RetailSails

In case you missed it, here’s a round-up of some the retail stories we found interesting this week:

• ForeSee Results takes a look at how retailers and consumers are using social media: “What we found is validation that social media is a viable marketing strategy when we understand what our customers want and know which social media platforms they frequent.” – Why Facebook Is a Retailer’s Best Friend in Social Media

• After climbing from record lows along with stock prices, consumer confidence and spending intentions have begun to slip lately: Consumer sentiment slips in early February, Deloitte Consumer Spending Index Slips Again in January, Consumer Confidence: Start Shoveling

• With the rapidly changing landscape of the retail marketplace, the traditional physical sample sale is becoming somewhat extinct: A Look at the Members-Only Online Sample Sale Phenomenon

• U.S. jewelry chain Zale Corp must win back the love of its shoppers this Valentine’s Day to stay afloat, but may not have the resources to do so. The largest North American jewelry store chain missed out on the sector’s fledgling recovery over the holiday season and has been trying the patience of suppliers and creditors alike: Zale pines for shoppers’ love on Valentine’s Day

• Following on the heels of Abercrombie & Fitch’s closure of its RUEHL chain, word is competitor American Eagle Outiffters may be preparing to close its Martin + Osa concept, which currently has 28 stores: American Eagle Weighs M+O Future

• After three straight quarters of no growth, e-commerce sales in the 4th quarter of 2009 grew 3% year-on-year, but total online sales dipped a slight 0.2% for all of 2009: comScore Reports U.S. E-Commerce Spending

• However, after popping champagne corks over their best December ever, online retailers faced a bleak hangover in January: Report: e-commerce sales down in January

• Stranger Than Fiction: Georgia man goes on rampage inside Walmart, smashes 29 flat-screen tv’s with baseball bat: Westley Strellis Walmart Rampage