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February 3, 2012

Get Ready for the Legislature to Begin
News and Notes from the State Capitol
CRMA Energy Services Update
LP Meeting Reminder
Retail News and Notes


• We are now just days away from the start of the 2012 Legislative Session.

• The short session will begin next Wednesday, February 8, 2012 and will run until May, 9, 2012.

• The short session is intense and because it is also an election year for members of the General Assembly, it can often times be very political.

• For instance, both the Speaker of the House, Chris Donovan (D- Meriden) and a leading Senate Republican, Andrew Roraback (R- Litchfield) are giving up their state legislative seats to run for congress from the 5th District.

• Our Legislative Committee is ready for the start of the session, having already held an organizational meeting two weeks ago.

• Our next conference call to discuss legislation will be on Thursday, February, 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. EST.

• The call is open to all members. Please mark your calendars and if you need additional information, please feel free to call us.

News and Notes from the State Capitol

• As we mentioned, the session is about to begin and Governor Malloy has already laid out some of his agenda.

• In addition to education reform, the Governor has also signaled that expansion on gaming in CT is something he is open to.

• Yet, this week he might have backed off just a bit on one type of gaming Keno. You can go here for more info on that story.

• Looks like we will be facing an increase in the minimum wage next session.

• Speaker Donovan, backed by labor leaders will introduce a bill moving the minimum wage up in two steps.

• Not so fast though, the Governor is not too thrilled with the idea. You can go here for more on that issue.

• Finally, the Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has put out a report highlighting the major issues that are expected to be debated this session.

• You can go here to take a look for yourself.

CRMA Energy Services Update

• On Monday we sent out to members, what we expect will be, weekly updates on special pricing on electric supply services that you can take advantage of.

• The rates, which are considerably below market, and significantly below the standard offer, will be sent out each Monday and members will have until Thursday of that week to sign up.

• So, on Monday look for another email from us on that week’s rate.

• In addition to the great rates, we have a simple streamlined process for folks to follow when signing up.

• All we will need is for you to fill out a simple Electricity Rate Request Form and send us a copy of your utility bill and we will take it from there.

• It is very simple and a great way for you to save money and another example of our member service programs designed with you in mind.

LP Meeting Reminder

• We are putting the final touches on our Loss Prevention meeting schedule for 2012 but wanted to alert you to our first quarter meeting date.

• The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 13th at Cabelas in East Hartford.

• As we get closer to that day we will remind members but go ahead and save the date.

• Our LP meetings are a great way for LP professionals throughout CT to get together and exchange information and help each other out.

• Call or email Cathy in our office at 860-527-1044 or cathy@crmaonline.com for more information about our LP meeting.

Retail News and Notes                                                                                                    

• How Macy's, Urban Outfitters are using tech to enhance shopper experiences
Macy's teamed with Intel to create Macy's Beauty Spot, a touch-screen kiosk that combines cosmetic products from a host of brands and other online content with in-store services. The kiosks, which debuted at Retail's BIG Show last month, are one of several ways retailers are using technology to enhance the in-store experience. ApparelNews.net (2/3)     

• Target to debut Jason Wu collection on Sunday
Target will unveil a 53-piece capsule collection from designer Jason Wu on Sunday, with clothing, bags and scarves priced from $19.99 to $59.99. Best-known for creating first lady Michelle Obama's inaugural gown, Wu says the Target collection was inspired by his love of French New Wave film. CNBC (2/2)     

• Retail sales saw solid rise in January
Same-store sales from retailers that still report monthly results rose 4.2% from the same month in 2011, according to Thomson Reuters, led by significant increases at several chains including Saks, Limited Brands, Costco and Target. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (2/2), The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)/The Associated Press (2/2), The Wall Street Journal (2/3)     

January 20, 2012

Governor Announces Major Changes to CT Liquor Laws
CRMA Legislative Committee to Meet Next Week
CRMA Member Services Update
Retail News and Notes

• If there is one thing that is very clear about Governor Malloy, after watching him for a year in office is that he is not shy about diving into big issues.

• In fact, he relishes it.

• This week he was at again, by announcing his unconditional support for the often discussed but never approved, Sunday sales of alcohol.

