The labor market rebounded sharply in September as employers added over 248,000 jobs, but wage growth remained weak despite a tightening supply of workers. Strong gains were seen in professional and business services, retail and healthcare. What this means to you is that these numbers support a “candidate’s market”. More and more retailers are hiring and candidates have more options than they’ve had in recent years. Attracting talent and retaining talent has become more challenging and competitive as people have more choices. Adding the support of a search firm that compliments your own recruiting resources is not only smart but necessary to ensure you are getting the best candidate for the positions you are looking to fill now and in 2015.

I encourage you to take a closer look at bench strength and the possibility that you will experience a certain amount of turnover as existing employees start moving for more money, location, or advancement. Retail alone added over 35,000 positions in the last month! How do you think this type of growth will affect your business and are you prepared?
 
Click here for September 2014 National Retail Sales Results

If you are having trouble filling critical positions you are not alone. There was a transition from the recession to what is now beyond full employment (at the executive level) when hiring was relatively easy. That is over. High caliber candidates have received hefty salary raises, bonuses often exceed target and equity is well above water. Having an existing network of Retail talent is a distinct advantage for us, but searches are currently more difficult across the board.

Regardless of your strategy in filling positions, I suggest you plan ahead and calculate the daily cost of an unfilled seat. With some you can take your time, with others you cannot afford to let several weeks pass before you contact a search firm to fill it immediately. It’s important to recognize the difference. Needless to say, we are happy to discuss this further if we can be of assistance. 

Click here for August 2014 National Retail Sales Results

“Full steam ahead” is probably the best phrase to use when it comes to the needs of our clients and the abundant opportunities retail. History shows that this momentum will not change and will continue to pick up as we look forward to yet another incredible holiday season.

As always, we thank you for your continued correspondence and referrals. If you are a retail client in need of talent, please contact us immediately to discuss our various search solutions. Plan now for what you might need tomorrow as it has become exceedingly more competitive and qualified candidates are not likely to land on your doorstep but we can help!

Click here for July 2014 National Retail Sales Results

Retail Search Group on July 1st  announced its merger with PrincetonOne, a comprehensive recruitment services provider based in Skillman, N.J.

Since 1985, Retail Search Group’s recruitment professionals have focused on developing career-enhancing relationships within the retail business community.

The Retail Search Group, as a PrincetonOne company, will continue its commitment to bringing exceptional talent to you.  Our customer service and your continued success is paramount to us. “With its long history of success and service within the retail recruitment industry, we are proud to carry on the exemplary tradition of the Retail Search Group brand under the PrincetonOne corporate umbrella.” says Dave Campeas, CEO of PrincetonOne.

PrincetonOne is a talent services company that creates and implements innovative solutions for unmet recruitment and retention needs. PrincetonOne provides clients with a cohesive strategy for recruiting, retention, staffing assessment and organizational development. Through a comprehensive suite of services, including executive search, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) and contract staffing, PrincetonOne delivers unified recruitment solutions and measurable results for more than 1,000 clients around the world. For more information, visit http://www.princetonone.com.

Click here for June 2014 National Retail Sales Results

Nationwide retailer results for May are below. After sales results around other economic indicators we expected May to be strong. The major auto manufacturers have released double-digit increases for May and demonstrate that U.S. consumer confidence is high.

Limited Brands was consistent with retail’s overall specialty trend for May with a 3.0% comparable store increase. For quarterly reporting Tiffany posted 11.0% growth and Williams-Sonoma put up a 10.0% comp store increase.

If you’re successful in retail then you’re too busy to network. Don’t let another day go by without taking the step that really matters. If you haven’t already, reach out to one of the Directors on our national recruiting team. That confidential call will lead you to a 1-on-1 relationship that moves your success forward.

Click here for May 2014 National Retail Sales Results

Nationwide retailer results for April are below.  As we expected, April sales show significant growth for those retailers reporting monthly results.  Expect continued retail sales growth as pressure upon economic policy builds through 2014.

April fashion sales accelerated markedly at many retailers, including Gap +9.0% and Limited Brands +8.0%.  Michaels Stores had a solid quarter performance, posting a +4.6% increase.

Sales results will be dominated by those retailers with the best talent.  In retail, change is almost always good for business.  Start your path to success by contacting one of our recruiting professionals now.  We work on a confidential basis and bring together the best in the market.  Having a 1-on-1 relationship with Retail Search Group will support both your current and future success.
 
Click here for April 2014 National Retail Sales Results

Although increases initially appear conservative in nature, there remain several bright spots which reflect a positive consumer attitude. Interest rates remain at unprecedented lows and offer shoppers once-in-a-lifetime values on large purchases.

