“The progress we’ve made during the past two years has created a company that is more nimble and more focused on the solutions our customers want. We are delivering cutting-edge innovation faster than our competitors. And, we have improved our financial profile and increased shareholder value by more than 90% since we launched,” said Meg Whitman, CEO of HPE. “Going forward, we will accelerate profitable growth through a focus on higher margin services and solutions. We will redesign our company to deliver Hybrid IT and Edge innovations tailored to our services strengths.” HPE’s strategy remains focused on three key pillars. First, to make Hybrid IT simple through its data center technology, systems software, private cloud and public cloud partnerships. Second, to power the Intelligent Edge through offerings from Aruba in campus and branch networking, and the Industrial Internet of Things with products like Edgeline and the Universal IOT software platform. Third, to provide Advisory, Professional and Operational Services capabilities, including giving customers financial flexibility through consumption-based models. Click Read More below for additional information.

The value of goods transacted on eBay Inc.’s U.S. marketplace grew 4.8% to $8.78 billion during the company’s third quarter ended Sept. 30, the online marketplace reported Wednesday. That’s up from $8.38 billion during the third quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of 2017, U.S. gross merchandise value was $26.43 billion, up 2.6% from $25.76 billion. Globally, sales on eBay’s marketplaces increased 8.1% to $21.68 billion from $20.05 billion in the same quarter a year ago. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates, global sales grew 7% year over year, eBay says. For the first three quarters of the year, global GMV grew 4.2% to $63.98 billion from $61.42 billion. Click Read More below for additional information.

Amazon now has 90 million Prime members as of Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal third quarter, which is an estimated 63% of all Amazon customers in the U.S., according to data released Wednesday by securities research firm Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP). The number of Prime customers is up 38.5% from 65 million this time last year and up 5.9% from an estimated 85 million at the end of the second quarter, June 30. Prime is Amazon’s membership program that costs shoppers $99 annually or $10.99 monthly and offers perks such as free expedited shipping and streaming video. CIRP’s estimates are based on a survey of 500 shoppers in the U.S. who made purchases from Amazon during the July-September period. Amazon does not release exact figures on the number of Prime customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sales in the first nine months decreased by 2% in underlying terms primarily due to expected declines in North America in school assessment, school and higher education courseware, and the retirement of Learning Studio. Sales in US higher education courseware declined by 1% on an underlying basis, towards the upper half of our expected range. The negative impact of lower enrolments and attrition from growth in the secondary market driven by print rental was partially offset by the benefit of increased digital revenue and a year on year benefit from the reduction in returns from last year’s unprecedented levels, helped by the actions we announced at the beginning of the year. Underlying sales in Core and Growth were in line with our expectations. Click Read More below for additional information.

Grainger reported results for the 2017 third quarter ended September 30, 2017. Sales of $2.6 billion increased 2 percent versus the third quarter of 2016. There were 63 selling days in the 2017 third quarter, one fewer than the 2016 third quarter. On a daily basis, sales increased 3 percent versus the prior year. Net earnings for the quarter of $162 million were down 13 percent versus $186 million in 2016. Earnings per share of $2.79 decreased 9 percent versus $3.05 in 2016. "Our U.S. business had strong volume in the quarter driven by our strategic pricing initiatives and an improving demand environment. We saw a solid response from digital marketing activities that began in mid-August, particularly from our mid-sized customers. We continued to streamline our portfolio with the divestiture of a noncore U.S. specialty business, which affected sales in the quarter," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer DG Macpherson. "Our single channel online businesses continued their strong sales growth and improved profitability. Our Canadian business continues to be challenged as we execute our turnaround strategy. Click Read More below for additional information.

Global learning company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced changes to its executive team, with a slate of new talent and the promotion of internal leaders to support its goal of improving learning outcomes for all students. “With a passionate and talented team in place, I look forward to what’s on the horizon for HMH as we deliver on our unique ability to provide truly integrated learning solutions,” says Jack Lynch, President and CEO, HMH. “This group brings the right balance of K-12 teaching and learning experience and customer-centered innovation to the table to deepen HMH’s longstanding position as a leading core curriculum provider and to expand and diversify our portfolio in faster growing segments within intervention, supplemental curriculum and professional services.” Click Read More below for additional information.

“I am delighted to introduce Brian Napack as the 14th CEO in Wiley’s proud 210-year history of empowering discovery, advancement, and learning,” said Mr. Kissner. “After a thorough and thoughtful search, the Board of Directors unanimously agreed on Brian as the type of proven leader that can drive our continuous evolution as the trusted, innovative partner that our customers rely on to deliver the critical content, tools and services that they need to meet their goals. Brian has the deep industry experience, the passion for our business, and the leadership ability to get us there.” Mr. Napack has an extensive background as a leader and innovator in the media, education, and information industries. He comes to Wiley from Providence Equity Partners, a global private equity firm with more than $50 billion under management, where he has been a Senior Advisor focused on investments in education and media. Mr. Napack currently serves as a Director on the Boards of Blackboard, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Burning Glass, Ingram Industries, Recorded Books, myON, Synergis Education, and Zero To Three, a science-based early childhood advocacy organization. Due to the Wiley appointment, he will transition off certain of these boards. Click Read More below for additional information.

Nordstrom, Inc. announced that members of the Nordstrom family – Company Co-Presidents Blake W. Nordstrom, Peter E. Nordstrom, and Erik B. Nordstrom, President of Stores James F. Nordstrom, Chairman Emeritus Bruce A. Nordstrom, and Anne E. Gittinger – (the "Group") have notified the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Nordstrom that the Group has suspended active exploration, for the balance of the year, of the possibility of proposing a transaction to take the company private. The Group informed the Special Committee that it intends to continue its efforts to explore the possibility of making a going private proposal after the conclusion of the holiday season. The Special Committee, which is committed to protecting the interests of the Company and all its shareholders, is prepared to thoroughly evaluate such a proposal from the Group at that time, if one is made. In the meantime, the Company and its employees will remain focused on running the business and delivering the best shopping experience for customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

McClatchy recorded after-tax non-cash charges of $230.9 million in the third quarter of 2017, leading to a quarterly net loss of $238.9 million, or $31.28 per share. The non-cash charges relate almost solely to a non-cash deferred tax valuation allowance and, to a minor extent, after-tax non-cash impairments on newspaper mastheads and certain equity investments. The loss in the third quarter of 2016 was $9.8 million or $1.30 per share. The company reported an adjusted net loss of $5.9 million, which excludes severance, impairments, the tax-valuation allowance, and certain other items in the third quarter of 2017. The quarterly results compare with an adjusted net loss of $2.1 million a year earlier. Total revenues in the third quarter of 2017 were $212.6 million, down 9.4% compared to the third quarter of 2016. The company estimates that in September, revenues (primarily ad revenues) from its East Coast operations were reduced by approximately $625,000 as a result of Hurricane Irma. Including the revenue impact due to Hurricane Irma, total revenues in the third quarter of 2017 would have been down 9.1% compared to the third quarter 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.

The perfect-bound 132-page standalone issue will offer music lovers the chance to read the definitive story behind the infamous Gallagher brothers, featuring their greatest hits, classic interviews and three exclusive Jill Furmanovsky photo galleries from across her time as Oasis’ chosen photographer, with her own illuminating captions and back stories. Q Legends is a new quarterly special edition that focuses in on the biggest stars to have regularly graced Q since its launch in 1986. Using the huge in-house archive of material available, as well as new insight and rare photography, Q Legends takes an in-depth, luxurious, loving look at a career lived through the pages of Britain’s greatest music magazine. Click Read More below for additional information.

Bookstore sales tumbled 10.9% this August compared to August 2016, according to preliminary figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Friday. Sales in August were $1.39 billion, down from $1.56 billion a year ago. The decline is due in part to strong sales last summer of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. August also includes sales from college stores as students start the fall semester and the decline likely reflects lower sales in those outlets. (August is typically the first or second biggest month for bookstore sales). Click Read More below for additional information.

Embroiled in a pensions dispute since April, 110,000 Royal Mail Communication Workers Union (CWU) members were due to stage a 48-hour walkout from next Thursday (19 October) at 11am, after 89.1% of those who voted opted for strike action, the first major ballot to take place since the new Trade Union Act came into force. Royal Mail said the action would be unlawful if the CWU did not follow dispute resolution procedures and, according to the BBC, Mr Justice Supperstone, who granted the injunction yesterday (12 October), asked that the “defendant withdraw its strike call until the external mediation process can be exhausted”. A Royal Mail statement said that the High Court had ruled that the contractual dispute resolution procedures under its Agenda for Growth be followed before industrial action take place. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Hachette Book Group announced Thursday that it is "terminating" the Weinstein Books imprint, effective immediately. The decision follows a New York Times report exposing decades of sexual assault allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, his subsequent removal by the board of the company he co-founded, and scores of celebrities speaking out against him to the press. HBG took over the imprint with its purchase of the Perseus Books Group, which had struck a co-publishing deal with the Weinstein Company in late 2009, through which Weinstein Books had published about 10 titles a year. In its statement, HBG said titles under the imprint will be now published by the Hachette Books imprint, and all Weinstein Books employees will join the Hachette Books team. Click Read More below for additional information.

The fast-paced nature of the digital media cycle (and subsequent marginalization of simple fact checking and copy editing) has raised legitimate questions about outlets placing expediency and traffic surges above taking the time to get things right—yesterday’s wave of premature reports about the death of singer Tom Petty was only the latest example. This phenomenon, coupled with rising paranoia among consumers and marketers around fake news and brand-safe environments, respectively, provides a unique opportunity for trusted and established media brands such as national magazines. At least, that’s the central message of the latest marketing campaign undertaken by the MPA—the Association of Magazine Media. Click Read More below for additional information.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed up to $250,000 in support of ongoing relief efforts surrounding wildfires in California. This includes funding for nonprofit grants supporting the America Red Cross and Salvation Army for shelter and feeding efforts, as well as in-kind product donations to support first responders. “As with the devastating fires in Clearlake last year, Walmart is committed to supporting communities in California in times of need,” said Angela Wilson, Walmart regional general manager. “By providing product, support and donations to both first-responders and local nonprofits, we will be able to provide help in the short term and the recovery period after the fires, and we’re proud of our associates who are volunteering their time to help our community get back on its feet.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Staples, Inc. is offering great solutions to save time and money this holiday season, and giving customers more time to enjoy. While Staples stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Staples.com will offer can't-miss deals so customers can fill their carts without leaving their homes. On Black Friday, exclusive in-store deals will begin at 7 a.m. in the majority of locations and where states allow. Visit Staples.com for the most up-to-date location and hours information. Click Read More below for additional information.

Harry & David announced it will operate approximately 20 pop-up stores nationwide this holiday season, in addition to its 46 year-round retail locations. The opening of these pop-up stores, in key market areas across the U.S., will expand Harry & David's store footprint just in time for the biggest gift-giving time of the year. Customers will enjoy an extensive assortment of gourmet food gifts at all Harry & David retail locations, including pop-up stores, featuring many fan favorites such as the iconic Royal Riviera® Pears, truffles, specialty chocolates, Moose Munch® Premium Popcorn, novelty candy, bakery items and an array of signature holiday gift baskets and towers. Click Read More below for additional information.

Amazon announced it is creating more than 120,000 positions this season across its U.S. network of fulfillment centers, sortation centers and customer service sites. Last year, thousands of holiday positions were transitioned to regular, full-time roles after the holidays and the company expects to continue that trend this year. “We prepare year round for the holidays and we’re excited to hire for over 120,000 positions this season to help delight our customers,” said Dave Clark, Amazon Senior Vice President of Global Customer Fulfillment. “We look forward to welcoming back holiday employees who return year-after-year to Amazon and welcome new faces to the team, many of whom will continue on with regular, full-time roles with the company after the holidays.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Time Inc. is reducing the circulation and frequency of a number of its titles to “sustain its print business,” focusing on its core readership with heftier issues. The goal is to attract advertisers to a more valuable audience. Time Inc. confirmed to Publishers Daily it will cut the circulation of Time and People en Español, as well as reduce the frequency of the latter, Sports Illustrated, Fortune, Money and Entertainment Weekly. Time magazine will cut its circulation by one-third, from 3 million to 2 million per issue. Its frequency will stay the same at 44 issues per year. People en Español will lower its circulation from 540,000 to 500,000 and cut two of its issues to print nine a year. Sports Illustrated will drop from 38 issues a year to 27. Fortune’s frequency will change to monthly, from 16 issues a year. Money will drop to 10 issues from 11. Entertainment Weekly will cut four issues and appear 34 times a year in 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

Reader’s Digest is publishing a unique issue this week, curating its most successful digital health content to create a special “Ultimate Health Guide” print issue. The “Ultimate Health Guide” is available on newsstands beginning this week. It will have a circulation of about 400,000 and a cover price of $4.99. The issue features a special report on the silent symptoms that signal a potentially serious health concern and how to identify them to reduce the medical risks. The issue also examines ways that readers can deal with common health problems, such as headaches, joint pain, insomnia and stomach problems. Click Read More below for more of the story.

It says a lot about the state of the newspaper industry that it’s considered good news when a publisher breaks even, in light of the constant drumbeat of advertising losses, with print dollars exchanged for digital pennies. Newspaper watchers were pleasantly surprised when the Daily Mail and General Trust, the British publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, announced total revenues were up 1%. The real good news tucked inside the Mail announcement: Digital advertising revenues were up 22% or £19 million, more than offset the decline in print, down 11% or £15 million. That last development bucks the general trend in the newspaper industry on both sides of the Atlantic over the last few years. Growth in digital ad revenues has generally failed to offset print declines – at least until recently. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Sears Canada Inc. plans to liquidate its remaining stores with the loss of about 12,000 jobs, unable to fend off the march to online shopping after operating in malls and towns across the country for 65 years. The Toronto-based chain will seek court approval for the filing on Friday and begin liquidation sales at its remaining 150 stores on Oct. 19 at the earliest, according to a statement Tuesday. The move follows a last-minute attempt by executive chairman Brandon Stranzl, backed by Blackstone Group LP, to put together an offer to save the retailer. But the company said it didn’t receive a viable bid to keep the stores operating as a going concern. Sears Canada filed for creditor protection in June with liabilities of C$1.1 billion ($880 million) and had been gradually closing its 225 stores. Click Read More below for more of the story.

