Attitudes: Retailers

CHICAGO — With many businesses implementing customer reward programs to drive sales, it seems that the ones that promise everyday value and rewards fare better than their counterparts, according to new research.

The Recommendation Index, conducted by marketing agency Zocalo Group and M/A/R/C Research, analyzed 1,000 reward program participants, who were asked about brands they most often positively and negatively recommended, and the attributes they used to make their recommendations.

CHICAGO — It seems that private-label brands are getting a sterling reputation among shoppers.

According to new research by Mintel, consumers have taken notice of private-label companies' "better-for-you" products and attractive packaging, as 44% of grocery shoppers believed store-brand products are of better quality today than they were five years ago. What's more, 39% of respondents said they would recommend purchasing a store-brand product.

WASHINGTON — Retailers are ready to expand again, and likely will do so as the economy picks up, according to a new survey conducted by the charitable arm of the National Retail Federation and KPMG.

NEW YORK — Start spreading the news: Walmart wants to be a part of it — New York, N.Y. Though the retailer's desire to enter the city is nothing new, its latest push shows that attitudes toward the retailer opening stores in New York City are changing — in Walmart's favor.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Katz Group Canada is withholding comment on a report in the Edmonton Journal Wednesday that speculated on the potential sale of the Canadian drug store giant.

“Katz Group does not comment on rumors or speculation,” said company spokeswoman Michelle Lee when asked about the report.

SHELTON, Conn. — Organic product purchases among consumers have been fairly consistent over the past three years, but more shoppers are looking to mass retailers to purchase such items.

LONDON — Image-conscious women don't "dress their age" until they reach 70 years old, according to new research carried out by the retailer Debenhams, a department store group that has a strong presence in such categories as women's clothing, shoes, children's wear and beauty.

NEW YORK — An annual holiday shopping index found that an overwhelming majority of Americans said that while online shopping for holiday gifts is easier, brick-and-mortar stores do a better job of putting them in the holiday spirit.