“Retailers know that if they don’t pass along the savings the store across the street will,” says NRF president. With the first anniversary of debit card swipe fee reform approaching next week, U.S. retailers and their customers are benefiting from savings of up to $18 million a day that previously went to card companies and…
NRF To Fight Swipe Fee Settlement
“The proposal is a lose-lose-lose for merchants, consumers and competition,” says NRF CEO. The National Retail Federation’s Board of Directors has authorized the Federation to go to court to block the proposed $7.25 billion settlement of a federal antitrust lawsuit over skyrocketing Visa and MasterCard credit card swipe fees that cost consumers hundreds of dollars…
A Gift for All Seasons
The prepaid market is booming as retailers begin to capitalize on seasonal opportunities and serving the underbanked. By John Lofstock, Editor. The gift card market is rosy and analysts are poised for another strong year in 2012. In 2011, 80% of consumers planned on buying gift cards for the holiday season, up from 2010, and…
NRF Urges FTC To Move Cautiously on Mobile Payments
“The government should not impose regulations that would forestall yet-to-be-imagined advances and innovation,” says NRF spokesperson. The National Retail Federation is urging the Federal Trade Commission to move cautiously in establishing regulations for mobile payments, and said any rules that are adopted should parallel those for the underlying form of payment and not be specific…
NRF Appoints Davis SVP, Executive Director
“With her deep understanding of retail and consumer trends, her love of our industry and her strategic communications background, Ellen is the perfect candidate to re-imagine the possibilities for our Foundation,” says NRF CEO. The National Retail Federation announced today that Ellen Davis has been named senior vice president and executive director of the NRF…
2012 Gets Off To A Strong Start
“As a traditionally slower sales month for the industry, it’s encouraging to see such sustained growth in consumer spending and sentiment,” says NRF CEO. Building on the momentum of a strong holiday shopping season and propelled by gift card redemptions and warm weather, retailers’ January sales saw solid growth across the board. According to the…
Duane Reade Flagship Store Wins Design Award
Location at 40 Wall Street is named winner of the Convenience Store/Pharmacy Category in the Retail Design Institute’s 41st Annual International Design Competition. Duane Reade’s flagship store in Manhattan’s financial district took first place honors in the Convenience Store/Pharmacy category at the Retail Design Institute’s 41st annual international awards program last month. Occupying the ground…
Rutter’s Wins Top Mobile App at NRF
Blackberry, iPhone and Android users can access the Rutter’s mobile app for information on gas prices and more. Rutter’s mobile app was named the Best Mobile Application at the recent Customer Engagement Awards held during the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual convention in New York City. “It is great to have our innovation being recognized…
Breaking News: Lawsuit Filed Over Fed’s Swipe Fee Ruling
“The Federal Reserve missed an opportunity to give consumers the relief that they deserve and this needs to be corrected,” says NACS president and CEO Hank Armour. Flawed debit card swipe fee reform regulations issued by the Federal Reserve have allowed big banks to continue charging unjustifiably high swipe fees and discouraged price competition among…
Durbin Hits, Fight Escalates
Retailers may have won the right to debit fee caps for now, but banks are raising fees and pointing the finger at merchants, while some lawmakers look to repeal the interchange caps. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The long awaited Durbin Amendment went into effect on Oct. 1, capping interchange fees well above the 7-12…