John Wiley and Sons Inc. is delighted to announce its selection by the American Fisheries Society (AFS) as publishing partner for its prestigious journals and magazine devoted to the research of aquatic sciences and fisheries resources. With more than 7,500 members globally, AFS is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources. Beginning in January 2018, Wiley will assume publishing responsibility for AFS’s highly esteemed journals, including its flagship title Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, the leading journals North American Journal of Fisheries Management, North American Journal of Aquaculture, Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, and its premier Open Access publication, Marine and Coastal Fisheries. Wiley will also publish the Society’s renowned magazine, Fisheries. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Sales of graphic novels continue to grow—with kids and YA graphic novels the fastest growing segment—but the entire marketplace for comics is being "disrupted" and transformed by an influx of new readers and consumers looking for new kinds of comics content as well as new retail options. This was the main takeaway from Milton Griepp, who presented his annual white paper on the comics during the first day of New York Comic Con, held October 5-8 at Javits Center. Griepp, CEO of ICv2, a pop culture trade news site, presented his annual overview of comics and graphic sales and trends at the NYCC Insider Sessions. His presentation was also echoed by NPD BookScan executive director of business development Kristen McLean's presentation "A Tale of Two Cities." In her talk, McLean described the comics/graphic novel marketplace as being divided between a flat and struggling comics shop market and a “strong bookstore” channel. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The pages of the 1942 Sears Christmas catalog held much that might seem quaintly old-fashioned today. The department store retailer’s easy payment plan, which could be laid out in a simple grid, has been replaced by sophisticated retail credit cards that offer various rewards and complex terms. The wooden toy tanks and metal fire trucks featured as Christmas toys are far more likely to be made of plastic and make electronic noise today. With World War II raging in Europe and the Pacific, the catalog advertised war bonds and products that could be sent to soldiers and even devoted pages to imploring readers to save spare nails for the federal government. The mere existence of a printed Sears catalog would be just as alien to today’s consumers. The retailer axed the paper catalog in the 1990s and Sears is hardly alone. But the printed catalog isn’t gone. In fact by some measures, in some sectors of retail, it’s thriving. Retailers still mail billions of catalogs every year, and tens of millions of consumers still make purchases based, at least in part, on images and copy printed in catalogs that find their way to mailboxes. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The United States Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of price changes to take effect Jan. 21, 2018. The new prices, if approved, include a one cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 49 cents to 50 cents. Postcard stamps and metered letters would also have a one cent increase. Today’s filing does not include any price change for single-piece letters being mailed to international destinations or for additional ounces for letters. The proposed prices would raise Mailing Services product prices approximately 1.9 percent, and most Shipping Services products will average a 3.9 percent price increase. While Mailing Services price increases are limited based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Shipping Services prices are adjusted strategically, according to market conditions and the need to maintain affordable services for customers. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Glamour magazine is to stop publishing a monthly print edition as it turns its focus to digital and becoming the “ultimate online beauty destination” for the UK, owners Conde Nast announced today. The popular women’s fashion magazine will now only appear in print twice a year. Conde Nast said these collectible, glossy issues would be the “ultimate beauty bible and style guide for the coming season”. The move to a “mobile-first, social-first strategy” is said to be a response to “the way in which the Glamour reader is living their life today, ensuring continued success across multiple platforms”. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Despite the lack of a hot new title in the first nine months of 2017, print unit sales for the period were 2% higher than in the comparable timeframe in 2016. According to NPD BookScan, print units were 467.7 million in the January–September period, up from 460.6 million the previous year. While it is certainly possible that some fall books will ring up big numbers, the small sales gain to date has been driven by backlist titles. Only three of the year’s top 10 bestsellers to date were released in this calendar year. John Grisham’s Camino Island was the top new book, selling more than 528,000 print copies since its release in June to land at #5 on the year-to-date bestseller list. The other new titles on the top 10 list are Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10 (#7) and Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly (#10). The bestselling title so far this year is Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. Released in October 2015, the book has sold more than 706,000 copies in 2017, easily outdistancing the second-place book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. Click Read More below for more of the story.

HarperCollins Leadership (HCL), a new imprint launching at HarperCollins next week, is focusing on “content designed for individuals looking for inspiration, insight, and tools to help activate their inherent leadership potential,” according to the publisher. Brian Hampton, who is also publisher and senior v-p of HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s Nelson Books division, will lead the new imprint. Jeff James will serve as v-p of marketing for HCL. The first book to be published under HCL will be Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller, author of the bestselling 2003 memoir Blue Like Jazz (Thomas Nelson) and founder-CEO of the StoryBrand marketing services firm. The book goes on sale October 10. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The international media, services and education company Bertelsmann now owns a strategic three-quarters majority of Penguin Random House. The two shareholders of the world's biggest trade publishing group – Bertelsmann, and the British global education company Pearson – agreed on a new ownership structure in July: Now that the transaction has closed, Bertelsmann holds 75 percent of the book group; Pearson 25 percent. Penguin Random House’s enterprise value was set at $3.55 billion for the purposes of the share increase. Thomas Rabe, Chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann, said: "Bertelsmann has the widest range of creative products of any company worldwide – and the book business has served as a core part of our identity for more than 180 years. Accordingly, today marks a strategic milestone for us in several respects. First, the three-quarters majority in Penguin Random House will increase the profit share of Bertelsmann's shareholders by more than 60 million euros. Second, we now have the ideal prerequisites for developing Penguin Random House – already number one in the book world – with a view to the long term and in continuity. And third, we now own strategic majorities in all of Bertelsmann's corporate divisions: 75 percent of RTL Group and Penguin Random House; 100 percent of all other divisions.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Net sales for the 17-week fourth quarter were $41.36 billion, an increase of 15.8 percent from $35.73 billion in the 16-week fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Net sales for the 53-week fiscal year were $126.17 billion, an increase of 8.7 percent from $116.07 billion in the 52-week fiscal year of 2016. The Company today also reported net sales of $12.40 billion for the month of September, the five weeks ended October 1, 2017, an increase of 12.1 percent from $11.06 billion during the similar period last year. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The coolest British brand in the skies? Virgin Atlantic. But don’t take our word for it – the airline is regularly voted the best British travel brand in CoolBrand’s annual report. Which is why it made perfect sense for Virgin Atlantic to pair up with Ink to reimagine its inflight magazine, Vera, and manage their ambient advertising on the ground and in the air. If you’re lucky enough to be travelling onboard a Virgin Atlantic flight to the US, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East or Asia this month, you’ll get a chance to flick through the gorgeous, new-look Vera. The new magazine is packed with stories cleverly relating to Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning onboard entertainment and dazzling destinations. For the relaunch, we bagged an exclusive interview and cover shoot with English rose turned Hollywood golden girl Annabelle Wallis. Readers can watch her go toe-to-toe with Tom Cruise in The Mummy, and then read about how she deals with her high-profile relationship with rock star Chris Martin, saving us all in an Apocalypse (probably), and life lessons she learned from Madonna. And during the shoot we got to see those life lessons IRL. If you’ve seen Annabelle star in Peaky Blinders you’ll already have heard her sultry singing voice, but at London’s Claridge’s she gave us an impromptu performance of her favourite Madonna hits. We won’t forget her Like a Virgin in a hurry. Click Read More below for more of the story.

After being open on Thanksgiving Day for the past three years, Stein Mart is opting to close its doors on Thanksgiving to give employees time to spend with family and friends. Last year, the Stein Mart Black Friday sale started in stores at 5 PM on Thanksgiving Day and ran through 11 PM that night. Then doors were reopened at 7 AM on Black Friday. "For 2017 we have chosen to return to our Stein Mart family tradition of not opening our stores on Thanksgiving Day. We are very pleased to give back this important time to our associates," said Hunt Hawkins, chief executive officer. "For customers who would like to shop at Stein Mart on Thanksgiving Day, they can enjoy a great shopping experience at SteinMart.com."

L Brands, Inc. reported net sales of $981.6 million for the five weeks ended Sept. 30, 2017, an increase of 1 percent, compared to net sales of $971.4 million for the five weeks ended Oct. 1, 2016. Comparable sales decreased 2 percent for the five weeks ended Sept. 30, 2017. For September, the exit of the swim and apparel categories had a negative impact of about 2 percentage points and 3 percentage points to total company and Victoria’s Secret comparable sales, respectively. The September hurricanes had about a 1 point negative impact to September total sales. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Proposed Rule 30e-3 in light of the agency’s recent hacking announcement. The rule would eliminate the current default requirement for financial companies to transmit information to their investors in paper form. “Government agencies have a responsibility to protect citizen’s right to choose how to receive information and services, particularly when it involves a person’s finances. The SEC’s own survey confirmed that the majority of investors prefer to receive financial information in printed form. Investors must be able to receive important financial documents easily and securely. Paper provides the broadest access to all investors, and therefore, should continue to be the default method of delivery.”

Seattle-based Sasquatch Books has been acquired by Penguin Random House for an undisclosed price. The publisher, which has a backlist of approximately 250 titles and publishes in a range of areas, was one of PW’s fast-growing independent publishers of 2016. Sasquatch has been a distribution client of Penguin Random House Publisher Services for five years. In a move to maintain the company’s editorial independence, rather than make the company part of one of PRH's publishing divisions, PRHPS president Jeff Abraham will oversee Sasquatch. Commenting on the purchase, Abraham said that when he learned Sasquatch was looking for a buyer, the prospect of acquiring the company was "enormously appealing to both sides.” Click Read More below for more of the story.

Gannett Co., Inc. has closed a majority investment in Grateful Ventures, LLC (“Grateful”), an online media and publishing company which focuses on building lifestyle content and monetization strategies for high-influence food and cooking websites and bloggers. This investment will expand and diversify USA TODAY NETWORK’s portfolio and audience, and significantly increase the number of Gannett’s owned and operated digital sites. As a part of USA TODAY NETWORK, Grateful will launch in 2018 into several new personality-driven lifestyle categories with long-tail content, videos, live interactions, event integrations and passion topics to create deep, meaningful connections with readers across multiple platforms. These new initiatives with Grateful will increase USA TODAY NETWORK’s advertising offerings through influencer marketing, branded content and events sponsorships with consumers who are deeply engaged. Click Read More below for additional detail.

In a landmark vote, the first major one to take place since the Trade Union Act came into force in March – requiring more than 50% of eligible union members to vote in a ballot – 73.7% of the Communication Workers Union’s (CWU) 110,000 Royal Mail workers turned out to vote, with 89% (72,872) backing a walkout and 8,954 voting against. In a CWU press conference yesterday (3 October) in Manchester, general secretary Dave Ward said the result was demonstrative that Royal Mail’s leadership, board and senior management are “completely out of touch with the workforce”. “We say to Royal Mail these negotiations that subsequently led us to this point of balloting have been going on for 18 months and unless you shift your position sufficiently and very quickly then industrial action is inevitable. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Office Depot, Inc. announced it is pivoting the company from a traditional office products retailer to a broader business services and technology products platform. As the first step in this new strategic direction, the company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CompuCom Systems, Inc. ("CompuCom"), a market-leading provider of award-winning IT services, products and solutions that enable the digital workplace for enterprise, small and midsize businesses. The company also provided a preliminary estimate of third-quarter financial results and a lowered outlook for Office Depot's stand-alone business for 2017. "Technology is the office supply of the future," said Gerry Smith, chief executive officer of Office Depot. "Today marks a significant milestone as we move to provide a unique business services platform for our current and future customers. Acquiring CompuCom is the first step in this new strategic direction. The combination of CompuCom's enterprise IT services with our millions of customers and approximately 1,400 distribution points gives us the credibility and scale to build a sustainable platform and stand apart from the competition. The company will create value for shareholders from a diversified revenue base with a clear opportunity to grow higher value services and business-to-business revenues." Click Read More below for additional detail.

Fake news is nothing new. Merriam-Webster traces the use of the term as far back as the 1890s, and the concept of fabricated stories existed even long before then. With the invention of the printing press, it became significantly easier to spread news and information. But was that news and information true? There were no editors. There were no reporters. There were no fact checkers. It was up to readers to decide what they believed, whether a story told them that the earth was round or that their neighbor was a witch. And as human beings, we are wired to automatically and effortlessly believe what people tell us. Neuroscience shows us that it takes an extra mental step to question a statement. For our brains, it’s cognitively easier to simply accept what we are told and move on. Today, we can create and widely disseminate information more easily than any other time in history. Whether it’s your 12-year-old son’s selfies, the beauty blog your mechanic started, or a new magazine launch from a century-old publisher, it is all considered content. And it all has the potential to reach a massive audience. But not all content is created equal. Consumers and marketers are beginning to fully realize that, along with the dangers associated with unverified facts, intentionally misleading information and unqualified recommendations. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The state of South Dakota wants the U.S. Supreme Court to get involved in the state’s battle to require larger e-retailers to collect sales tax from state residents and remit them to South Dakota. If the high court accepts the case, its decision could determine whether online retailers can be required to collect sales tax nationwide. The state on Monday petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision by the South Dakota Supreme Court in the state’s case against online retailers Wayfair Inc., No. 16 in the Internet Retailer 2017 Top 500; Newegg Inc. (No. 21); and Overstock.com Inc. (No. 30). The South Dakota Supreme Court decision lets stand a lower court ruling preventing the state from enforcing a law that openly challenges the prevailing Supreme Court ruling that absolves retailers from having to collect sales tax in states where they have no physical presence. Click Read More below for additional detail.

In response to Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico on September 20, a number of agents, editors, and authors in the children’s book community and beyond have joined together to hold an online talent auction in support of Puerto Ricans affected by the storm. All proceeds for the #PubforPR auction, which runs through October 5, will go to local charity organizations, Unidos por Puerto Rico and ConPRmetidos. The cause began to take shape on September 24, when a group of five authors and publishing professionals—Nova Ren Suma, Patrice Caldwell, Mara Delgado, Carrie DiRisio, and Kara Thomas—learned of the devastation caused by the storm. Thomas, a YA author, told PW, “I had been talking privately with friends about how frustrated we were with the lack of government response to the situation in Puerto Rico.” Thomas later connected with fellow members of the children’s book community, in response to DiRisio’s tweet about starting a charity auction. “So many other writers were replying to the thread, asking if they could help,” she said. “We mobilized via email and came up with a plan for approaching agents, editors, and authors for donations. Once we reached out, the response was enormous.” Click Read More below for more of the story.

