)

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Retail Trends

• Which retailers had the cheeriest holiday season?
  The 2010 holiday season brought better-than-expected results for many retail chains, while a few fared worse than they'd hoped. Luxury and mid-tier department stores reaped the benefits of an ongoing stock market rebound and new private-label offerings boosted sales for chains including Macy's and Kohl's. Target, Amazon and Coach were also among the chains that fared best this season. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (1/3)

• 2010 brought "the return of the retail industry"
  Recovery was the watchword for the retail industry in the second half of 2010, with retail sales rising for five consecutive months heading into the holiday season. It was also a year that brought a few expanding trends, including the growth of pop-up stores that not only helped retailers build brand buzz but also served as filler for shopping areas with high vacancy rates. Boston Herald (1/1)

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Retail Technology

• Hauler videos win fans across the generations
  Fashion fans from tweens to moms are tuning in to a growing number of "hauler videos," turning the videos' creators into celebrities who rave about and recommend their favorite products and retailers. Audrey McClelland turned her blog and videos into a business, winning endorsements from Tide and Staples, and teen hauler Blaire Fowler's YouTube spots draw millions of viewers. National Public Radio (12/30)

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Hot Topics

Top five news stories selected by NRF SmartBrief readers in the past week.

• Private-equity firm to acquire Jo-Ann Stores for $1.6 billion (The Dallas Morning News)

• J.C. Penney bets big on social selling (Practical eCommerce)

• Return policies under scrutiny (The Wall Street Journal)

• Macy's partners with "What Not to Wear" star on million-dollar makeover (RTT News)

• Apparel chains face challenges in 2011 (The Wall Street Journal)

• Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.

Policy & Government Affairs

• Authorities warn of safety risks from counterfeit products
  Authorities across the country are cracking down on flea markets selling counterfeit bags, fake fragrances and other designer knockoffs, and warning consumers about the safety hazards that come with too-good-to-be-true deals. Safety risks include batteries that contain mercury, perfumes made with urine and high alcohol contents, and clothing manufactured with toxic dyes and flammable fabric. Boston Herald/The Associated Press (12/30)

Featured Content

NRF News

• What does 2011 hold for the retail industry?
  A growing number of retailers are opening the door to new opportunities for 2011 and welcoming innovation, change and new technology with open arms. Susan Reda, STORES Media executive editor, takes a look at how this innovative thinking will impact the consumer, stores, economy, IT, marketing, mobile, social and e-commerce in 2011. Read more.

• NRF SmartStat: Jan. 3, 2010
  Early estimates show retail cargo volume in 2010 was up 17% over 2009. Source: NRF's Global Port Tracker report.

• Disney Store, Food Lion, HSN and Macy's to keynote Retail's BIG Show
  At Retail's BIG Show, January 9-12 in New York City, executives from top retail brands will share what it takes to succeed in today's economic climate as well as tips to position yourself for growth years down the road. Keynote topics will highlight how to respond to the changing consumer, how to fully engage with mobile, key business areas to focus on during economic uncertainty and how to provide an immersive retail experience. Learn more.

Chain Restaurant News

• Early lessons prepared Popeye's president for leadership
  Cheryl Bachelder, Popeye's president and AFC Enterprises CEO, began college as a music major but found the long hours of solitary piano practice lonely. After a summer spent with her businessman father in Hong Kong, Bachelder switched gears and never looked back, working hard and learning leadership lessons in stints at RJR Nabisco and Domino's. She joined Popeye's in 2007. The New York Times (free registration) (1/1)

• Starbucks raises prices in China as commodity prices go up
  Starbucks planned to raise prices on some of its products at stores in China on Jan. 1 in response to rapidly rising costs for raw materials. McDonald's raised its menu prices in China last month, and other quickservice chains including Yum! Brands-owned KFC and Pizza Hut have said they expect higher commodity prices to cut into profits in their China operations. International Business Times (12/31)

Career Track

Director of eCommerce South Moon Under Berlin, MD Chief Financial Officer Prime Communications Sugar Land, TX Merchant, Regional Foods Meijer Chicago Region, IL Chief Merchant/General Merchandise Manager Moosejaw Mountaineering Madison Heights, MI Retail Assortment Planning Analyst Headquarters Marine Corps/Marine Corps Exchanges Quantico, VA Vice President of Strategic Planning Rent-A-Center Plano, TX Buyer - Ladies Apparel - Special Sizes Stein Mart Jacksonville, FL

SmartQuote

Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future." --Alice Walker, American author