National retailers continued to see positive numbers for June, though the increases were smaller across the board. Those retailers struggling in May continued the same in June. On the other hand, those doing a good job of managing assortments and sales promotion continued to see positive comparable store numbers across the board.

Nordstrom led the Department store sector, posting +8.1% growth, with Saks closing fast with a 6.0% increase. After leading their peers for several months Macys settled for a 1.2% comp store increase for June. Kohl's continues to sputter.

Monthly sales releases by Zumiez and Limited Brands showed continued dominance in specialty apparel with 8.2% and 7.0% increases, respectively. Barnes & Noble's second quarter release showed an encouraging 4.5% comp store increase. This is consistent with several other hard lines retailers and demonstrates their tenacity to succeed.

The next time you receive a call from a recruiter don't hesitate to ask them, "How many retail executives have you placed in the last 24 months?" You'll rapidly recognize those recruiters who specializes in retail. And yes, a proven retail recruiter will be a much better partner in your retail business.

Click here for June 2012 National Retail Sales Results

National retailers enjoyed consistently positive numbers for May, with very few exceptions. Bellwether retailers posted results that met or exceeded analyst expectations. Retailers with well planned fashion and inventories are big winners.

Department stores Macys and Nordstrom posted +4.2% and +5.3% comparable store increases for May, respectively. These numbers are solid. American Eagle stole-the-show with a +17.0% comp store increase for first quarter. And, across the board, comparable increases of +4% to +8% were the standard.

Your HR professionals are facing serious challenges in attracting and closing the candidates you need. Why is this? The market has changed and top candidates are being heavily recruited. The best candidates will only consider making a change for a compelling offer. We are seeing counter offers in the six-digit range. Game on!

Click here for May 2012 National Retail Sales Results

You’re seeing more quarterly sales results as the industry shifts away from monthly releases. Oddly, shareholders aren’t objecting.

April nationwide retail sales results evidence both calendar shifts and seasonality. Though the consumer continues to spend across virtually all retail segments overall comp store increases were modest. Broad-based sales for the combined two months of March and April were still up 2.4 percent.

Value continues to sell, with TJX Cos., parent of Marshalls, T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods, reporting that comp store revenues rose 6.0 percent in April, beating Wall Street's 4.0% forecast. Zumiez continues strong results with a 10.1% increase.

Nordstrom led department stores with a 7.1% increase while Macy's posted a 1.2 percent increase in April, only .7% below analysts expectations. And there are still signs that the economy is improving. An example, the Labor Department reported on Thursday that the number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week by the most in more than three months. Good talent is employed.

More than ever, I encourage you to get to know our Directors in the below areas. They deliver remarkable experience and capability, along with the best talent.

Retail Field Operations
Merchandise Buying and Global Product Development
Merchandise Planning & Allocation
Retail Finance & Accounting
E-commerce
Human Resources

Click here for April National Retail Sales Results