The Semipostal Authorization Act, Pub. L. 106–253, grants the U.S. Postal Service discretionary authority to issue and sell semipostal stamps to advance such causes as it considers to be ‘‘in the national public interest and appropriate.’’ The U.S. Postal Service announced today that in November it will issue the first of five semipostal stamps. Under the semipostal discretionary program, the Postal Service will issue five stamps over a 10-year period, with each stamp to be sold for no more than two years. The first stamp issued will be an Alzheimer’s Semipostal Stamp, followed by a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Semipostal Stamp in 2019. The next three discretionary semipostal stamps have not yet been determined.Click Read More below for more of the story.

The results of an international survey by Two Sides provides unique insight into how print and paper is viewed, preferred and trusted by consumers around the globe. In June 2017, a survey of over 10,700 consumers was commissioned by Two Sides and carried out by leading research company Toluna. Nationally representative surveys were undertaken in ten countries: Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The results reveal a strong preference for print when it comes to recreational reading e.g. books, magazines, news, etc. 72% of global respondents prefer printed books, compared to only 9% preferring e-books. Significant country differences were also identified: in Germany, 75% of consumers prefer a printed newspaper, but in Spain, only 42%. Not only is there a global preference for print, there is also greater trust in print. 76% of all respondents believe “fake news” is a worrying trend and only 24% trust the news stories they read on social media. In addition, 63% of all respondents believe reading news in a printed newspaper provides a deep understanding of the story. Click Read More below for more of the story.

In PW’s annual salary and jobs survey, 25% of the 442 respondents picked flat sales as the #1 issue facing the industry in 2017. It narrowly edged out competition from other media, identified by 24% of respondents as the most important issue. While book publishing has fared better than some other media in the digital age, there has been no growth over the past five years. According to the Association of American Publishers’ recent StatShot report, total industry sales fell to $26.24 billion in 2016, down 5.1% from 2015. Between 2012 and 2016, sales fell every year except 2014, and over the five-year period sales dropped 5.3%. Within the trade segment, sales rose 1.5% in 2016 over 2015 and were up 1.3% in 2016 over 2012. The lack of real growth in the industry, in some ways, has likely been caused by the other issues highlighted in the survey. Certainly, publishers must compete with the many new entertainment options available to consumers to get attention for their books, and the explosion of video games and the growing use of social media has made reading books less popular. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Last week we issued an urgent appeal to help fund a suit we hope to file against the state of Massachusetts and its outrageous “cookie nexus” regulation. The full appeal is below, but in a nutshell, we can only file this action with your help. Some have already stepped up with pledges and we thank you for that. To all others, we need your help. This will become a national standard if not opposed. If you are with a high profile company, review our appeal below. Then please let us know we can count on you by clicking on the auto-reply email below. Also this week, the Boston Herald ran an article on the topic in case you missed it... Help Thwart Massachusetts’s Cookie Nexus Law Industry Must Fund Legal Challenge Or Face Consequences Dear Catalog & E-commerce Industry Members: Place a cookie or provide an app that is downloaded by a Massachusetts resident and you have just created a physical presence in the state, according to a new regulation being promulgated. The State Department of Revenue introduced this approach once before, only to have it struck down in court following an ACMA/NetChoice lawsuit. But after correcting the defects pointed out by us, MA is back with a new approach that flies in the face of both the Quill presence and the Internet Tax Freedom Act. This dangerous expansion of state powers will be quickly replicated elsewhere if uncontested. Recall how quickly the click-thru nexus laws expanded? New York promoted this new approach unopposed, which then spread to 20 other states almost overnight. Click Read More below for additional detail.

In response to the devastation caused recently by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and earthquakes in Mexico, Gap Inc. and Gap Foundation have increased their total donation to $2 million to address immediate needs and ongoing recovery efforts. The donation includes cash grants from Gap Foundation to on-the-ground relief organizations, donations from Gap Inc. brands towards critical clothing needs, and employee-matched donations. So far, nearly 100,000 units of clothing have already been delivered to Texas and Florida, with additional clothing donations planned in the coming months. So far, a total of $180,000 has been donated by Gap Inc. employees, which includes company-matched funds.

In its unwavering focus to safeguard data, IWCO Direct, a leading provider of data-driven direct marketing solutions, announced it has achieved HITRUST CSF v8.1 Certification for all facilities through ControlCase, an approved HITRUST Assessor. HITRUST CSF Certification includes Mail-Gard®, a division of IWCO Direct that provides business continuity and disaster recovery services. The certification demonstrates all supporting systems meet key regulations and requirements for protecting and securing sensitive personal healthcare information (PHI). The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST), in collaboration with healthcare, business, technology, and information security leaders, established HITRUST CSF, a certifiable framework that can be used by all organizations that create, access, store or exchange personal health and financial information. Click Read More below for additional detail.

eBook revenues for trade book publishers were up 2.4% in May 2017. The growth was attributed to increased eBook sales for Adult Books, up 3.4% over May 2016. This is the first monthly increase over prior year sales since March 2015, according to the StatShot Monthly report from the Association of American Publishers (AAP). The increase in eBook sales was one element of a growth month for book publishers. Revenues for book publishers were up by $50.7 million (4.6%) in May 2017 over May 2016. Revenues from Jan. – May 2017 were $4.25 billion, gaining $175.7 million (4.3%) compared to the same timeframe in 2016. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Walmart has committed $5 million in support of Hurricane Maria relief efforts. This builds on the commitments previously announced by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation totaling $35 million to support 2017 hurricane assistance in response to Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Walmart operates 45 retail facilities in Puerto Rico, which includes two distribution centers and a satellite headquarters, supported by nearly 15,000 associates across the Island. The $5 million commitment will support organizations helping with local relief efforts supporting those in need. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Newsquest Media Group announced the acquisition of NWN Media Ltd (NWN), the publisher of 13 local news brands across North and Mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire. The NWN Board unanimously accepted the Newsquest offer which will now allow the company to move forward with confidence in a fast-changing media landscape. NWN’s portfolio comprises 12 weekly newspapers and one daily, with associated websites, including the likes of The Leader (Wrexham and Flintshire), the Chester Standard, the Powys County Times, the Denbighshire Free Press, the Whitchurch Herald and the North Wales Chronicle. NWN also operates an extensive contract printing operation. Click Read More below for additional detail.

• Second Quarter Net Income of $170.7 Million or $0.16 Per Diluted Share, Compared to the Prior Year Second Quarter Net Income of $14.8 Million or $0.01 Per Diluted Share • Second Quarter Adjusted Net Loss Per Diluted Share of $0.01, Compared to the Prior Year Second Quarter Adjusted Net Income Per Diluted Share of $0.03 • Adjusted EBITDA of $213.3 Million for the Second Quarter, Compared to the Prior Year Second Quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $312.7 Million. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2018 Highlights • Net sales increased 0.4% to $407.6 million; • Company comparable sales increased 1.8%; • E-Commerce sales penetration reached 27%; and • Loss per share (GAAP) of ($0.10); adjusted loss per share (non-GAAP) of ($0.05) compared to loss per share of ($0.05) in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 (see reconciliation below of loss per share to adjusted non-GAAP loss per share). Click Read More below for additional detail.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, members of the children’s book community—including teachers and literacy activists—have rallied in support of students and educators. A number of authors have also organized efforts to provide books, clothes, and other basic-needs items to children and families affected by the storm. Back in 2012, author Kate Messner launched KidLit Cares, an online talent auction of children’s book art and other items, in response to Hurricane Sandy. The first auction brought in more than $35,000. Messner recently reprised the initiative when she learned of the devastation caused by Harvey. “Like so many people, I watched the news about Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath and was absolutely heartbroken to see so many families in crisis. The scope of that storm was devastating, and it hit vulnerable populations the hardest. I wanted to do something and knew that I wasn’t alone,” she said. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Dentsu Aegis Network announces that Time Inc. has joined its Publisher Addressable Marketplace (PAM), in which premium publishers make their inventory available addressably via the network’s people-based marketing platform, M1. M1 provides direct publisher integrations with the world’s leading publishers, giving clients even greater ability to use their own consumer data to reach their audiences seamlessly, in a premium, brand-safe environment. Time Inc.’s premium, trusted content brands and large scale creates significant first-party data which expands the individual reach of PAM and further strengthens M1 as the largest people-based platform in the US. Time Inc. contributes: ·168 million unduplicated reach (nearly 7 in 10 Americans)* · 106 million mobile unique IDs (1 in 2 US mobile consumers)* · 51 million millennials (nearly 7 in 10 Americans)* Click Read More below for additional detail.

Pearson PLC has appointed a chief strategy officer to help drive its transformation to a digital learning company. Jonathan Chocqueel-Mangan, currently chief strategy and transformation officer at Kantar Consumer Insights, joins Pearson to lead the strategic planning process, working with the executive team and board to shape and execute the plan for the business. He will also play a role in generating insights into trends and market opportunities to help drive future growth. He will report to John Fallon, chief executive officer. John Fallon, chief executive officer of Pearson, said: “Jonathan has an impressive track record in developing business strategy, working at board level over many years, achieving impressive results. He is exactly the kind of world-class talent that Pearson is targeting to ensure we become the digital winner in education.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Book Industry Study Group devoted a large portion of its annual meeting held Monday to supply chain issues. Panelists representing different parts of the chain—publishing, distribution, rights/metadata/marketing, and retailing—generally agreed that the industry was working fairly efficiently, but that work needs to be done to keep pace with publishing’s ongoing changes. One issue addressed at the event, held at the Harvard Club In New York City, was "channel conflict." Simon & Schuster’s executive v-p of sales and market, Michael Selleck explained the phenomenon by saying that it occurs when outside influences disrupt the sale channel. Examples of channel conflict include things like the illegally imported (and cheaper) textbooks in the international market, and used books in the domestic market. The example of channel conflict that drew the most attention, though, was the new phenomenon of third party resellers being able to win buy buttons at Amazon, thereby being the first option consumers see. Because new books are supposed to be the first option for consumers on Amazon, publishers suspect the third party sellers winning buy buttons have somehow gotten their hands on new titles. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Incorporated announced they have successfully completed the transaction in which Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s for $61.50 per share in cash, representing an aggregate transaction value of approximately $5.0 billion. As a result of the completion of this transaction, Cabela’s common stock will no longer be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The completion of this transaction formally brings together three of the nation's premier sporting brands: Bass Pro Shops, a leader in fishing; Cabela’s, a leader in hunting; and White River Marine Group, a leader in boating, which is part of Bass Pro Shops. The combined company will now offer expanded product line and geographic footprint, creating enhanced benefits for outdoor enthusiasts. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Target is giving thousands of its employees a raise. The retailer announced this week that it will start raising its minimum wage next month to $10 an hour, and will eventually raise it to $11 an hour for all U.S. stores. "Target has always offered market-competitive wages to our team members," Brian Cornell, Target’s CEO, said in a statement. "With this latest commitment, we'll be providing even more meaningful pay, as well as the tools, training, and support … that set Target apart." Although Cornell didn’t specify how many of the company’s current 323,000 employees will get the raise, it will apply to the 100,000 temporary workers that the retailer plans to hire ahead of the holidays. Target also committed to boosting its minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2020. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Outdoor clothing retailer L.L. Bean has created an advertisement that is only visible when viewed… outside. Its ad featuring a new manifesto encouraging people to "Be an outsider" ran in The New York Times on Friday. When viewed in sunlight, the text is revealed, including the lines: "Just step outside your front door, and you've arrived. You can forget your age, your worries, even your bathing suit. Just don't forget to bring your friends." The ad, created with The VIA Agency, was produced using photochromic ink. "As part of L.L.Bean's 'Be an Outsider' campaign, The VIA Agency wrote a manifesto to serve as an invitation to all people to join L.L.Bean outside, because outside is where we all belong," a spokesperson for The VIA Agency told CNBC in an emailed statement. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Here’s a headline for you: Print is alive and well with consumers everywhere. I know it’s different than the headlines you’ve been seeing lately, but it happens to be a fact. True, the magazine media industry is in a transitional moment, but a few select stats can easily paint a picture that doesn’t reflect the state of our industry. At Hearst, we value our core print business, and readers do as well. The most recent report for the first half of 2017 shows that, for the industry as a whole, print circulation is consistent, and, at Hearst, it was even slightly up. What’s more, more than half of our portfolio has seen audience growth, which is especially impressive considering that many of our brands have increased the cost of their subscriptions. Magazines have successfully extended across digital platforms, and all expressions of our brands are consistent or improving in terms of audience numbers. For example, Good Housekeeping’s circulation is 4.3 million, where it has been for many years. At the same time, the brand has seen an increase in its overall audience, with robust traffic online and millions of social media followers across platforms. All boats are lifted. Print enhances digital and vice versa. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Shutterfly, Inc. announced an integration with the Apple Photos app for macOS High Sierra. The new Shutterfly extension for Photos allows users to create, customize and purchase Shutterfly photo books without leaving the application. Users can also begin creating a photo book within Photos and then complete it on Shutterfly.com. With this announcement, Shutterfly continues to expand the ability for customers to use photos from major third-party ecosystems to create high-quality, personalized products. Shutterfly is one of the first to participate in Apple's new project extension framework for the Photos app, first announced at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The first edition of Newsquest’s new weekly newspaper for Oldham, The Oldham Times, hit the streets today (Thursday, Sept 21). Copies have been selling so fast in newsagents across the town that many retailers have already sold out. Newsquest has therefore taken the unprecedented step to order an additional print run. The launch follows the closure of the daily Oldham Chronicle on the 31st August, which had been published in the town for 163 years. Click Read More below for more of the story.

U.S. advertising revenues in August took an expected hit -- down 7% for the month. That's due, in large part, to unfavorable comparisons to high TV media spending from the Summer Olympics in August 2016. Standard Media Index says overall TV advertising spending for the month was down 25%, with broadcast TV networks sinking 54% and local TV station national spot advertising down 35%. Click Read More below for more of the story.

