Walmart Takes on Netflix

It looks like Walmart is taking on Netflix now in its continued quest for world domination. The retailer acquired VUDU, an online movie-watching service that sounds very similar to the Internet-based viewing service that Netflix offers its customers.

The transaction will supposedly make up for a lack of DVD sales from which Walmart is suffering.

American Eagle’s Martin + Osa Done?

It looks like American Eagle’s experiment to attract an older consumer didn’t work out too well. The retailer is supposedly closing down its 28 store Martin + Osa chain that it launced in 2006.

The news follows a strong January sales period for the company. Same-store sales rose 10% during the month and quarterly revenues were to come in at a 5% hike, way about a 10% in 2008′s fourth quarter.

Dillard’s, Abercrombie Not Bringing in the Bucks

Motley Fool has some pretty frightening charts for shopping-center landlords. Some of the largest tenants in the industry, such as Dillard’s, Abercrombie & Fitch and J.C. Penney are posting serious same-store sales declines.

And these companies are among the most trusted names in retail. Are we headed for more store closures?

A Good Black Friday? Ask Abercrombie

November’s same-store sales were released yesterday, and retailer’s results were far from overwhelming. The International Council of Shopping Centers says sales overall were actually down 0.8% year over year for the month.

Dow Jones has a pretty comprehensive list of individual retailer performance, and there are a lot of duds. Saks plunged 26.1%. Abercrombie & Fitch fell 17%. Children’s Place dropped 13%.

Abercrombie To Try Discounting

In an effort to turn around sales, Abercrombie & Fitch executives are considering cutting prices at its stores, a strategy that it has refused to undertake to compete with other chains.

The retailer definitely needs to do something. During its most recent quarter, same-store sales fell a whopping 30% year over year, while net sales fell 23%. Those are bad numbers even in this crazy environment.

Surprise! Abercrombie at Center of Controversy

Abercrombie & Fitch is making headlines again. This time because, of all things, it made a $10-million donation to a Ohio hospital, and now the facility’s new emergency room and trauma center will be named after the retailer.

A coalition made up of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, pediatricians and Parents for Ethical Marketing is asking Nationwide Children’s Hospital (named after a Nationwide Insurance donation) in Columbus to not use Abercrombie’s name. The group is worried because of Abercrombie’s controversial advertisements depicting scantily-clothed young people, which have had no lack of attention.

Abercrombie Goes Down Under(wear)

While other retailers announced their plans to close stores in the last week, Abercrombie & Fitch has gone the other route, making public its plans to launch an underwear line called Gilly Hicks. Management of the New Albany, OH-based company had previously called the brand “Concept 5,” as it is the retailer’s fifth chain.

Gilly Hicks already has a steamy website (WARNING: It does contain some nudity), which doesn’t surprise us, as Abercrombie is known for its controversial marketing campaigns. The new chain’s name is supposed to have something to do with Sydney, Australia.