• The Governor also announced other changes to CT Liquor Laws that he will propose to the General Assembly this session, including allowing bars to remain open for an extra hour.

• There are other changes included in the Governor’s proposal that will spurn lots of discussion during this session.

• You can go here and here for a good overview of the story.

CRMA Legislative Committee to Meet Next Week

• Our Legislative Committee will be holding our first meeting of the year next week to begin preparation for the upcoming legislative session.

• The meeting is open to all members and we encourage you to participate.

• We will send a reminder notice out this week, but if you would like more information about the call, please call Cathy in our office today.

CRMA Member Services Update

• Last week we challenged members to take advantage of our member services offering including guaranteeing that we could lower your credit card processing fees.

• Well, one member took us up on the challenge by sending us their latest bank card statement.

• We reviewed it closely and sure enough we found a number of ways that we could reduce their costs through the CRMA Bank Card Program. The end result is that we saved this member over $200 A MONTH.

• We can do the same for you if you take 5 minutes and send us your latest bank card statement.

• Call Cathy in our office RIGHT NOW and because we CAN and WILL save you money on our Bank Card program and you can join the growing number of members who are saving money through the CRMA Bank Card Program.

• You can reach Cathy via email, at cathy@crmaonline.com or by calling our office at 860-527-1044.

Retail News and Notes

• J.C. Penney names former Abercrombie CIO to tech chief post
J.C. Penney has named Kristen Blum as its new executive vice president and chief technology officer. Blum, whose 25-year career includes stints at Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch and PepsiCo, will oversee the company's online retail business and IT systems. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (1/18)     

• Temperate winter tempers sales of cold-weather gear
Stores that stocked up on snow removal equipment, winter coats and even flu medicines aren't seeing the items sell as January temperatures stubbornly remain above average. REI took measures into its own hands Saturday, creating snow in New York's Central Park in an effort to encourage shoppers to buy ski gear and winter coats. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/18)     

• Home Depot to expand PayPal test to 51 stores
Home Depot will expand a test of PayPal's in-store payment system to 51 stores in the San Francisco area, eBay CEO John Donahoe said Wednesday. TechCrunch (1/18)     

January 13, 2012

Get Ready Start of the Session Right around the Corner
Member Services Update
Retail News and Notes

• The CT General Assembly is poised to start the so called “short legislative session” on Feb 8, 2012

• This year the short session will run from Feb. 8 until the official adjournment date of May 9, 2012

• During this session the GA is suppose to concentrate only on fiscal matters such as midterm budget adjustments, but we know that once the GA is in session anything goes .

• The CRMA lobbying team will be ready for the session and have already begun meeting with key legislators to get a sense of what we can expect.

• The CRMA Legislative Committee will also hold its first committee meeting of the year on January 25th to get us organized for the year.

• The Legislative Committee is open to all members and we will be sending a reminder notice out to members next week with more information about the call. In the meantime if you are interested in participating please call our office today for more information.

Member Services Update

• With the holiday shopping season now behind us and most members taking a good hard look at their bottom lines, we thought it would be a good time to remind you once again that the CRMA menu of money saving programs remain a great option for you to consider.

• Remember we offer the best Merchant Services in the state – we guarantee that we can save you money on your credit card processing, just send us your latest statement and we will do a FREE ANALASIS and show you the savings.

• In the area of Energy Supply, CRMA has broken into the market with a number of options for members depending on your size and or needs.

• You know that CT has the highest utility rates in COUNTRY and the CRMA energy supply program offers you lower rates. Simple as that. You will SAVE MONEY on your utility bill if you call our office today – better yet if you send us your latest bill we will show how it works.

• And finally, in the coming months please keep a look out for more information about our Workers Compensation/Property Casualty Program.

• We are really excited about a program we are putting together in this area as we know that CRMA members are always looking for ways to save money on their business insurance.

• If you are interested in ANY or ALL of these programs, please call Cathy in our office today at 860- 527-1044 or email her at cathy@crmaonline.com

• PLEASE CONSIDER THESE PROGRAMS. THEY CAN SAVE YOU MONEY!