With a 52% decline in its children’s book publishing and distribution group, total revenue fell 33% at Scholastic in the quarter ended August 31, compared to the same period a year ago. Sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 were $189.2 million, down from $282.7 million in the first period of fiscal 2017. The decline was due to a lack of a blockbuster title that could compare to sales of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which was released during the first quarter of last year. Sales in Scholastic’s trade unit plunged 60% in the quarter, falling to $46.7 million from $116.9 million. While Scholastic CEO Dick Robinson pointed to a number of bestselling new titles in this quarter, including Dav Pilkey's Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties, revenue from those books was not nearly enough to offset the revenue derived from Cursed Child last year. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. announced a $1 million book donation to First Book for areas affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The donation features thousands of children’s books for a variety of ages including chapter books, board books, picture books, and coloring books, and will be delivered by First Book to schools and local charities in both Texas and Florida. The donation underscores Barnes & Noble’s support of First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that has distributed more than 170 million books and resources to kids in need – including a focused effort providing books to children affected by natural disasters. Click Read More below for additional detail.

FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight, subsidiaries of FedEx Corp., will increase shipping rates effective Jan. 1, 2018 by an average of 4.9 percent. Potentially one of the most impactful changes comes with the announcement that FedEx will begin applying a dimensional weight (DIM) factor of 139 to all SmartPost packages. This change will become effective on Jan. 22, 2018. The change will align SmartPost dimensional weight pricing with that of FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. It also more closely aligns FedEx SmartPost dimensional weight pricing with that of UPS SurePost, although UPS still has a higher DIM factor for packages measuring less than one cubic foot. (As of this writing, UPS hasn't announced its 2018 rate changes.) Click Read More below for more of the story.

While the rise of digital has led many publishers to reduce their print offering, Dennis Publishing has continued to invest. Kerin O’Connor, chief executive of The Week at Dennis, explains how it’s found success with a print version of The Week for children – and what it can teach the industry about the future of print… Jon Watkins spoke to him ahead of the 41st FIPP World Congress, taking place from 9-11 October where Kerin will be among 100 speakers from around the world sharing insights on a variety of industry and related topics. Join the conversation at the Congress. Tell us about the drivers behind the launch of The Week Junior – how much of it was that you’d seen an opportunity in the market and how much was it driven by the desire to help kids engage with issues? So, the best place to start was by looking at the success we’d had with The Week. One of the things that we’ve done, particularly over the last 10 years, was to build a suite of products that are designed to help people in their lives by providing expert opinion. Through those, there are four things that we do. We inform, we advise, we indulge, and we distil content. Our audiences are clever people who appreciate expert opinion that allows them to make up their own minds. Click Read More below for more of the story.

• Adobe achieved record quarterly revenue of $1.84 billion in its third quarter of fiscal year 2017, which represents 26 percent year-over-year revenue growth. • Diluted earnings per share was $0.84 on a GAAP-basis, and $1.10 on a non-GAAP basis. • Digital Media segment revenue was $1.27 billion, with Creative revenue growing to $1.06 billion. • Digital Media Annualized Recurring Revenue (“ARR”) grew to $4.87 billion exiting the quarter, a quarter-over-quarter increase of $308 million. • Adobe Experience Cloud achieved revenue of $508 million, which represents 26 percent year-over-year growth. • Operating income grew 48 percent and net income grew 55 percent year-over-year on a GAAP-basis; operating income grew 43 percent and net income grew 46 percent year-over-year on a non-GAAP basis. • Cash flow from operations was $704 million, and deferred revenue grew to approximately $2.20 billion. • The company repurchased approximately 2.1 million shares during the quarter, returning $298 million of cash to stockholders. Click Read More below for additional detail.

FedEx Corp. today reported earnings of $2.19 per diluted share ($2.51 per diluted share on an adjusted basis) for the first quarter ended August 31, compared to earnings of $2.65 per diluted share ($2.82 per diluted share on an adjusted basis) a year ago. Both as-reported and adjusted earnings reflect the estimated negative impact of the June 27 cyberattack affecting TNT Express ($0.79 per diluted share) and Hurricane Harvey ($0.02 per diluted share). “The first quarter posed significant operational challenges due to the TNT Express cyberattack and Hurricane Harvey, and I want to thank our team members for their extraordinary dedication and performance,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman and chief executive officer. “We are confident of our prospects for long-term profitable growth, and we reaffirm our commitment to improve operating income at the FedEx Express segment by $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion in fiscal 2020 versus fiscal 2017.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

No such thing as too much good news… Right? Congratulations to our New York office for their double win at the Min - Magazine Awards last week. The National for Amtrak won “Launch of the year” and Rhapsody for United won "Cover of the Year" for a beautiful shoot with Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne by Jason Bell. Magazine Launch for the National Cover Design Portfolio - for Rhapsody Also in the pipeline are the upcoming Eddie and Ozzie in October where we have a phenomenal and unprecedented 11 nominations. Is it the taking part right? Congratulations to the Oryx, American Way, Hemispheres, The National and Mabuhay teams and to Kerstin Zumstein and Jamie Trendall for their personal nominations for editor and designer of the year respectively. The Awards ceremony will be held in New York in mid-October and we have our fingers crossed in anticipation. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Wenner Media is selling Rolling Stone, its last magazine brand, just shy of its 50th anniversary. The publisher sold its other two magazines, Us Weekly and Men’s Journal, to American Media Inc. earlier this year. It continues to publish Glixel, its video-games site launched last November. “I love my job, I enjoy it, I’ve enjoyed it for a long time,” founder Jann Wenner, 71, told The New York Times, which broke the story. Wenner added that letting go of the title is “just the smart thing to do.” “Publishing is a completely different industry than what it was,” he told the NYT. “The trends go in one direction, and we are very aware of that.” Once known as the counterculture music, pop-culture and entertainment magazine founded by Wenner in 1967, the publication has recently been caught in controversy. That includes a huge blow to its reputation when it retracted a discredited 2014 article about a rape at the University of Virginia. Rolling Stone was hit with three libel lawsuits as a result, and has had to pay $3 million in damages. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Both ClingZ® and Ztac™ offer an end user the unique ability to provide window and wall solutions that are easy to apply and remove, without leaving any residue. ClingZ® is an adhesive free, electrically charged polypropylene film that clings to almost any surface. Ztac™ is a PVC-free polyester that is eco-friendly and recyclable. No window media is easier to install and is bubble-free, repositionable and residue-free. Midland is now stocking the following products: •ClingZ® Standard for Offset •ClingZ® Versaliner for Offset •ClingZ® for HP Indigo •ClingZ® for UV Inkjet •Ztac™ for Offset •Ztac™ for HP Indigo. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The issue, which goes on sale today coincides with the start of London Fashion Week, will feature three different covers featuring 19-year-old trailblazing hijab-wearing model Halima Aden, 73-year-old American model and actress, Lauren Hutton and 30-year-old supermodel Hilary Rhoda. Readers can also look forward to exclusive interviews with the three cover stars, a review of the hottest trends coming out of New York fashion Week and an exclusive chat with designer to the stars Roland Mouret, as well as all of Grazia’s regular news and views. The 252 page perfect-bound glossy magazine has attracted new advertisers including online fashion brand Three Floor and Calvin Klein Watches. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Think like an advertiser… Be an advertiser… Do you believe in advertising? Are you prepared to put your money where your mouth is? Well here at Ink, that is exactly what we have done. After extensive research and market testing, we recently launched our very own “WOW” advertising campaign. Why WOW you may be thinking…? Well it’s the exact response that we are getting time and time again, when we tell successful advertisers our new stripped back facts from the passenger data, and inflight magazine readership profiles. I can tell you one thing – there is a lot of money out there waiting to be harvested! If I said that easyJet Traveller magazine readers will spend nearly £12 billion on cosmetics in the next 12 months – WOW! Or those same 48 million easyJet passengers will spend £28.3 billion in multiple hotels trips each year – WOW - That's a lot of bed nights and money going around for the smart hotel company with the best brand recognition and client recall… Click Read More below for additional detail.

Rite Aid Corporation announced that it has secured regulatory clearance for an amended and restated asset purchase agreement with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. whereby WBA will purchase 1,932 stores, three distribution centers and related inventory from Rite Aid for an all-cash purchase price of $4.375 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis. Rite Aid also has the option to purchase generic drugs that are sourced through an affiliate of WBA at a cost substantially equivalent to Walgreens for a period of 10 years. The Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period expired for the proposed transaction. Under the amended and restated agreement, Rite Aid will retain approximately 250 additional stores as compared to the prior agreement announced between Rite Aid and WBA in June 2017, resulting in a reduction in the transaction sale price. The decision to retain these stores follows discussions between Rite Aid and WBA, as well as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"). Click Read More below for additional detail.

As part of its ongoing commitment to return value to shareholders, L Brands, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a new $250 million share repurchase program, which includes $10.3 million remaining under its previous $250 million share repurchase program.

Despite the ramping up of global data regulations, most consumers are concerned about how companies collect and use their information. In fact, an overwhelming 96% of consumers are "somewhat" to "extremely" concerned about data collection and usage. This is understandable, as more than 75% engage in digital payment transactions at least once a month. This was according to “Consumer Data Privacy: Strategic Opportunities to Address Emerging Consumer Needs,” a report from A.T. Kearney. The level and intensity of consumer digital commerce engagement will continue to increase, the report revealed. And for those transacting online, consumers are increasingly using cards-on-file, both at individual retailers and third-party payment providers (e.g., PayPal, Visa Checkout) to conduct digital purchases. Click Read More below for more of the story.

South Dakota’s Supreme Court affirms a lower court ruling against a state law designed to challenge the prevailing law that allows many online retailers to avoid collecting sales tax. Since the birth of e-commerce, online retailers have been shielded from the requirement to collect sales tax from consumers who live in those states where the retailer does not have a physical presence, such as an office, store or warehouse. The U.S. Supreme Court likely will soon have the chance to change that. The question of whether out-of-state online retailers can be required to collect sales tax moved a big step closer to the nation’s highest court today when the South Dakota Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision barring enforcement of a 2016 state law that requires larger e-retailers to collect sales tax from South Dakota residents and remit them to the state. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Amazon.com, Inc. announced plans to open a new fulfillment center in the Charter Township of Shelby, Mich. When the site opens in 2018, Amazon will create 1,000 new full-time jobs with benefits. “Michigan has been a great place to do business for Amazon and we look forward to adding a new fulfillment center to better serve our customers in the region,” said Sanjay Shah, Amazon’s vice president of North American operations. “The state has been a source of exceptional talent for Amazon, and we’re proud to be creating great jobs with benefits for Michiganders.” At the new 1-million-square-foot fulfillment center in the Charter Township of Shelby, employees will pick, pack and ship large items like household decor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Unlisted German publishing giant Bertelsmann is not considering any further large takeovers worth “billions” and has no plans to list its Penguin Random House (PRH) division, Chief Financial Officer Bernd Hirsch told newspaper Boersen-Zeitung. Bertelsmann raised its stake in PRH to 75 percent in July, giving it the option of listing the business after it purchased a PRH stake from rival Pearson . Asked whether Bertelsmann was seeking full control of PRH, Hirsch said: “We have reached our goal of gaining 75 percent control.” Buying the outstanding 25 percent stake, which is still owned by Pearson, would depend on whether Pearson approached Bertelsmann over the matter, Hirsch said. Asked whether Bertelsmann would consider listing PRH, Hirsch said: “We have the IPO option. But this is not a scenario which we are thinking about.” The progress already being made to transform Bertelsmann into a digital publishing company has reduced the need to raise funds via the stock market to finance further strategic change. “If you think in a five-year timespan, the financing need is no longer of a magnitude where large projects need to be financed via an initial public offering,” Hirsch told the paper. Bertelsmann is also not considering a sale of its Printing Group, Hirsch added.

Sycamore Partners today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Staples, Inc. (the "Company"). "We are pleased to have completed this transaction and look forward to partnering with CEO Shira Goodman and the Staples management team as we seek to increase long-term profitability," said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. "With the support of its dedicated associates, Staples is well-positioned to leverage its iconic brand and leading competitive position to drive even greater value for its business-to-business and retail customers in the U.S. and Canada." Click Read More below for additional detail.

Gap Inc. announced plans to hire seasonal associates for its Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Old Navy stores, as well as call centers and distribution centers for the 2017 holiday season. The company will host a single day hiring event in all Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory and Old Navy stores across the United States and Canada from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (local time) on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Job candidates are encouraged to apply for a position prior to the holiday hiring event through Gap Inc.'s online seasonal hiring career page. Additionally, Athleta will be recruiting for the holiday season through the career page. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Dear Catalog Industry Member: If you have yet to come across this article, which appeared on September 6th in the Washington Post, New York Times, NY Daily News, and other major news outlets, it's worth a read, but with a grain of salt. Before you click on it, in a nutshell the article says the "Postal Service is currently petitioning the agency that oversees it, the Postal Regulatory Commission, to grant the biggest change to its pricing system in a half century: the authority to lift a cap on postal rates. The commission’s decision is expected within weeks." Rest assured, the USPS has not filed for such an increase. The headline of the story, "Analysis: Postal woes demand jump in stamp price to 60 cents," relates to the price increase needed to close the gap in postal finances in once fell swoop." Click Read More below for additional detail.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. announced it plans to hire approximately 8,000 associates nationwide for positions across its gourmet food brands as it prepares for the 2017 holiday shopping season. Interviewing for new hires is now underway for seasonal roles at Harry & David, Cheryl's Cookies and The Popcorn Factory. Available positions vary by brand and include full-time and part-time roles in high-volume areas such as production, gift assembly and retail stores, as well as call center, distribution and fulfillment center operations. Most of the seasonal positions are being offered in Illinois, Ohio and Oregon. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Total sales for the first quarter were $853 million, declining 6.6% as compared to the prior year. Comparable store sales decreased 4.9%, as declines in non-book categories outpaced improved book trends during the quarter. The Company also experienced lower online and NOOK® sales during the quarter, which were impacted by the prior year eBook settlement and lower promotional activity. The consolidated first quarter net loss improved to $10.8 million, or $0.15 per share, compared to a loss of $14.4 million, or $0.20 per share, in the prior year. The consolidated first quarter operating loss of $15.2 million improved $6.2 million versus the prior year. Retail incurred an operating loss of $12.5 million, while NOOK incurred an operating loss of $2.7 million. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Macroeconomic troubles have prompted Zenith to lower its global ad-spend growth prediction to 4% for 2017, when total expenditures are now expected to reach $558 billion. That’s a downgrade from the 4.2% growth that Zenith had forecast in June. The June forecast was a downgrade from the 4.4% the Publicis Groupe media agency had forecast in March. Digital -- and particularly mobile -- continues to take dollars away from print media as consumers use mobile apps. The most rapid growth is coming from online video (+18%) and social media (+25%), while U.S. TV is still growing, only fractionally at 0.5% this year. American print media continue its steep decline, with newspapers falling 9% and magazines down 7.4% this year. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The U.S. Postal Service Gulf Atlantic District, which includes portions of northern Florida and southern Georgia, continues to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irma by advising customers that normal service operations in the path of the storm may be interrupted in the event of unsafe conditions such as high winds, flooding, or impassable roads. A dedicated Emergency Operations team is directing efforts to carefully and thoughtfully make decisions about our operations in an abundance of caution and out of concern for the safety and wellness of employees and customers. We will continue to temporarily adjust operations at some Post Offices in both Florida and Georgia. The information below provides the latest details on specific dates and times of temporary service suspensions. Click Read More below for additional detail.

HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that it has acquired The Long & Foster Companies, Inc., the largest private residential real estate company in the United States by sales volume. The acquisition includes Long & Foster’s family of companies, including Long & Foster Real Estate and its market-leading affiliated business lines in mortgage, settlement services, insurance, and property management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Pitney Bowes announced it is acquiring Newgistics Inc. for $475 million in a move to accelerate Pitney Bowes’ expansion into the U.S. domestic parcels market. “Newgistics fits uniquely at the intersection of our parcel growth strategies and will accelerate the overall transformation of Pitney Bowes,” said Marc B. Lautenbach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pitney Bowes. “This acquisition combined with recent innovations in mailing and shipping for SMB clients, organic growth of our global ecommerce business, and expansion of our presort and parcel services network – definitively anchors Pitney Bowes in a growing space and vastly increases the value we can deliver for our clients.”

The UPS Foundation, the American Red Cross and drone manufacturer CyPhy Works, Inc., today announced a partnership to launch a drone pilot program, marking the first time the American Red Cross will test using a tethered drone to assess damage after a major natural disaster in the United States. “With such catastrophic injury and damage being caused by natural disasters, every minute counts. It’s essential that public and private organizations work together to find new and innovative solutions to support and enhance recovery efforts after a natural disaster strikes,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation and chief diversity and inclusion officer.

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the Holiday season with four new Forever stamps featuring images that illustrate a major theme of each of four beloved Christmas carols: “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night” and “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.” Familiar lines from each song highlight the individual stamps. The shades of blue in the backgrounds of the stamps evoke the evening scenes from the four carols. This booklet of 20 stamps includes five of each design. The late Howard E. Paine was the art director. Artist Steve McCracken of Winchester, VA, created original art for the project.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE:BKS) today reported sales and earnings for its fiscal 2018 first quarter ended July 29, 2017. Total sales for the first quarter were $853 million, declining 6.6% as compared to the prior year. Comparable store sales decreased 4.9%, as declines in non-book categories outpaced improved book trends during the quarter. The Company also experienced lower online and NOOK® sales during the quarter, which were impacted by the prior year eBook settlement and lower promotional activity.

Amazon today announced plans to open Amazon HQ2, a second company headquarters in North America. Amazon expects to invest over $5 billion in construction and grow this second headquarters to include as many as 50,000 high-paying jobs. In addition to Amazon’s direct hiring and investment, construction and ongoing operation of Amazon HQ2 is expected to create tens of thousands of additional jobs and tens of billions of dollars in additional investment in the surrounding community. Amazon is opening the Amazon HQ2 Request for Proposal (“RFP”) now, and local and state government leaders interested in learning more about how they can bring Amazon to their community can visit www.amazon.com/amazonHQ2.

A book collaboration of epic scale is underway with 14 celebrated and award-winning international writers and creative talents. Xerox’s Project: SET THE PAGE FREE will feature chapters by each of the contributors – including a poem and a song – that together tell the ultimate story of the modern workplace, each with a unique creative perspective on the working world.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced today that it will publish a new book by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tim Ferriss on Nov. 21, 2017. TRIBE OF MENTORS: SHORT LIFE ADVICE FROM THE BEST IN THE WORLD shares wisdom from more than 100 entrepreneurs, athletes, celebrities, and other top performers. Through short, action-packed profiles, Ferriss details their secrets for success, happiness, meaning, and more.

Complaints about the lack of transparency in how the New York Times compiles its bestseller lists are nothing new. For years, some publishers have complained that the paper's methodology—relying on point-of-sale data from a secret and select list of stores—can produce skewed and inaccurate results. For publishers of conservative books, the Times' approach has long been a headache. Now, one of these publishers has taken action.

American Media, Inc. (AMI) Chairman and CEO David J. Pecker, Weider Health & Fitness CEO and IFBB Professional League (IFBB Pro League) President Emeritus Eric Weider and IFBB Pro League President Jim Manion, today announced that they have reached an agreement for AMI to purchase from IFBB Pro League its half of the Mr. Olympia joint venture with AMI becoming the sole owner.

On October 6, 7, and 8, 2017, The New Yorker will present its eighteenth festival, an annual celebration that brings the breadth and the spirit of the magazine to life across New York City. Over three days, New Yorker writers and editors will sit down with the world’s leading writers, artists, filmmakers, actors, comedians, politicians, activists, and athletes. The foremost cultural event of the fall will also feature live performances, film previews, and excursions throughout New York City.

On July 28, Apple heiress Laurene Powell Jobs bought a majority stake in The Atlantic. It’s the latest media purchase by the billionaire class, a group that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos (the Washington Post), Boston Red Sox owner John Henry (the Boston Globe), billionaire Glen Taylor (the Minneapolis Star-Tribune) and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson (the Las Vegas Review-Journal). Some have praised this growing trend, arguing that wealthy individuals are journalism’s last, best hope. And there are notable cases of rich philanthropists, like Pierre Omidyar and Gerry Lenfest, making significant donations toward public service journalism.

Total revenue at Penguin Random House inched up 1.1% in the first half of 2017, over the first six months of 2016, while earnings at the publisher rose 11.4%. Parent company Bertlesmann reported that worldwide sales were €1.53 billion ($1.81 billion) in the period, up from €1.52 billion. Meanwhile, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) was €206 million, up from €185 million in the first six months of 2016. Bertlesmann said the earnings improvement reflected continued benefits from the Penguin-Random House merger.

A study conducted by consulting firm PwC confirms what a many publishing leaders already know: As advertising and circulation revenues decline, diversification becomes a business imperative. “Advertising for print is down. Circulation is down. Revenues are projected to be flat,” says PwC partner Greg Boyer. “To make up for these declines, magazine publishers need to innovate in a variety of ways.” In particular Boyer sees mobile and video as a bright spot for the publishing industry. According to the Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2017-2021 report released in June, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for magazine circulation and advertising revenue over the next five years is 0.19%. In terms of dollars, that’s a mere $300 million increase, approximately, in industry revenue.

We're excited to report an important positive development in the Hoosier state. Earlier this week, in response to a Complaint we filed with our TruST partner association NetChoice, the Indiana Department of Revenue acknowledged that it has no authority under current law to enforce its new “economic presence” nexus statute (House Enrolled Act 1129). This litigation challenging the law’s constitutionality is now pending in state Superior Court in Indianapolis. Under the new law, which went into effect on July 1, 2017, retailers with more than $100,000 in Indiana sales or 200 transactions annually with Indiana customers would be required to collect and remit Indiana sales tax. Before the law took effect, in late June Brann & Isaacson filed suit on our behalf alleging that the statute violates the long-standing physical presence “substantial nexus” requirement for state sales taxes under Quill Corp. v. North Dakota. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Kohl’s announced it will double its earlier announced donation to support relief efforts in response to the severe weather impacting Texas and the Gulf Coast, for a total of a $1 million cash donation to the American Red Cross. In addition, Kohl’s will provide an estimated $1 million in financial support to Kohl’s associates who have been significantly impacted by the storm. “The destruction of the hurricane and its aftermath has continued to escalate day by day,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, CEO and president. “We feel compelled to increase our donation to the Red Cross to help families across Texas and the Gulf Coast during this time of great need.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Hearst today announced that it has acquired The Telegraph and Journal-Courier from Civitas Media, LLC (“Civitas”). The acquisition strengthens Hearst Newspapers’ commitment to covering news in Illinois communities, adding to the reporting done by the Edwardsville Intelligencer. The announcement was made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz and Hearst Newspapers President Mark Aldam. Financial terms were not disclosed. Civitas, headquartered in Davidson, North Carolina, is a portfolio company of Philadelphia-based private equity investment firm Versa Capital Management, LLC (“Versa”). Click Read More below for additional detail.

Today is the day when Celebrated Living magazine, the premium-class publication for American Airlines, announces the winners of its prestigious 2017 Platinum List Awards. Fourteen handpicked, expert judges and the public have finally spoken and we now know the best of the best in travel today. Thousands of votes were cast and counted across the 21 categories and the definitive list of the best resorts, hotels, cruises, fine dining and nightlife spots around the world is revealed today. The winners appear in the September/October issue of Celebrated Living magazine for American Airlines online and infligt. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Hurricane Harvey’s impact on the Texas Gulf Coast resulted in the temporary suspension of mail delivery service, as well as the closure of some postal facilities in the Postal Service’s Rio Grande District. We realize our customers depend on the mail every day and we are working hard to reconnect customers with their mail as quickly as possible. Today, the U.S. Postal Service Rio Grande District is providing additional information on how customers displaced by Hurricane Harvey can retrieve Treasury checks they receive, via U.S. Mail. This includes checks from the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration (VA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Railroad Retirement Board. In addition, we will be distributing any identifiable medications sent through the mail. We realize the importance of ensuring customers receive these items. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Wall Street Journal's Hong Kong edition will no longer be distributed after October 7 as the paper is moving to a digital only strategy. This is part of the paper's continued effort to scale back its print operations in Europe and Asia as it shifts savings and focus to digital. Luckily for the Wall Street Journal, digital has been on the rise with 1.27 million daily digital subscribers which is more than print subscribers. Click Read More below for more of the story.

L Brands, Inc. reported net sales of $842.1 million for the four weeks ended Aug. 26, 2017, a decrease of 1 percent, compared to net sales of $852.9 million for the four weeks ended Aug. 27, 2016. Comparable sales decreased 4 percent for the four weeks ended Aug. 26, 2017. For August, the exit of the swim and apparel categories had a negative impact of about 2 percentage points and 3 percentage points to total company and Victoria’s Secret comparable sales, respectively. The company reported net sales of $6.034 billion for the 30 weeks ended Aug. 26, 2017, a decrease of 5 percent compared to net sales of $6.356 billion for the 30 weeks ended Aug. 27, 2016. Comparable sales decreased 8 percent for the 30 weeks ended Aug. 26, 2017. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Bertelsmann had a successful first half of 2017. The international media, services, and education company reports revenue growth, operating EBITDA at a high level, and a first-half operating Group result of over €500 million for the first time in its history. The Group achieved further progress in implementing its growth strategy, and among other major initiatives signed an agreement to increase its stake in the world's largest trade publishing group, Penguin Random House, to a strategic majority of 75 percent. Bertelsmann increased its Group revenues by 2.1 percent to €8.1 billion in the reporting period (H1 2016: €8.0 billion). Organic growth improved to 1.4 percent (H1 2016: 1.3 percent). RTL Group's digital TV businesses, the digital activities of Gruner + Jahr and BMG, Arvato SCM Solutions and the Bertelsmann Education Group in particular developed positively. Growth businesses grew by 9 percent to €2.7 billion (H1 2016: €2.3 billion). For the first time, they accounted for more than 30 percent of total sales. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $9.8 billion for the month of August, the four weeks ended August 27, 2017, an increase of 10.0 percent from $8.9 billion during the similar period last year. For the first 52 weeks of its 53-week fiscal year ended August 27, 2017, the Company reported net sales of $123.5 billion, an increase of 6.4 percent from $116.1 billion during the 52-week 2016 fiscal year.

The Federal Communications Commission's proposed rollback of the net neutrality rules may not hold up in court, according to the Silicon Valley trade group Internet Association. "The record provides no basis for the Commission to reverse course from its 2015 Order," the Internet Association writes in comments filed Wednesday with the Federal Communications Commission. The organization -- which includes companies like Amazon, Google, eBay and Facebook as members -- adds that Supreme Court precedent requires the FCC to show it has good reasons to change its position. "The 2015 Order is working -- both the cloud economy and ISPs are doing well (and claims that investment by ISPs has been hurt by the 2015 Order are unsupported by evidence), and consumers are reaping the benefits of the virtuous circle of innovation across the internet economy," the organization writes. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Kohl's is reaching out to its associates as well as the general public impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The retailer said it will provide an estimated $1 million in financial support to its employees who have been significantly impacted by the storm. Kohl’s will continue to monitor the impact of the flooding throughout the region to evaluate the need for additional assistance. In addition, Kohl's announced a $500,000 cash donation toward hurricane relief and recovery efforts in Texas and across the Gulf Coast. Kohl’s is providing the donation to the American Red Cross, which is delivering emergency supplies and services in the impacted areas. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Right now all delivery has been suspended within the 3-Digit ZIP Codes of 770, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777 and 778. As of this morning the USPS is planning to resume operations for Marketing / Standard Mail on Monday, September 11, 2017. All other Texas regions outside of the Greater Houston area are operational, but have been experiencing delays. As the events unfold and more information is available we will keep you updated as quickly as possible. Should you have any immediate questions please reach out to a member of your service team.

Scholastic, Hachette, Simon & Schuster and Penguin Random House are among the New York trade publishers responding to the humanitarian crisis in flood-ravaged Southeast Texas. Driven by a company-wide response, Scholastic made a $25,000 donation to the Red Cross to aid relief efforts in the area. Scholastic is also accepting requests for help from damaged schools via its Possible Fund, an initiative that donates books to schools in underserved communities (as well as those in areas affected by natural disasters). Additionally, the company's Scholastic Book Clubs is offering to help restock classroom libraries in areas harmed by floodwaters. Click Read More below for more of the story.

