With retail sales showing slight improvements, new research found that one-half to two-thirds of shoppers surveyed intend to spend at least the same and possibly more than normal on some type of apparel in the next 90 days.

The latest Retail Consumer Dynamics study by Acxiom Corporation, based on insights drawn from the BIGresearch Consumer Intentions and Actions (CIA) and Simultaneous Media Usage (SIMM⁾ Surveys, found that it’s imperative for retailers to maintain momentum by targeting the right segment with the right mix of promotional tools.

Consumers want to get personal right from the start while shopping online, new research shows. More than 50% of consumers expect personalized merchandising starting with a personalized home page, according to recent research from the e-Tailing Group and MyBuys, a provider of personalized recommendations for multi-channel retailers. The survey also found that 77% of shoppers will make an additional purchase when presented with personalized recommendations, according to the report “Consumer Insights into Multi-Channel Interactions: Practical Tools for Profitable Selling.”

Urban Outfitters implemented Manhattan Associates' Warehouse Management solution (WMS) from the Manhattan SCOPE Distribution Management solution suite to optimize its distribution network.

Editor’s Note: Several comments in this article were excerpted from a recent RetailWire discussion, where the BrainTrust panel of retail experts shared strategic insights on the Toys “R” Us Christmas Savers Club Launch.

As retailers prepare their battle plans for the critical holiday shopping season, one retailer has been given high marks for freshening up an age old retail concept in order to optimize its 4^th quarter sales. The company recently announced Christmas Savers Club from Toys "R" Us is designed to help families prepare and save on holiday shopping.

Combining the basic principles of layaway, with the convenience of gift cards and rewards for spending levels, the program allowing shoppers to begin setting aside money with the added benefit of earning a bonus for saving early, has been recognized as an innovative way for the retailer to avoid price wars.

“The launch is a good move, and it’s probably backed up by significant involvement with suppliers and advertising and the timing of promotions and replenishments,” said Richard Hastings, Macro & Consumer Strategist, Global Hunter Securities. “This helps with price stability later this year, something they learned was a big problem during the crisis.”