Retail News and Notes

•  Liz Claiborne aims to rekindle success with new name, brands
The company formerly known as Liz Claiborne sees its future success in three primary brands, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade and Lucky Brand Jeans, CEO Bill McComb said at a conference this week. The company recently changed its name to Fifth & Pacific to reflect its new direction. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires (1/11)     

• Isaac Mizrahi to design a line for babies
Designer Isaac Mizrahi will launch his first clothing line for newborns and infants this fall, under a manufacturing and distribution deal with bon bebe. The initial 25-piece collection will be available in department and specialty stores, and Mizrahi expects to eventually expand the collection to include apparel for older children. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (1/11)       

• Poll: Kohl's wins kudos for customer service
Consumers ranked Kohl's highest and named it America's favorite mid-priced department store with J.C. Penney coming in a close second, according to a new Harris Interactive poll. Both chains also made NRF's 2011 list of best retailers for customer service. MainStreet.com (1/11)     

December 2, 2011

Bob’s Stores Honored as 2011 Retailer of the Year
Holiday Shopping Season upon Us
4th Quarter LP Meeting Set
Retail News and Notes


• On November 16, 2011 before a packed audience at the Autorino Great Hall at the Bushnell Theater, CRMA presented Bob’s Stores with our most prestigious award, our Retailer of the Year.

• Mr. James M. Smith, Chief Financial Officer of Bob’s Stores, accepted the award on behalf of the company at the luncheon which included a number of other retailers and friends of the retail industry.

• We are proud to include Bob’s Stores as a member of CRMA and were honored to give our award to such a great CT based company.

Holiday Shopping Season upon Us

• Retailers throughout CT and the nation kicked off the holiday shopping season with a strong post thanksgiving holiday.

• Many members have reported solid results and nationwide it appears that sales have exceeded expectations.

• In our retail news and notes section this week, we will provide some more in depth stories but the general sense we have, that things are off to a good start.

• We would love to hear your thoughts on how the season kicked off and how it is going. Please send your comments to tim@crmaonline.com if you can.

4th Quarter LP Meeting Set

• The CRMA Loss Prevention Committee will hold its last meeting of the Year on December 6, 2011 at the Hampton Inn in Milford, CT.

• This event, which is being co-sponsored by Kohl’s Department Stores, will feature guest speaker Officer Jeffrey Nielsen, Milford Police Department.

• Officer Nielsen will discuss incidents that took place over the Black Friday holiday shopping season and how we can continue to work with local police departments.

• In addition to Officer Nielsen, the meeting will include lots of time for the exchange of information between members of current issues impacting the LP community.

• There is no charge to attend the meeting, so please call or email Cathy in our office at 860-527-1044 or cathy@crmaonline.com.

• The meeting begins with registration from 9:30 am-10:00 am with the general meeting beginning at 10:00am.

Retail News and Notes

• Strong holiday weekend buoys retailers' November sales
Retailers reported strong November sales growth on Thursday, boosted by the stronger-than-expected Thanksgiving weekend. Companies including Costco, Limited Brands, Macy's, Buckle and Wet Seal beat analysts' expectations for same-store sales growth. "A strong Black Friday punctuated our very positive sales performance throughout November at both Macy's and Bloomingdale's," said Chairman and CEO Terry J. Lundgren. Google/The Associated Press (12/1), The Wall Street Journal (12/1)     

• Target bets on December discounts to boost holiday sales
Target aims to boost holiday sales and win back some of the market share it lost to Toys R Us last year with deep discounts on hot toys and other items throughout December. Target sells between 35% and 40% of its toys in November and December and the chain aims to better the 0.9% December sales increase it reported last year. Reuters (11/30)     

• Hot holiday season may help retail landlords fill space
The holiday shopping season got off to a strong start last weekend and retail landlords hope the trend continues, and that it portends an end to high vacancy rates. Robust holiday sales are one indicator that retailers are feeling strong enough to make expansion plans and move into new markets. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires (11/30)     

November 11, 2011


CRMA Annual Awards Luncheon Now Just Day’s Away
Legislative Panel Features Finance Committee Leadership
Parking Information
Retail News and Notes

• Our Annual Awards Luncheon is scheduled for next Wednesday, Nov 16, 2011 at the Bushnell Theater’s Autorino Great Hall and as we close out the week we are expecting a packed house.