UPS announced more than a $1 million pledge, through The UPS Foundation in support of recovery efforts in Texas and Louisiana following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. The pledge is a combination of cash grants, in-kind transportation movements and technical expertise to provide urgent relief, as well as support for long-term needs ranging from rebuilding to personal and financial recovery assistance. “In this time of enormous need, it is critical to establish and support extensive networks of public-private partnerships to get aid to those who need it, as quickly as possible,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation and chief diversity and inclusion officer. “At the same time, setting aside funding and other resources for long-term recovery efforts is also important, and we are laying that groundwork as well.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed up to $20 million in support of relief efforts in response to the severe weather impacting the Gulf region. This includes $10 million focused on support of American Red Cross shelters and $2 million in support of the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund at the Greater Houston Community Foundation, which was announced today at a press briefing with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Our Texas family of customers and associates are experiencing devastating impact from this storm,” said Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart. “We are on the ground to help our friends and neighbors in the Gulf region, and we’ll continue to be in the tough days, weeks, and months ahead.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Amazon Books opened its 11th store today, and its second in New York City. Located on 34th Street, the store sits sitting directly across the street from the Empire State Building. The new outlet has about 3,700 titles available for sale that range from bestsellers to "hidden gems" and are selected in part from reviews from Amazon customers. Books in 34th St. store, Amazon said, have received a total of 1.8 million 5-star reviews. There is also ample room given to Amazon's various digital devices including Kindle Echo, and Fire Tablet lines. Click Read More below for more of the story.

For the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2017, the Company reported net income of $22.7 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to net income of $23.0 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016. Results for the second quarter of 2016 include the impact of restructuring and strategic charges of $10.3 million after-tax, or $0.08 per diluted share. For the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2017, the Company reported net income of $56.3 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to net income of $54.1 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016. Results for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 include the impact of restructuring and strategic charges of $12.5 million after-tax, or $0.09 per diluted share. For the second quarter, net sales were $578.6 million compared to $635.7 million in last year's second quarter. This decrease of 9.0% primarily reflects a comparable sales decline of 8.4%, driven by lower average dollar sale and a decline in transaction count. For the second quarter, gross margin was $209.1 million, or 36.1% of net sales, compared to $240.8 million, or 37.9% of net sales, in last year's second quarter. Click Read More below for additional detail.

They say that 60 is the new 50 and 40 is the new 30. I hesitate to write that 30 is the new 20, as I appreciate the intellectual maturity and emotional intelligence I gained during that 10-year window in early adulthood. With the September/October issue, our biggest issue in over a decade, as VERANDA celebrates its 30th anniversary, it’s safe to say that the magazine, too, has earned a certain level of circumspection and discernment, but with an unjaded, spirited vigor that helps us see the best the world has to offer. It’s our hope to bring gravitas and authority to the subject of living well, while still approaching the topic with childlike wonder and bridging the two viewpoints. There’s nothing worse than a blasé, I’ve-seen-it-all editor. An anniversary shouldn’t be about wallowing in the past. A healthy bit of reflection is good for anyone, but the occasion should be about taking stock and focusing on the future and new opportunities that await. This issue features a larger dynamic logo, Oprah’s private rose garden, as well as the very first person to appear on a VERANDA cover (and it’s actually three people: Atlanta homeowner Taylea Fowler and her two adorable twins). Fine jewelry coverage has been a hallmark of the magazine for 20 years, and we expanded it for this issue, featuring 17 pieces of the most beautiful pearl jewels in the marketplace. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Best Buy Co., Inc. announced results for the second quarter ended July 29, 2017 (“Q2 FY18”), as compared to the second quarter ended July 30, 2016 (“Q2 FY17”). The company reported GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.67, an increase of 20% from $0.56 in Q2 FY17. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.69, an increase of 21% from $0.57 in Q2 FY17. “We are pleased today to report strong top and bottom line growth for the second quarter of fiscal 2018,” said Hubert Joly, Best Buy chairman and CEO. “Our higher-than-expected comparable sales of 5.4% were driven by stronger consumer demand for technology products and by the strong execution of our strategy. Against a backdrop of continued healthy consumer confidence, we believe broad-based product innovation is resonating with consumers and driving higher spend. And, with our effective merchandising and marketing activities, combined with our expert advice and service available online, in-store and in-home – we are garnering an increasing share of those dollars.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Amazon.com, Inc. announced plans to open its second Oregon fulfillment center in Salem, which will create more than 1,000 full-time positions. The company recently announced an upcoming fulfillment center in Troutdale and it currently operates a sortation center in Hillsboro and Prime Now hub in Portland. Additionally, there are more than 40,000 authors, sellers, and developers in Oregon growing their businesses and reaching new customers via Amazon products and services. “We are excited to continue growing in Oregon, creating 1,000 full-time jobs in Salem,” said Sanjay Shah, Amazon’s Vice President of North America Customer Fulfillment. “The support of Governor Brown, local leaders, and many others have been instrumental in our decision to locate the new fulfillment center in the state capital, and we are grateful for the support we’ve received to bring new jobs and investment to Oregon.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

When Domino Media Group CEO Nathan Coyle was talking to Domino about its open CEO position last year, he wanted to ensure he could produce growth if he joined. He flipped through Domino magazine for inspiration, noticing people on nearly every page. Despite Domino’s reputation as a shelter title, talking home design, Coyle realized, “it’s also about the cool person that lives there.” He saw that as the opportunity. Readers flock to the magazine in order to find tips and tricks for their home décor, but they also see the person living in the chic home. Coyle believed they want to know more about that person, whether it’s where she goes for brunch, where she works out or where she shops. It was an epiphany: Domino would “have license to extend into adjacent categories.” Coyle had his plan and he took the job. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is planning to raise virtually all rates a bit in January, apparently including a one-cent hike of the Forever Stamp, to 50 cents. And it’s also hoping it will soon get the power to implement larger rate hikes. The USPS will raise rates for both market-dominant mail (such as First Class and Marketing Mail) and competitive mail (such as Priority Mail) on Jan. 21, 2018, postal officials told mailing-industry representatives this week. A postal official indicated that rates would rise from 1% to 3% for most market-dominant products, according to attendees at a meeting of the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Gap Inc. today announced the opening of its new Gap flagship store on West Nanjing Road in Shanghai, its biggest flagship to date in the Greater China region. Featuring Gap’s full apparel collections and latest store design elements, the new flagship store underscores the importance of the China market for the company and its commitment to better serving Chinese customers. Additionally, the company will move its China retail headquarters team into the office space being created above the store in 2018. Located at No. 863 West Nanjing Road in Shanghai’s busiest commercial district, the 1908 square-meter and two-story flagship store is Gap’s largest in Greater China. The store showcases Gap’s contemporary store concept developed jointly by the company’s local and global store design teams and takes design inspiration both from the brand’s early heritage as well as new modern elements. Click Read More below for more of the story.

HP Inc. and Deloitte Consulting LLP announced a first-of-its-kind alliance to help accelerate the digital transformation of the global manufacturing industry. The two companies will collaborate on the implementation of HP’s 3D printing systems in large-scale manufacturing environments, applying their leading digital operations experience to help enterprises accelerate product design and production, create more flexible manufacturing and supply chains, and enhance efficiency across the manufacturing lifecycle. This can help increase innovation, accelerate time-to-market, reduce costs and waste, and help large enterprises compete more effectively in today’s dynamic global economy. The alliance will combine HP’s award-winning Jet Fusion 3D Printing solutions and tools, industry-leading partner ecosystem, and heritage of driving digital industrial transformations together with Deloitte’s global client reach and deep manufacturing relationships, extensive digital operations experience, and proven success in supply chain transformation for some of the world’s largest companies. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Sears Holdings Corp.'s second-quarter earnings beat the Street as it benefitted from cost-saving initiatives. But it continued to struggle with weak traffic and declining sales, and added 28 more locations to its long list of store closings. Sears reported that its second-quarter loss narrowed to $251 million, or $2.34 per share, in the quarter ended July 29, helped by cost savings resulting from the streamlining of operations and store closings. Losses, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to $1.16 per share. Analysts had expected a loss of $2.48 per share. Revenue fell 23% to a better-than-expected $4.37 billion in the period. Same-store sales were down 11.5%, worse than the expected 7.1% decline. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Research from Student Monitor® and the National Association of College Stores (NACS) found that student spending on textbooks and course materials declined for the second year in a row. The Student Watch survey from NACS reported a $23 decline in spending from $602 in in the 2015-2016 academic year to $579 in 2016-2017. Student Monitor reported a $64 decline from $607 in 2015-2016 academic year to $543 in 2016-2017. Spending on course materials has declined by around $100 over the past ten years, aroundt 15%, when the average spend was between $672 and $701. The transition to less expensive digital materials, increasing use of rental options for both print and digital materials, and a competitive retail market are among the factors that have led to the spending decline.Both studies found the average price per unit (new, used, print, digital, or rented) was $66 during the 2016 – 2017 academic year. The cost of new print textbooks declined by around 13% from $91 in the 2015 – 2016 academic year to $80 in the 2016-2017 academic year, according to Student Monitor. Click Read More below for additional detail.

For the Second Quarter • Net sales increased 20.6% to $1,289.9 million from $1,069.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016; • Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 11.7% compared to an increase of 14.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The 11.7% comparable sales increase was driven by 5.5% transaction growth and 6.2% growth in average ticket; • Retail comparable sales increased 8.3%, including salon comparable sales growth of 7.7%; • Salon sales increased 15.3% to $68.0 million from $59.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016; • E-commerce sales grew 72.3% to $96.3 million from $55.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, representing 340 basis points of the total company comparable sales increase of 11.7%; • Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 40 basis points to 36.4% from 36.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, due to improvements in merchandise margins and leverage in fixed store costs; Click Read More below for additional detail.

Second Quarter highlights: •Total revenues decreased 2% to $560.9 million. Comparable company sales decreased 5% following a decrease of 8% in the second quarter last year. •J.Crew sales decreased 7% to $443.1 million. J.Crew comparable sales decreased 8% following a decrease of 9% in the second quarter last year. •Madewell sales increased 19% to $93.1 million. Madewell comparable sales increased 11% following an increase of 3% in the second quarter last year. •Gross margin increased to 38.6% from 35.7% in the second quarter last year. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Fourth Quarter Highlights: Total revenues increased 2.2 percent to $239.5 million, compared with $234.4 million in the prior year period. On a comparable basis1, revenues increased 2.9 percent. EPS was $0.12 per share compared with a loss of $0.17 per share in the prior year period. Adjusted EPS1 was a loss of $0.11 per share compared with a loss of $0.14 per share in the prior year period. EBITDA1, excluding stock-based compensation, was a loss of $2.2 million, compared with a loss of $6.0 million in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA1 was a loss of $1.7 million compared with a loss of $2.9 million in the prior year period. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reported a GAAP net loss per diluted share of $0.23 for the second quarter ended July 29, 2017, compared to a GAAP net loss per diluted share of $0.19 for the second quarter last year. Excluding certain items, the company reported an adjusted non-GAAP net loss per diluted share of $0.16 for the quarter, compared to an adjusted non-GAAP net loss per diluted share of $0.25 last year. Year-over-year changes in foreign currency exchange rates did not have a meaningful impact on net loss per diluted share for the quarter. Click Read More below for additional detail.

An extension to the highly successful monthly movie magazine, Empire Classics will offer film fans a specially curated celebration of the greatest iconic films and filmmakers. The first issue in the series is devoted to the Greatest Ever Action Movies Ever, focusing on the 54 films that have defined the genre. The experts at Empire deliberated, digested and finally divided the films into seven chapters entitled Comic Heroes, Adrenalin Rush, Tales of Adventure, At War, Making History, Spy Games and Wild West. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Staples, Inc. announced the results for its second quarter ended July 29, 2017. Total company sales for the second quarter of 2017 were $3.9 billion, a decrease of three percent compared to the second quarter of 2016. On a GAAP basis, the company reported net income from continuing operations of $63 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2017. Second quarter 2017 results from continuing operations include pre-tax charges of $10 million primarily related to the proposed acquisition of the company by funds managed by Sycamore Partners. Total company comparable sales for the second quarter of 2017 declined one percent compared to the second quarter of 2016. Excluding the impact of certain charges taken during the second quarter of 2017, the company reported non-GAAP net income from continuing operations of $76 million, or $0.12 per diluted share. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Please join the ACMA Board on Thursday, November 2nd, for a crucial catalog-focused lobbying day, as we'll spend a full day on Capitol Hill meeting with key members of Congress in all of our districts. • Date: Thursday, November 2, 2017, 9:00 - 5:30 pm E.T. • Cost: No fee - you just cover your own airfare, food and lodging costs • Purpose: To advance catalogers' primary goals in postal & remote sales tax • Attendance: Led by ACMA staff, our Board and our government relations firm, this event is open to all ACMA members and non-members. • RSVP: If you think you might be interested in joining us, please send us a quick email indicating so. You won't be "contractually bound" to it, but it will help us get a better idea as to how many industry members we should prepare for. Why We're Doing This - So far in 2017, Congress has made true progress in moving legislation that would reform the Postal Service and fix the growing problem of states taxing beyond their borders. Postal: The Postal Service Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 756) received strong bipartisan support in the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee earlier this year. Now, the legislation needs approval of the House Ways and Means Committee, then the full House. Members of Congress need to hear from ACMA members so they know to support the legislation when it comes up for a vote. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Village Voice is ending its weekly print product, which has been distributed for free in the New York City area since 1996. Back then, “Craigslist was in its infancy, Google and Facebook weren’t yet glimmers in the eyes of their founders, and alternative weeklies—and newspapers everywhere—were still packed with classified advertising,” Village Voice owner Peter Barbey stated. “Clearly, a lot has changed. That business has moved online—and so has the Voice’s audience, which expects us to do what we do ... every day, across a range of media, from words and pictures to podcasts, video, and even other forms of print publishing.” The alt-weekly paper, founded in 1955 and known for its coverage of New York City’s culture, social and political issues, as well as nightlife, will live online. Click Read More below for more of the story.