Quarterly releases show Williams-Sonoma leading with a +10.4% trend. Dick's Sporting Goods led their category with a 7.3% increase for the quarter.

You should contact one of our recruiting professionals even if you are not considering a change. Having a 1-on-1 relationship can support both your current and future success. Contact them now.

Click here for March 2014 National Retail Sales Results

It’s no surprise that consumer activity was mixed for February quarterly releases, with many retailers grouped around 1%-2% comparable store performances vs. prior year.

Quarterly releases show Neiman Marcus leading department stores, with +6.6%. Lowes and Home Depot both show the strength of the recovering home market, with +3.9% and +4.4%, respectively.

Economic indicators continue to gain strength and announcements around expansion remain as dominant headlines. Check out the nationwide quarterly and monthly results for February.

Click here for February 2014 National Retail Sales Results

After a solid Christmas 2013 selling season we are seeing a consistent roll-over of consumer demand into the new year. Beyond the January calendar shift, reducing sales from 5 weeks in 2013 to 4 weeks in 2014, and some adverse regional weather patterns, the consumer continues to show broad-based confidence in spending.

Many U.S. retailers are planning expansion for 2014. Demand for experienced retail professionals and managers continues to be competitive. Don't wait. If you have a future need I encourage you to contact our Directors and discuss your timing. This strategy will help insure timely execution of your talent strategy.

Click here for January 2014 National Retail Sales Results

There is much to celebrate as we reflect upon December nationwide retailer results. Because of the consistent, broad-based strength of comparable store sales industry-wide during 2013 we never supported the naysayer fears as we approached the Christmas selling season. Our confidence has been realized, with sales results showing solid growth for December.

Macy's posted solid +4.3% gains for the November-December period, with many references to a strong sales performance. Michael’s crafted a +7.9% comp store performance and Finish Line footwear finished the race with +7.1% growth.  Pier 1 led the home store group with a +6.9% showing.

Expect much candidate activity during 2014. With the growth strategies of many retailers will come increased competition for experienced talent to lead execution. If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to connect with your partner at Retail Search Group.
 
Click here for December 2013 National Retail Sales Results

Some 53% of consumers said they started holiday shopping before Thanksgiving, in part due to the lateness of the holiday this year says Bill Thorne, senior VP-communications and public affairs at the NRF. That, and the fact that more retailers opened on Thanksgiving itself, helped explain why some retailers said Black Friday traffic was lighter than usual. Combine store results with a 19% increase in Cyber Monday sales and we at Retail Search Group believe this Christmas season is on track for success.

Macy's reported +3.5% comparable store growth, in good company with Williams-Sonoma, who reported +8.2% growth. Pier 1 capitalized on the home store trend, posting a +3.5% increase.

Because of the late Thanksgiving calendar for 2013 we believe it makes the most sense to combine both November and December results to get a true picture of the 2013 holiday season.

Hiring decisions continue to come forward as retailers prepare for 2014 transition. We encourage both candidates and retailers to continue their efforts to join talent with opportunity. 2014 glistens as a significant growth opportunity for those retailers ready to pursue it.

Click here for November 2013 National Retail Sales Results

October sales results show continued growth and strength of consumer spending. Combined with last week's jobs growth numbers, we have every reason to believe that Holiday 2013 will be one of the best in some time.

Specialty retailers GAP and Limited Brands reported excellent results, posting +4.0% and +8.0%, respectively. The pent-up demand for home improvement is busting-out, with Home Depot posting +10.7% and Lowes +9.6% comparable stores increases. CarMax pushed sales +16.0% for the quarter.

We are seeing expansion across nearly every segment of the retail landscape. Our team continues to be busy bringing forward top talent for these growth-oriented retailers. For many, 2014 financial planning has been completed and the initial stages of first quarter execution are underway.

Click here for October 2013 National Retail Sales Results

Consistent volume gains continue across most retail brands.

 

Counter to government fears, consumer spending continues its year-long growth pattern, led by department stores and value price channels. And, with 4% growth expected by the industry for the holiday season, we see no reason to support current doomsayer headlines.

 

Got Milk
Got Retail
Got Talent

 

Can it be said any more simply, our retail recruiting team is experiencing remarkable results for our client partners because of our 100% dedication to the retail industry. If you’re in a leadership role, wouldn’t you want the top-performing candidates who make your business happen?

Click here for September 2013 National Retail Sales Results

August nationwide retail sales evidence a solid consumer confidence, but one well grounded in both fashion and value.

GAP and Limited released quarterly results, leading the fashion apparel segment with +7.0% and +2.0% comparable store increases, respectively. Footwear continues to be a defining fashion element for 2013 as shown by quarterly results from DSW, the leader at +4.4%.