• If you are interested in attending the luncheon, where we will honor our Retailer of the Year Bob’s Stores of Meriden, we strongly urge you to call our office today and reserve your space.

• The luncheon is our last fundraiser of the year and we will have another strong turnout for the lunch but still have seats available.

• Also, we are so very proud to have Bob’s Stores as our Retailer of the Year.

• Bob’s represents everything that is good about CT and about retailing.
They have preserved, they have remained committed to our State and to the people that work for them all while maintaining a strong business.

• Please come and join us for lunch, which will be catered by Max Restaurant Group, and help us honor Bob’s Stores and kickoff the holiday shopping season.

Legislative Panel Features Finance Committee Leadership

• Prior to our luncheon, we will once again be holding a Legislative Panel discussion in the Seavern’s Room at the Bushnell.

• This year will have invited the Co-Chairs and Ranking members of the Legislature’s Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee to come and talk to us about what we can expect from their committee and the General Assembly next session.

• As you are well aware, the Retail industry felt a heavy burden last session with increases in the sales tax and the imposition of the first in the nation luxury tax on certain items.

• This is our chance to once again let those legislative leaders know how we feel about those changes; the impact of those changes on our business and the prospects of changing them next session.

• Please come to this important part of our day. There is no cost to attend and it is important that these legislators hear from you.

Parking Information
If you are attending the legislative panel and/or the luncheon here is important parking information:

• We recommend you use Pro Park Lots that are located in the following places:
• Circle P Lot (at Hudson & Linden Street)
• Hudson Street Lot (corner of Hudson & Buckingham Streets)
• West Street Lot (at West & Elm Street)

• Directions from your location can be found on www.mapquest.com.
• Please remember to tell the Parking Attendant that you are with Connecticut Retail Merchants Association’s event at the Bushnell. You will receive a ticket from the attendant to be validated at the Registration Table.

Retail News and Notes

• BOB’S gets a shout out from CT News Junkie!

•  Fashion matters more in tough times, designer says
Talking fashion might seem frivolous in a time when Americans face unemployment, inflation and other serious economic issues, but tough times make the industry more important than ever, says designer Kevan Hall. "There's still a lot of industry and a lot of manufacturing that's done here, and it's an important part of our economy." National Public Radio (11/10)     

• Starbucks pays $30 million for juice maker Evolution Fresh
Starbucks is making moves into the health-food business with its $30 million acquisition this week of premium juice maker Evolution Fresh. The coffee giant plans to replace PepsiCo's Naked juices with Evolution Fresh products in its stores and begin opening separate juice bars next year. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (11/10), The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (11/11)     

October 21, 2011

Bob’s Stores of Meriden, named 2011 Retailer of the Year
Join with your Colleagues in Honoring this Year’s Winner
Finance Committee Leaders Highlight Legislative Panel
Get Online CT!
Retail news and notes

• We are very proud and pleased to announce that Bob’s Stores, a Meriden CT based retailer, has been selected as our Retailer of the Year.

• The Retailer of the Year is the highest honor that CRMA can bestow upon a retailer in CT and this year we are especially honored to give this award to Bob’s.

• Simply put, Bob’s is a CT institution. Their CT roots go as far back as 1954 with a single store in Middletown CT, and today have over 34 stores throughout the Northeast including 13 in CT.

• Bob’s has all the qualities we are looking for in naming our Retailer of the Year, including excellence in customer service, marketing, advertising and a commitment to the community.

• Bob’s also has been an active member of CRMA for over 10 years and we can’t think of a more deserving winner of this year’s Retailer of the Year.

Join with your Colleagues in Honoring this Year’s Winner

• We will honor Bob’s in presenting them with this award at our Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on November 16, 2011 at the Bushnell’s Autorino Theater in downtown Hartford.

• In addition to honoring Bob’s the Annual Awards Luncheon is our way of celebrating the retail industry and is the kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

• Please come join us on November 16, 2011. You can sign up for the luncheon by calling our office at (860) 527-1044 

Finance Committee Leaders Highlight Legislative Panel

• Prior to the honoring of Bob’s as our Retailer of the Year, we will once again host an important Legislative Panel discussion beginning at 10:00 am in Seavern’s Room of the Bushnell.

