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September 19, 2008

Events, Events, and More Events…
Retail News and Notes


• This seems to be the season for CRMA events.

• We have three going one in the next few months and it is sure keeping us busy.

• All three of these events, we think, are a great way to help the Association and to get the benefits of being a member of CRMA.

• We hope you will take a look at participating in all of these and if you have any questions about them, please feel free to call us.

CRMA Golf Outing Update

• Last week we reminded members about our upcoming CRMA Golf Outing that will take place on October 6, 2008 at the Hartford Golf Club www.hartfordgolfclub.org.

• As we mentioned last week the Golf Tournament is a very important fundraiser for CRMA. The funds we raise are important for our bottom line and keep the CRMA strong to fight the good fight for retailers.

• Many of our members responded to our request last week but we need to ask again.

• With just under 2 weeks to go, we are asking that members once again consider helping this year’s event, going to our website, www.crmaonline.com and filling out a registration sheet.

Survive & Thrive Seminar – Oct 21, 2008

• CRMA is happy to support a one day seminar entitled Survive & Thrive that helps retailers continue to compete in this current economy.

• Hosted by Radiant Systems and Retail Control Systems this seminar will be held on Oct 21, 2008 at the Marriott/Rocky Hill and includes 5 breakout sessions on important topics for all size retailers.

• If you are interested in learning more about this event, please feel free to contact our office at 860-527-1044 or by emailing Dick Calio of RJ Calio Consulting at rcalio@snet.net.

Annual Meeting

• Our third and final event of the season is our annual luncheon. This event is highlighted by our naming of the Retailer of the Year.

• The Retailer of the Year is the highest honor that CRMA can bestow upon any retailer in CT, this year the event will be held on November 13, 2008.

• Invitations and registration information about the Retailer of the Year luncheon will be sent to members shortly.

Retail News and Notes

• RadioShack stores to get new look
RadioShack continues its turnaround effort with a plan to revamp the design of two-thirds of its 6,000 stores and extensively remodel 14 locations. The retailer hopes upgraded merchandise displays will present more organized, navigable stores and help customers compare products. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (9/18)

 
• Giant Food readies first convenience outlet
Giant Food Stores' first convenience store, dubbed Giant To Go, will be built in Lancaster, Pa., and is slated to open early next year. The 4,422-square-foot store will offer deli, meat, produce and bakery products and provide fuel pumps outside. Convenience Store News (9/17)

• Jos. A. Bank gets a new chief
R. Neal Black, chief merchandising officer at Jos. A. Bank since 2000, will step into the role of CEO and also become a company director. Robert N. Wildrick is stepping down as CEO and will be named chairman of the board. InternetRetailer.com (9/15)
 

September 12, 2008

CRMA Golf Classic Just a Few Weeks Away
Retailer of the Year Luncheon Plans Underway
Member Services Update
Retail News and Notes

• We are very excited about this year’s CRMA Golf Outing.

• As you know by now this year’s event will be held on Monday October 6, 2008 at the prestigious Hartford Golf Club www.hartfordgolfclub.org and if you have not sent in your registration it is not too late.

• You can find information about our Golf Outing by visiting our website, www.crmaonline.com, once there simply double click the events tab and from there you will find registration information.

• The CRMA Golf Outing is a very important fundraiser for us. The money we raise at this event goes toward our bottom line and keeps the CRMA strong so that we can continue to be your advocate at the State Capitol and in marketplace.

• PLEASE give every consideration to helping us this year. As we mentioned this is a MAJOR fundraiser for us and any help you can give, whether it is purchasing a foursome or tee sign, or donating a raffle prize or all of the above we would be very grateful.

• So, please visit our website and read about the Golf Outing and send in your foursome today. Together we can continue to make the CRMA the strongest Voice of Retailing in the State.

Retailer of the Year Luncheon Plans Underway

• Also, upcoming is another major event for us, the announcement of the retailer of the year award.

• Once again this year we have a number of outstanding nominations and our committee will be reviewing and finalizing our selection of the Retailer of the Year very soon.

• In the meantime please SAVE NOVEMBER 13, 2008 on your calendar.

• That will be the day of our luncheon. We will be sending more detailed information to you about the day soon.


Member Services Update

• Great news for members interested in saving money on their energy supply bills!

• This week, our supplier, Integrys Energy began a massive campaign to inform members and non members that under the CRMA/Intgegrys program retailers can save anywhere from 4 to 6% off the standard offer.

• The power market for retailers is now ready for action and for savings!

• If you are interested in seeing how much you can save on your energy supply costs, we urge you to call Mike Caulfield, Senior Account Executive of Integrys Energy Services, Inc. at 603-625-2054.

• You can also email Mike at mjcaulfield@integrysenergy.com

• Make that call today and begin saving money on your energy bill!

 Richard Warren (Dick) Michaels

• It is with sadness that we close this week’s Friday Facts by informing the members of the passing of a retail giant in CT, Mr. Richard W. Michaels.

• Mr. Michaels had a long and distinguished career including serving time as a Board Member of the CT Jewelers Association as well the American Gem Society. He was instrumental in establishing the Michaels Jewelers Scholarship Fund at his beloved University of Connecticut.

• Dick/RW Michaels was part of a great retail family in CT, the Michaels family, who own a chain of outstanding jewelry stores throughout the state and we send our very warmest regards to them on behalf of our members.

Retail News and Notes

• OfficeMax wants to dress up your cubicle
OfficeMax will launch a line of office products that reflect current fashion trends after the 2008 holiday shopping season ends. The company hopes products ranging from binders to clips featuring henna designs, animal prints and other trendy looks will boost sales. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires (subscription required) (9/9)

• Grocery stores get smaller, more convenient
Retailers such as Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, Giant Eagle and Safeway are experimenting with small-format stores that emphasize prepared foods and convenience. According to an industry group, the average size of a grocery store shrank last year for the first time in two decades. The New York Times (9/9)

• Too pinched to dine out, consumers buy prepared meals at supermarkets
Consumers who are eating out less but are time-crunched and concerned about nutrition are buying more prepared meals at grocery stores. The Stop & Shop and Giant-Landover banners added more than 100 freshly prepared foods last month, and SUPERVALU has just introduced a line of foods specifically designed to rival restaurant-quality meals. MSNBC/Associated Press (9/9)