A survey published this month by Booknet Canada found that Canadians prefer reading books in print. It also found that more are opting to do their reading on smartphones, or listen to audiobooks. The results of the survey, which come from 750 respondents, found that 90% of respondents that had read a book in the last year had read a print book. However, 22% of respondents ranked reading last among a string of leisure activities that include browsing the Internet (33%), spending time with family (32%), watching TV (31%) and going to the movies (23%). BookNet Canada, a nonprofit book industry research organization, reported that 82% of respondents said they had read a book in the last year, about the same percentage as its 2016 survey found. The number of respondents who had read at least one book during the past year has been declining since 2014 though, when 88% of respondents reported reading at least one book. Click Read More below for more of the story.

In late 2010, I was thinking quite a bit about book use in research libraries. The conventional wisdom was that “no one uses print books anymore” in libraries like mine, and indeed annual data provided by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) showed a pretty clear decline in book circulations: between 1991 and 2008 (the most recent data available at that time), the number of initial circulations in ARL libraries had fallen by over a quarter. And when I ventured into the book stacks in my own library I usually found them spookily deserted. But I was haunted by a passing comment a colleague had made to me a few years earlier, noting that the conclusions we draw from library usage data can easily be confounded by changes in the library’s user population. It occurred to me that if we really want to understand what’s happening with regard to library patrons and printed books, we need to take into account the changing nature of our patron base. And the simplest and most consistent change in that population is growth over time: university enrollment tends to grow from year to year. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Once again this year we decided to weigh the September issues. Without access to ad page data, book size becomes an increasingly more important indicator than in years past. And this year, the indicator is not good. September was always the one time when these publications truly believed big is beautiful, but they are starting to become as petite as those who grace their covers. To conduct this research we went out and procured the magazines the old fashioned way—on the newsstand. Here’s the rather disturbing thing: they weren’t all that easy to find. We visited a few different newsstands, asked the clerks about them, and were met with a blank stares. It wasn’t until we visited a major book retailer were we able to purchase all nine titles. Perhaps that alone is a telling enough indicator that the September issues don’t carry the weight they once did. Nevertheless, we still walked out of the store with nine magazines that weighed in at nearly 15 pounds (plus we got a really cool commemorative tote for buying Vogue). Still, that’s a loss of nearly five cumulative pounds versus last year. Nobody will congratulate these titles for their dramatic weight losses. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Kohl’s announced details of the company’s strategic plans to invest in its store base and enhance the capabilities of its e-commerce fulfillment network. During the third quarter, Kohl’s will open four small format stores and its fifth e-commerce fulfillment center. The company continues to make progress on its initiatives to optimize and rightsize select Kohl’s stores across the country. “Our stores remain at the core of our omnichannel strategy and we will continue to invest in them by opening smaller formats, rightsizing and optimizing our selling space and working to ensure that shopping in our stores is an engaging and inspiring experience for our customers,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, chief executive officer and president. “We have set a goal to be the best-in-class omnichannel retailer and opening our fifth e-commerce distribution center will support the delivery of online orders faster and more efficiently to customers nationwide.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

The UK and the USA may be two countries “divided by a common language” but as far as media is concerned, the figures speak with the same clarity in every single tongue. As of today, Ink titles are now in front of more than three-fifths of all airline passengers crossing the Atlantic from the UK at every inkhour of every day, of every month, in every year. Ok, full disclosure: we can't offer you Ethiopian Air’s 3 flights a week from Addis Ababa (via Dublin) to LA, but we can provide American Airlines’ 175 weekly departures, as well as United’s 161 and Virgin Atlantic’s 160. That’s not to mention Norwegian’s new and expanding 787 fleet departing from London, Barcelona, Belfast, Oakland, Austin and many, many more locations. And let’s not forget Thomas Cook’s unassuming - yet strong – market position. They quietly ferry 41 flights a week to the land of the free and the home of the brave. Click Read More below for more of the story.

As the world around us becomes more digitized, it's not surprising that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has followed suit. In a recent webinar, "Informed Delivery: Connecting Mail to a Digital Experience," sponsored by Satori Software, Tom Glassman, Director of Data Services and Postal Affairs, Wilen Direct; and Bob Schimek, Senior Director, Postal Affairs, Satori Software, discussed the USPS Informed Delivery program and its benefits, usage and adoption in a digital environment. For those who don't know much about Informed Delivery, it's a program through the USPS that gives mail recipients the ability to view their mail electronically before it hits the mailbox. Schimek explained that there are two sides to Informed Delivery: the end consumer and the direct mail industry. The end consumer side provides access to mail recipients before the mail carrier shows up at their door via email and a mobile app. The industry side gives direct marketers and mailers some independence to decide what brand identifiers will be used alongside the scanned image of the mail. Some options include a representative color image or a "ride along" image, which is supplemental content to help identify the brand and can even include a call to action. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Gap Inc. reported results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2017. On a reported basis, Gap Inc.’s second quarter fiscal year 2017 diluted earnings per share were $0.68. On an adjusted basis, the company’s second quarter fiscal year 2017 diluted earnings per share were $0.58, excluding a $0.10 benefit from insurance proceeds related to the fire that occurred on the company’s Fishkill distribution center campus in fiscal year 2016 (the “Fishkill fire”). Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 were $3.80 billion compared with $3.85 billion for the second quarter of fiscal year 2016. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars negatively impacted the company’s net sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 by about $37 million. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The company reported net sales of $2.755 billion for the second quarter ended July 29, 2017, compared to sales of $2.890 billion for the second quarter ended July 30, 2016. The company reported a comparable sales decrease of 8 percent for the second quarter ended July 29, 2017. For the second quarter ended July 29, 2017, the exit of the swim and apparel categories had a negative impact of about 6 percentage points and 9 percentage points to total company and Victoria’s Secret comparable sales, respectively. The second quarter comparable sales decline of 8 percent was below the company’s expectations. Accordingly, the company’s guidance for the remainder of the year reflects a more conservative sales forecast than its previous guidance. The company updated its guidance for 2017 full-year earnings per share to $3.00 to $3.20 from $3.10 to $3.40 previously, and issued guidance for third quarter earnings per share between $0.25 and $0.30. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Total sales for the second quarter of 2017 decreased 2.7 percent to $311.0 million, while comparable store sales decreased 5.0 percent. Ecommerce sales were up 41 percent over last year's second quarter. For the first six months of 2017, total sales decreased 4.0 percent to $648.4 million, while comparable store sales decreased 6.4 percent. Gross profit for the second quarter of 2017 was $64.7 million or 20.8 percent of sales compared to $89.4 million or 28.0 percent of sales in 2016. Gross profit for the first six months of 2017 was $160.2 million or 24.7 percent of sales compared to $198.3 million or 29.4 percent of sales in 2016. The lower gross profit rate for both periods reflects much higher markdowns and to a lesser extent higher occupancy costs that negatively leverage on lower sales. Click Read More below for additional detail.

•Comparable store sales decreased 6.1% as compared with the prior year period. •Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense decreased $20.7 million as compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2016. •Net loss in the current year second quarter was $33.2 million, or $1.64 per share, compared with net loss of $38.7 million, or $1.95 per share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. •Adjusted EBITDA totaled $9.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2016 was $2.5 million. Click Read More below for additional detail.

•Total revenue was $123.4 billion, an increase of $2.5 billion, or 2.1%. Excluding currency3, total revenue was $124.4 billion, an increase of $3.5 billion, or 2.9%. •Walmart U.S. comp sales1 increased 1.8% with traffic growth of 1.3%, marking the twelfth consecutive quarter with positive comp sales. •E-commerce growth at Walmart U.S. remained strong, led by organic growth through Walmart.com. Net sales and GMV grew 60% and 67%, respectively, as customers continued to respond well to new initiatives and an expanded assortment of more than 67 million SKUs. •Second quarter EPS included a charge of $0.17 for loss on extinguishment of debt in connection with the company's recently completed debt tender offers. This discrete charge was partially offset by the gain from the sale of the Suburbia business in Mexico, which benefited EPS by $0.05. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Urban Outfitters, Inc., a leading lifestyle products and services company which operates a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, Terrain and Urban Outfitters brands and the Food and Beverage division, today announced net income of $50 million and $62 million for the three and six months ended July 31, 2017, respectively. Earnings per diluted share were $0.44 and $0.54 for the three and six months ended July 31, 2017, respectively. Total Company net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 were $873 million, a 2% decrease as compared to the same quarter last year. Comparable Retail segment net sales, which include the comparable direct-to-consumer channel, decreased 4.9%. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Pearson is announcing that it has completed the sale of Global Education (GEDU) to Puxin Education. The disposal, together with the sale of associated property assets, is expected to generate gross cash proceeds to Pearson in the region of $80m. GEDU is a leading provider of English language training and test preparation for Chinese students wishing to study abroad. In 2016 the business served 64,000 learners with revenue of £78m and an adjusted operating loss of £4m. In 2016 GEDU had approximately 1,900 FTE employees. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Target Corporation reported a second quarter 2017 comparable sales increase of 1.3 percent and GAAP earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $1.22, an increase of 14.2 percent from second quarter 2016. Second quarter adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations (Adjusted EPS) were $1.23, an increase of 0.1 percent from second quarter 2016. The attached tables provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures. All earnings per share figures refer to diluted EPS. Click Read More below for additional detail.

U.S. e-commerce continues to drive growth in the retail sector, as nonstore sales jumped 11.5% in July, the U.S. Commerce Department reported today. Total retail sales increased 4.3% year over year. In the first month of the third quarter, nonstore sales adjusted for seasonal variations totaled $52.74 billion, compared with $47.31 in July 2016. The 11.5% jump in July is a significant acceleration from June, during which nonstore sales increased 9.3% over the same month last year. Nonstore sales mainly take place online, but also include other sales that take place outside of stores, including mail and telephone orders, door-to-door sales and sales through vending machines. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The U.S. ad market expanded more than 5% during the second quarter, despite “mass market weakness,” and declines in some major national media, according to a quarterly update released early this morning by Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser. He notes that the market expansion continues to come primarily from digital media, as the national TV ad marketplace eroded 1% and other major media experienced “double digit declines.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Bookstore sales ended the first half of 2017 with a small gain over the comparable period in 2016, according to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Sales rose by $11 million over the first six months of 2016, hitting $5.06 billion, an increase of 0.2%. The small gain was driven by four consecutive months of modest sales increases in 2017 over 2016 after bookstore results had declined in January and February. In June, sales were up 1.5% over June 2016, reaching $721 million. For the entire retail segment, sales for the first half of 2017 rose 4.0% over the comparable 2016 period and were up 2.2% in June. source Publisher'sWeekly.com

The Home Depot® reported sales of $28.1 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, a 6.2 percent increase from the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Comparable store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 were positive 6.3 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 6.6 percent. Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 were $2.7 billion, or $2.25 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $2.4 billion, or $1.97 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2016. For the second quarter of fiscal 2017, diluted earnings per share increased 14.2 percent from the same period in the prior year. Click Read More below for additional detail.

American Media, Inc. announced that it was further building on its recent investment in Men’s Journal by increasing the brand’s print circulation to 1.25 million, a 66% increase as current readers of Men’s Journal and Men’s Fitness will be receiving Men’s Journal beginning with the November issue. The integration is part of a broader strategic investment in Men’s Journal that also includes a frequency increase to 12 issues per year and enhancements in both the print and digital products. The brands will continue to maintain separate digital destinations at mensjournal.com and mensfitness.com. “It’s clear, as evidenced by numerous third party research studies, that today’s affluent men are looking for, and eager to invest in, curated experiences and adventures,” said Men’s Journal Chief Revenue Officer Jay Gallagher. “AMI believes that Men’s Journal is well-positioned to meet these consumer demands by extending our national footprint and deepening our authority in this space with the addition of even more world-class editorial and the significant improvements in paper quality and trim size, so that we can continue to build on our position as the only destination for adventurous men.” Click Read More below for more of the story.

With the e-book market showing no signs of returning to robust growth, two of HarperCollins’s main priorities in fiscal 2018 are global expansion and broadening its distribution base in North America, HC’s CEO Brian Murray told PW after the release of the publisher’s financial results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017. In the just-concluded year, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) was $199 million, 7.5% higher than in fiscal 2016, despite a decline of $10 million in sales. Several factors impacted HC’s sales performance: there was one fewer week in the fiscal 2017 than in fiscal 2016, which cost $19 million, and the company suffered from the negative impact of currency fluctuations. Murray said he was “thrilled” with fiscal 2017 from both a publishing and financial standpoint and that the continued decline in e-books isn’t a major concern at the moment. He noted that, in the North American market, gains in print book sales and digital audio made up for the drop in e-book sales and that HC’s print frontlist and backlist sales were almost strong enough to match the revenue generated in fiscal 2016 by Go Set a Watchman. Among the company’s top-selling titles in the year were Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines, and Jesus Calling and Jesus Always by Sarah Young. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Total Company net sales increased 3.5 percent and comparable sales increased 1.7 percent, compared with the same quarter last year. The Company's Anniversary Sale, historically its largest event of the year, performed better than recent trends. Nordstrom continued its progress in executing its customer strategy while maintaining discipline around inventory and expenses: • As a result of the Company's ongoing efforts to provide newness and limited-distribution product to customers, Nordstrom proprietary labels represented three of the top five selling brands during the Anniversary Sale. • In executing its digital strategy, the Company delivered online sales growth of 20 percent at Nordstrom.com, reflecting its largest volume day in company history, and 27 percent at Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook. • The Nordstrom Rewards loyalty program continues to play an important role in reaching new customers and strengthening existing customer relationships. The Company has 9.4 million active Rewards customers in the U.S. and Canada, up approximately 50 percent, from 6.2 million a year ago. Sales from Nordstrom Rewards customers represented 56 percent of second quarter sales, compared with 48 percent a year ago. Click Read More below for additional detail.

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended July 29, 2017. Total net sales increased 1.5 % to $3.0 billion in the second quarter compared to $2.9 billion in the same period last year. Comparable sales declined (1.3) % for the second quarter, resulting in a positive two-year stack of 0.9 %. Marvin R. Ellison, chairman and chief executive officer said, "We are pleased to deliver a top line sales increase of 1.5 % and quarterly sequential improvement of 220 basis points in our comp sales performance in go forward stores. While broader retail remains challenged, we are encouraged by the improved performance in our total apparel business, including a significant acceleration in kids' apparel. Nearly all categories delivered improved sales results during the quarter, with our growth initiatives in beauty, home refresh and omnichannel continuing to deliver positive sales growth." Click Read More below for additional detail.

