Book Manufacturers’ Institute Releases Industry Barometer Survey Results for February

Whether you write a little or a lot, you should take a moment to look for errors before sending that email or submitting that report or presentation. But should you proofread on paper or on your computer? We asked professionals for their top proofreading tips, and they recommended proofreading on paper. Why? Because proofreading on paper delivers better results. Tom Stafford, who studies typos (short for typographical errors) at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, explained why it can be so difficult to spot errors when proofing onscreen. Click Read More below for additional information.

For the 53-week fiscal year ended February 3, 2024, net earnings were $134 million and diluted EPS was $0.82, with earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") of $251 million, or 1.8 percent of sales. Excluding charges related to the wind-down of Canadian operations reported in the first and third quarters and a supply chain asset impairment charge in the fourth quarter, adjusted EBIT was $567 million, or 4.0 percent of sales, and adjusted EPS was $2.12 for fiscal 2023.1 For the fourth quarter, total Company net sales increased 2.2 percent versus the same period in fiscal 2022, inclusive of approximately $190 million related to the 53rd week, and gross merchandise value ("GMV") increased 2.0 percent. Nordstrom banner net sales decreased 3.0 percent and GMV decreased 3.4 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2022. Net sales for Nordstrom Rack increased 14.6 percent.

With two weeks remaining before Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25), the U. S. Postal Service today reports exceptional service performance during the peak holiday rush and expects continued success throughout the season, including the busiest week of the year — the week just before Christmas. Through the substantial progress the Postal Service has made under its 10-year Delivering for America plan — a $40 billion investment aimed at modernizing and reinvigorating the organization — USPS has met the challenge of the year’s peak surge in mail and package volume with expanded processing capabilities, optimized transportation strategies, enhanced operational precision and the dedication of more than 640,000 employees nationwide. The continued transformation of the Postal Service has led to significant cost savings, increased service reliability and enhanced service performance. Currently, 98 percent of the nation’s population receives their mail and packages in an average of 2.6 days.