Value-priced fashion retailers TJX and Ross have dialed-in their customer with targeted brand-oriented media advertising. Both had solid, +4.0% comparable store increases for the current quarter.

Home improvement giants Home Depot and Lowes have regained momentum with +10.7% and +9.6% increases for the second quarter. These values signal a critical turnaround for the consumer, now willing to invest further in their homes.

Click here for August 2013 National Retail Sales Results

Retailers across the board posted increases in the +3.0 to +4.0% range. The good news here is that consumer spending is broad-based, with all segments being healthy. As we head for the key holiday selling season we can expect retailers to enjoy solid success from well-planned and executed assortments.

This is simple. Those who network aggressively end-up surrounding themselves with the highly talented, and thus enjoy a higher level of personal success. With remarkable growth being queued by many major retail brands this is an opportunistic time to build those relationships. Much space for career growth and development is on a near horizon.

Click here for July 2013 National Retail Sales Results

June nationwide retail results reflect increased movement toward quarterly reporting, and expect this trend to continue. July sales results will complete the 2nd quarter for many national retailers, meaning that you can expect broad-based results. And, based upon indicators we are seeing from June month-end or quarter-end results we believe that the consumer is moving ahead with strong conviction.

Lay-Z-Boy reported comp store growth of +11.2% and Pier 1 reported +5.9%. Bed Bath & Beyond reported +3.4%. Each retailer speaks to a solid trend in home related categories.

Fashion is quickly accelerating, with Lululemon Athletic posting +7.0% comp store increases. Men's Wearhouse was close behind at +4.4%. In the beauty category, Ulta is looking good at +6.7% comparable store growth.

Our retail recruiting team is facing high demand for top-performing candidates. Now is the time to reach out and develop a relationship with them. It could be one of your best-ever decisions.

Click here for June 2013 National Retail Sales Results

May national retailer releases are now largely based upon quarter releases. For May we see both shining stars as well as retailers struggling to regain momentum.

 

Williams-Sonoma delivered an outstanding +7.2% for their recent quarter. And, Home Depot showed the right stuff, with a +4.3% gain. Pier 1 continued their dominance with a +7.5% performance, encouraging news for the home store.

 

Have you recently been approached by recruiters claiming to be retail experts? How long has their brand been dedicated to retail? Do they source active candidates on job boards or do they direct-recruit passive, top performers? The Retail Search Group brand brings you expertise and specialization in your specific need area. Experience the wow-factor of working with the retail brand. It’s Retail Search Group.

Click here for May 2013 National Retail Sales Results

National retail sales continued their consistent climb for April with many retailers posting comparable store increases in the +2.0% range. Several retailers broke away with larger growth. Ross and TJX continued their spot-on marketing to attract the value-oriented shopper and delivered +7.0% and +6.0% increases, respectively. GAP also broke out of the pack by posting a +7% increase for the month.

We continue to experience strong demand for talent-specific retail professionals. If your success for 2013 depends upon surrounding yourself with talented professionals who are committed to your financial objectives then don’t delay. Contact one of our Directors and start the process moving forward.

Click here for April 2013 National Retail Sales Results

For March we have removed 10 retailers off monthly reporting, while adding 24 retailers to quarterly reporting. Recent quarter-end values are highlighted in the color red for easy reading.  And retailers shown in italics are new additions to the report.

A cold March and an early Easter slowed retail growth for some national retailers. Shopping for warm weather clothing was delayed due to the cold weather, and Gap with -1.0% comp store is an example of this for March. And, the early Easter couldn’t compete with last year’s higher increases, TJX with -2.0% comp store for March 2013, had +10.0% for March 2012 being an example of this.

For retailers reporting their year-end and fourth quarter numbers, the footwear segment reported solid results, with Footlocker posting a +7.9% comparable store increase and DSW at +3.6%.  Home store retailers are gaining ground, with Pier 1 and Williams-Sonoma leading at +7.5% and +4.0%, respectively, for fourth quarter.

Click here for March 2013 National Retail Sales Results

Nationwide retail sales continued broad based growth for February with some especially bright spots in Home and Department Stores. This retail trend is further supported by numerous retailers reporting near-term expansion plans. The year 2013 will be remembered as a significant turning point for comparable store retail growth.

Specialty retailers like Carter's and Fifth & Pacific Companies showed consistent growth for fourth quarter performances of 5.2% and 13.8% growth, respectively. Home and Furniture stores are seeing promising growth. Examples are Lumber Liquidators and Pier 1 Imports that posted 13.2% and 7.9% comp store growth.

Our nationwide team is currently supporting several major retailer expansions, further evidence of increasing demand for top-performing executive talent.

 Click here for February 2013 National Retail Sales Results