• This year we have invited the Co-Chairs and Ranking members of the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee to talk to members about what we can expect next session in the way of taxes.

• CRMA lobbyists spend a lot of time in front of the Finance Committee for obvious reasons, from sales tax to corporate tax to special “issue” taxes, it is critical that leaders of the committee hear from CRMA members directly and this panel discussion is a great way to do that.

• This discussion is free to members who are attending the luncheon, so please make it part of you day. Coffee, juice and breakfast will be included.


Get Online CT!

• This week we participated in “Connecticut Get your Business Online” seminar that was held by Google.

• The seminar was held on Wednesday Oct 26, 2011 at the CT Science Center and was fantastic!

• Over 800 people attended the seminar throughout the day and participated in workshops on how to set up a website, running your business online and a beginner’s guide to Google AdWord.

• If you could not attend the workshop but would like more information please call our office (860)527-1044 and we will put you in touch with the right folks at Google.



Retail News and Notes

• Small merchants hope for a better holiday
Retailers of all sizes generate a significant portion of their sales in the holiday season, and another slow year could spell the end for some small merchants, whose tighter margins mean they must attract shoppers by other means than cutting prices. "They need make sure their product is presented well, their stores are clean, and they're doing all the things a good retailer does. It's a challenging time," said NRF Vice President Daniel Butler. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (10/20)     

• Retailers look to giveaways to boost holiday sales
Merchants are offering to eat the cost of everything from shipping to jewelry in an effort to spur holiday season sales. Online jeweler Stauer is giving away $249 necklaces to anyone willing to pay the $24.95 in shipping, and Nordstrom became one of the first retailers to offer free shipping on almost any order, no matter the size. The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)/The Associated Press (10/19)     

• Inflation growth slowed in September
Consumer prices rose 0.3% in September, the slowest rate in three months, a possible signal that inflation is moderating according to a plan set out by the Federal Reserve. Retailers from Gap to Safeway say they're limited in their ability to raise prices as consumers' budgets continue to be squeezed. Bloomberg (10/19)     

October 14, 2011

CRMA Golf outing Reset for Next Week
Annual Meeting Plans Underway
Get Online CT!
Retail News and Notes

• Our Annual Golf Outing that had to be rescheduled because of bad course conditions is now all set for next Tuesday, October 18, at the Hartford Golf Club.

• For those of you that have hung in there with us, we appreciate very much all of your support and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.

• We appreciate everyone’s support for this year’s event and are sorry for those that cannot join us on this new date.

• If, at the very last minute, folks want to join us they still can, by calling our office today (860-527-1044) and entering your foursome.

• You can also email us your foursome, by sending in your names to Cathy@crmaonline.com.

Annual Awards Luncheon Underway!

• By know we hope that everyone has received their invitation to this year’s Annual Awards Luncheon which will be held November 16, 2011 at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, CT.

• We are planning another great luncheon this year. We will be announcing our Retail of the Year in next week’s FF and are also finalizing our legislative panel for this year as well.

• If you would like, you can register for the luncheon by going online, www.crmaonline.com, or by simply sending in your registration form to our office and we will secure your spot.

• The Annual Awards Luncheon is not only our last major event of the year, but it is our way to celebrate all that is good about retail by honoring a CT retailer and by gathering with colleagues just before the kickoff of the Holiday Season.

• Please join us this year by sending in your registration for our 2011 Awards Luncheon.

Get Online CT!

• We are very excited to announce today that we were selected by Google to be one of a small number of sponsors for their “Connecticut Get your Business Online” seminar.

• The seminar will be held on Wednesday Oct 26, 2011 at the CT Science Center running from 7:30 am until 5:00 pm.

• The seminar will include workshops on how to set a website, running your business online and a beginner’s guide to Google AdWord.

• We will be sending out more information about this exciting event to you shortly, but please mark your calendar for October 26, 2011.

• Hope to see you at the Science Center and then to see you online!

