CRMA Big Event Update
Make your Reservation Today
Big City Mayor Upset
News and Notes from the Capitol
Retail News and Notes
- We are one week closer to our big event, the CRMA Annual Awards Luncheon.
- This year’s Big Event will take place on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Bushnell Theater.
- We have narrowed down our list of nominees for this year’s awards and will make an announcement very soon.
- Also, don’t forget that this year, we have Governor Lamont as our keynote speaker.
- You don’t want to miss out on that.
- Remember to send us your question for Governor Lamont. If your question is selected, you will get two tickets to the big event and will get to ask the Governor your question.
- Email Cathy in office with your question today, at cathy@ctretailnetwork.com.
Make your Reservation Today
- We strongly encourage you to make your reservation today for the Big Event.
- We will be holding it again at the Bushnell Theater’s Autorino Great Hall, in downtown Hartford.
- It is a great venue and a great place for CRMA to celebrate retail as we honor this year’s award recipients.
- So, go to crmaonline.com/events and make your reservation. You won’t want to miss it.
Big City Primary Update
- As we mentioned in last week’s FF, Tuesday of this week was primary day throughout the State.
- We focused on a couple of high-profile big city primaries.
- The results of those were interesting.
- In a surprise to many, New Haven incumbent Mayor Toni Harp lost to challenger Justin Elicker. Harp is a longtime fixture in New Haven politics, having served as a State Senator for 10 terms before running for Mayor. She has served 3 terms as Mayor.
- The New Haven Register covers that race. You can go here to read more.
- In Bridgeport, incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim barely hung on in his race against State Senator Marilyn Moore. Moore is still deciding if she wants to run as a petition candidate in November.
- Go here for that story.
- In the third race we looked at, Luke Bronin won easily against his two opponents. The Courant has that here.
News and Notes from the State Capitol
- This week the DRS sent out guidance relating to a new tax on prepared food that was included in the budget adopted by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Lamont.
- That guidance went way beyond what members of the Republican party or General Assembly thought was the intent of the bill.
- Also, the General Assembly is planning on going back into special session to finish up some business that was left over from the regular session. The Courant also has that story.
Retail News and Notes
Gap will grow its Janie and Jack and Athleta brands in international markets through a franchising program it has already been using to expand its namesake, Old Navy and Banana Republic banners. The retailer began franchising in 2006 with a store in Singapore and today it has more than 500 global franchise stores. CNBC (12 Sep.)
The Future of Retail Metrics Over the past decade, traditional retail has faced unprecedented disruption. Consumers have more choice, competition is increasing, and convergence across industries has changed business dynamics. As retailers shift strategies to remain competitive, measures of success should also change with the times. Our latest report explores how retailers must rethink the metrics they use to define marketplace success. Download the report.