Retail News and Notes

• September retail sales beat forecasts
Retail sales rose 1.1% in September, beating economists' estimates as consumers spent more on cars, clothes and fuel, according to the Commerce Department, which also revised August sales up from flat to 0.3%. Retailers across all segments saw an upswing, sparking a bit of optimism for the holiday season. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (10/14), Bloomberg (10/14), Reuters (10/14)     

• Gap to close 189 U.S. stores, focus on global expansion
Gap plans to close 21% of its namesake U.S. stores in the next two years and focus on expanding overseas, especially in China, where the apparel chain expects to grow from 15 to 45 stores by the end of 2012, the company said Thursday. Industry watchers blame the chain's domestic troubles partly on the economy and partly on the company's failure to create compelling new product lines. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (10/14), The Washington Post/The Associated Press (10/14)     

• Gap looks to streamlined stores, styles to boost sales: Gap plans to declutter its North American stores and introduce simpler styles and brighter colors as part of a push to revive interest in the brand at home. The Sun (Baltimore)/Reuters (10/13)     

• Walgreen will roll out Look boutiques across the U.S.
Walgreen said this week it will roll out Duane Reade's Look boutiques at its stores across the country. The company, which has been evaluating the two-year-old upscale beauty boutique concept since it acquired New York-based Duane Reade last year, says it's a concept likely to translate well in several other U.S. markets including Los Gatos, Calif., Houston and Miami. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (10/13)     

October 7, 2011

CRMA Golf Outing Rescheduled
Annual Awards Luncheon in the Works
Malloy’s Economic Summit
Retail News and Notes


• By now you are aware that the CRMA annual golf outing had to be reschedule due to course conditions.

• Although we are disappointed the golf could not go off as scheduled, we are grateful to all of our sponsors and supporters that are sticking with us as we change the date and promise to hold a great event.

• With the date change there is also a change in our schedule for the day.

• We are now planning an earlier tee time, along with a menu change, but we will continue with the great afternoon of golf and great post golf activities.

• With the change of date, we are also hopeful that some of you, who had a conflict with the date before, will look at your schedule and maybe be able to join us on the 18th.

• If you are interested, please feel free to call Cathy in our office at office at 860-527-1044 or email her at cathy@crmaonline.com

• Hope to see you on the course!

Annual Awards Luncheon in the Works

• We are also planning our last major event of the year, our annual awards luncheon and annual membership meeting.

• This year we will be holding the event on November 16, 2011 at the Bushnell Theater’s Autorino Great Hall.

• We are finalizing plans now, including the announcement of our Retailer of the Year and for our legislative panel so please mark your calendar today for Nov 16, 2011 it will be a great event.

Malloy’s Economic Summit

• When the Malloy administration began it said that it would be open for business.

• We all know too well what that meant during the legislative session, but this week building on his summer jobs tour and in anticipation of a special session on jobs; the Governor hosted an Economic Summit to get more ideas on how to improve Connecticut’s economy.

• You can go here and here for some stories about the Economic Summit and some reaction to it.

• Also, the Special Session on jobs is scheduled to be held on Oct 26, 2011.

• We will give you more information about that session as it gets closer.


Retail News and Notes

• U.S. retailers expect holiday sales to rise 2.8%
U.S. holiday sales are expected to total $465.6 billion, up 2.8% from last year, according to NRF's annual survey. Sales will beat the 10-year average of 2.6% but will be well short of the 5.2% jump last year, the group said. "While businesses remain concerned over the viability of the economic recovery, there is no doubt that the retail industry is in a better position this year to handle consumer uncertainty than it was in 2008 and 2009," said President and CEO Matthew Shay. CNBC/Consumer Nation blog (10/6), Google/The Associated Press (10/6)     

• Some retailers report better-than-expected September sales
Retailers that still report monthly sales growth, including Limited Brands, Buckle and Zumiez, booked higher-than-expected back-to-school sales in September. The 23 chains tracked by Thomson Reuters are expected to report an average same-store sales increase of 4.6%, up from 2.7% in the same month last year. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (10/6), Reuters (10/6)     

• NRF counsel says bank has only itself to blame
Bank of America has felt the fallout from its decision to start charging debit-card holders $5 per month, to make up for new caps on swipe fees. "Retailers are all about honest, open-market competition. The banks, though, have been socking it to retailers and consumers for years with hidden swipe fees -- that's where the anger comes from," said NRF general counsel Mallory Duncan in an interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox. Retail's BIG Blog (10/6)