Bauer Magazine Media publishes some of the world’s best-known and most loved magazines delivering entertaining, engaging and inspirational content for readers and significant reach for advertisers. Bauer Media is the UK’s leading consumer magazine publisher by total copies sold and Retail Sales Value. HIGHLIGHTS THIS PERIOD: •Bauer Media is No.1 in the TV Listings market •TV Choice celebrates ten years at the top - the only magazine in the UK to sell over 1 million copies every week •Bauer Media is home to two of the fastest growing magazines in the UK; Practical Photography and Garden Answers •Bauer Media is the UK’s No.1 publisher in the True Life market •Take a Break leads the market and is the UK’s No1 women’s weekly •Garden News is the UK’s No.1 weekly gardening title •Garden Answers has recorded its eighth consecutive YOY increase. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Costco Wholesale Corporation announced that Hamilton E. (Tony) James has been elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.  He is President, Chief Operating Officer of The Blackstone Group…

There is an idea about magazine media that Madeleine Frank Reeves, senior editor at Country Living, would like to confront head on. As an editorial intern in New York, she was told over and over again that to work in magazines you have to pick up and move to New York and then look for a job. “That’s simply not true.” She also suggests that many of the more harsh critiques of the industry are unfair and not necessarily accurate. With all the depressing headlines lately, there are still positive stories to be told. Data suggests that 91% of adults have read magazine content in the past six months, and magazines still show the highest return on advertising spend (per the 2017 MPA Factbook). “Many more titles are launching than closing each year, and the industry is still growing, in part by finding new ways to create revenue so that we can continue to bring incredible content to readers,” Reeves says. “I know I’m biased, but magazines are important—there’s real value in being able to flip a page to a beautiful opening spread and get drawn into a story you would have never otherwise seen, especially in a time when what people read is so dictated by what their friends are posting on social media.” Click Read More below for more of the story.

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Robert Thomson said: “Fiscal 2017 was a significant year for News Corp as we saw tangible improvement in profitability, powered by the fast-growing Digital Real Estate Services segment, and we charged a premium for premium content while focusing on operating efficiencies. News Corp led the global debate about content value and values, prompting the digital platforms to address a dysfunctional content eco-system, in which the fake and the fraudulent have flourished. We are now in advanced discussions with those platforms over the creation of payment mechanisms for news of verified veracity. HarperCollins posted higher EBITDA and margins this year through poignant books with broad appeal in the U.S., such as The Magnolia Story and Hillbilly Elegy. We believe that the emergence of digital audio and our expanding global footprint are potent sources of long-term growth. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The New York Times today launched “The New York Times Travel Magazine 新视线.” The magazine will be published by Huasheng Media and circulated six times a year throughout mainland China. It will combine curated travel coverage and photographs from The New York Times, along with original local content. The Travel Magazine 新视线 will be distributed in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an and Shenzhen, among other cities, and available at newsstands, in bookstores and boutiques, as well as luxury hotels, high-end stores and airport VIP lounges. On the launch, Xuan Feng, the editor-in-chief of the magazine said, “Over the decades, the travel industry has rapidly grown in China and Chinese readers have shown that they want more in-depth travel stories as well as more immersive trips inspired by those stories.” Mr. Feng also serves as the editor-in-chief of T Magazine China. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The U.S. Postal Service reported revenue of $16.7 billion for the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 (April 1, 2017 - June 30, 2017). Revenue for the quarter was essentially unchanged compared to the same quarter last year, excluding the effect of a $1.1 billion non-cash change in accounting estimate recognized during the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. Revenue from First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail decreased $422 million and $150 million, respectively, over the prior year quarter, due largely to lower volumes. These declines in revenue for these products were nearly offset by continued growth in the lower-margin Shipping and Packages business, with third quarter revenue increasing $473 million, or 11.3 percent, in that part of the Postal Service's business. Operating expenses for the quarter were $18.8 billion, a decrease of $461 million, or 2.4%, compared to the prior year quarter. Expenses for retiree health benefits and workers compensation declined by $869 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, but were partially offset by $1.2 billion in higher retirement expenses largely driven by changes in Office of Personnel Management actuarial assumptions and interest rates. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, chief executive officer and president, said, "The traffic momentum that we saw in the combined March/April period accelerated in the second quarter. Though transactions for the quarter were lower than last year, July transactions increased. We are also excited by the sequential sales trend improvement in all our lines of business, all geographic regions, and in both our proprietary and national brand portfolios. Gross margin and SG&A expenses were consistent with our expectations and we are seeing benefits from our ongoing inventory initiatives and the early stages of our cost-saving initiative." Click Read More below for additional detail.

Sales in the second quarter of 2017 totaled $5.552 billion, a decrease of 5.4 percent, compared with sales of $5.866 billion in the second quarter of 2016. The year-over-year decline in total sales reflects, in part, the closure of stores previously announced by the company. Comparable sales on an owned basis were down 2.8 percent in the second quarter and down 2.5 percent on an owned plus licensed basis. Year to date, Macy's, Inc.'s sales totaled $10.890 billion, down 6.4 percent from total sales of $11.637 billion in the first half of 2016. Comparable sales on an owned basis were down 4.0 percent in the first half of 2017 and down 3.6 percent on an owned plus licensed basis. Macy's, Inc.'s operating income totaled $254 million or 4.6 percent of sales for the second quarter of 2017 compared to $117 million, or 2.0 percent of sales for the second quarter of 2016. Excluding non-cash settlement charges of $51 million, operating income for the second quarter of 2017 totaled $305 million or 5.5 percent of sales. Excluding asset impairment and other charges primarily related to store closings of $249 million and non-cash settlement charges of $6 million, operating income for the second quarter of 2016 totaled $372 million or 6.4 percent of sales. For the first half of 2017, Macy's, Inc.'s operating income totaled $474 million or 4.4 percent of sales compared to $393 million or 3.4 percent of sales for the first half of 2016. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Pearson announced the latest in series of partnerships to expand its textbook rental program. Today’s announcement brings Pearson’s textbook rental program to Barnes & Noble Education’s (NYSE:BNED) 1,490 physical and virtual bookstores, serving more than 6 million students. Beginning this fall, the program will be piloted at Barnes & Noble College stores, enhancing their current industry leading rental program with these 49 popular Pearson titles. The titles will be available in print and digital versions via a “rental-only” model, which will provide students with affordable access to the selected titles. All titles under this program can be rented for under $100, with electronic versions of these titles being the lowest cost option. Pearson anticipates expanding the titles included in this program over time. In January, Pearson announced a two-step plan to take on the issue of college affordability. The plan immediately reduced the prices of 2000 e-book titles by up to 50 percent when it was announced earlier this year. The second phase of the effort ensures that students can rent popular print titles online and in-store through trusted retailers. This rental-only model allows Pearson to reduce prices by up to 60 percent and ensure that all students have access to affordable textbooks. The Barnes & Noble College agreement represents the third-and largest-partnership in that program. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Total reported sales for the second quarter of 2017 were $2.4 billion compared to $2.6 billion in the second quarter of 2016, a decrease of 9%. In the second quarter of 2017, Office Depot reported operating income of $46 million and net income of $24 million, or $0.05 per share. Net income from continuing operations was $21 million, or $0.04 per share. In the second quarter of 2016, the company reported operating income of $271 million and net income of $210 million, or $0.38 per share. Net income from continuing operations was $232 million, or $0.41 per diluted share. Results in the second quarter of 2016 benefited from $250 million of income related to the Staples termination fee received in the period. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Popular Science continued to expand its considerable audience reach in June, with an average monthly audience growth of 38% and an increase in unique visitors to PopSci.com of 32% year over year for June. This milestone comes on the heels of Popular Science’s March/April “Water” issue’s star performance on newsstands at 38.3% year over year. The magazine brand’s total audience grew 31.5% year over year, and ranks third among the top ten magazine brands (source: MPA). “I’m extremely proud of the editorial team for all their hard work, which isn’t going unnoticed by Popular Science’s readers,” says Gregory Gatto, Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Bonnier Corporation. “The team has really concentrated on delivering print, digital and social products that are smart, timely, and unique.” Click Read More below for more of the story.

School will be back in session before you know it, meaning there will be supplies to buy, new clothes to try, backpacks to fill, and Box Tops to clip. Since 2011, Boise Paper has contributed nearly $11 million to U.S. schools and remains the exclusive office product partner of Box Tops for Education. Families can support students and local schools by clipping Box Tops from select Boise Paper products. This small action adds up to millions of dollars every year that K-8 schools use to purchase supplies, sports and music equipment, new technology, and more! Purchasing products with Box Tops is just one of five tips Boise Paper has to help you start the school year on a high note. • Start early – Don’t get caught scouring empty store shelves the night before the first day of school. Parents should take stock of what supplies are already at home or what can be reused from last year and begin creating a list of everything needed for the new school year. Once the class supply list is available, shop for essential items right away. For everything else, wait to shop until September when retailers are likely to mark-down supplies even further. Click Read More below for more of the story.

While the definition of a classroom writing tablet has expanded these days, a recent study shows that paper is still important to productive learning. The Paper and Packaging Board surveyed 4,300 students, parents and teachers in the United States and not only does paper have a role in the classroom, but its use and importance is growing. The study revealed three themes around the value of paper for learning. First, paper boosts engagement in school. Nearly two-thirds of K–12 teachers (64%) feel students comprehend information better and are more engaged (63%) when they read on paper. Close to two-thirds (64%) of K–12 teachers reveal their students even respond better to lessons that are based on paper textbooks. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Mail-Gard®, a division of IWCO Direct and one of the nation’s leading providers of critical communication recovery solutions, announced it is creating a dedicated Advanced Recovery Center at its Warminster, Pa. campus. With a second dedicated recovery center located in Hamburg, Pa., the expansion of Mail-Gard’s footprint will improve service delivery while providing increased efficiency of operations, training, and shared resources. With a total of 105,000-square-feet at the primary location, the Advanced Recovery Center will also allow for future expansion of technology and staff necessary to support a robust platform of business continuity, disaster recovery, and print-to-mail overflow services. To accommodate the change, recovery equipment will be relocated from Minnesota to Pennsylvania. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Revenue at Simon & Schuster rose 10% in the second quarter ended June 30, 2017, over the comparable period in 2016, and operating income increased 8%, S&S parent company CBS reported. It was the second consecutive quarter that revenue at S&S grew by double digits in 2017. Revenue in the most recent period was $206 million, up from $187 million, and earnings rose to $28 million from $26 million a year ago. The increase was led by growth in print book sales as well as digital audio. Results also include Adams Media, which S&S bought last November. S&S CEO Carolyn Reidy said the company's children's, audio, and international divisions all had double digit sales increase in the quarter, while sales in the adult group rose by single digits. With digital audio posting another strong quarter, sales of the format were up 34% in the first half of 2017 over the same period of 2016. Reidy estimated that S&S will increase its title output of digital audio by 20% to 25% for the year. Click Read More below for additional detail.

A 1.5% increase in sales in the trade segment was not enough to offset declines in the other major publishing categories in 2016. As a result, industry revenue was 5.1% lower in 2016 than in 2015, dropping to $26.24 billion, according to the final sales estimates released by the Association of American Publishers. Trade sales (including the religious segment) were $15.9 billion in 2016, making trade the largest publishing segment. Within the trade group, sales from religious presses increased 6.9% from the prior year, followed closely by the 6.7% gain in the children’s/young adult fiction category. The increase in sales in the religious segment was attributed by the AAP to the crossover successes of a number of inspirational titles. The gain in the children’s/YA fiction segment was due in part to the blockbuster hit Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, which sold more than four million units. Click Read More below for more of the story.

• Gross revenue was $279.5 million in the second quarter, an increase of 4% compared with $269.2 million in the second quarter of 2016. Year-to-date gross revenue was $546.9 million, a 1% increase compared with $540.3 million in the prior period. • Gross profit (net revenue) was a record $70.2 million, or 25.1% of gross revenue in the second quarter, an 8% increase compared to $65.1 million, or 24.2% of gross revenue, in the same period of last year. Year-to-date gross profit (net revenue) was $134.5 million, or 24.6% of gross revenue, an increase of 6% compared to the prior-year period. • Net income was $4.5 million or $0.08 per diluted share in the second quarter, compared to a net loss of $2.3 million or $0.04 per share in the second quarter of 2016. Year-to-date net income was $10.0 million or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $5.0 million or $0.09 per diluted share in the same period of 2016. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Hearst Magazines announced that Jon Gluck, formerly managing editor of Vogue, has been named executive director, editorial talent, development and special projects, a new role responsible for senior-level editorial recruiting and magazine development. The announcement was made by Hearst Magazines President David Carey and Chief Content Officer Joanna Coles. Gluck assumes his new position on September 5, reporting to Coles and Scherri Roberts, senior vice president, Human Resources. Gluck will be responsible for senior-level editorial recruitment for Hearst Magazines’ new launches and 20 brands in print, and will work closely with existing editors on magazine development. In addition, he will conceptualize new magazines and special projects, such as live events. “To say that the industry is going through an exciting period of change is an understatement,” Carey said. “Jon will play a central role in the transformation of our U.S. media business, both as we evolve our existing businesses, and acquire and start new ones.”

Time Inc. reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2017. Time Inc. President and CEO Rich Battista said, “I am pleased with our second quarter Adjusted OIBDA of $88 million, which was roughly flat year-over-year. Our revenues continued to be impacted by disruption through the first half of 2017, as we said on our last call. Despite that revenue disruption, we executed in a highly disciplined way, which enabled us to beat Adjusted OIBDA expectations. The third quarter represents an important turning point for the Company as we are seeing strong momentum and sequential improvement of year-over-year trends for total advertising revenues. Today, we are reaffirming our 2017 Adjusted OIBDA outlook.” Battista continued: “On our last earnings call, we outlined aggressive actions—building on what we had accomplished to date—to reduce costs, expand margins, rationalize our portfolio and extend our brands into new growth revenue streams. We’ve been moving with speed and, most significantly, we are announcing today, a strategic transformation program based on a thorough review of Time Inc.’s business. Through this review, we have greater confidence in our path to accelerate the optimization of costs and revenue growth drivers. We have already targeted more than $400 million of run-rate cost savings, with the majority of initiatives expected to be implemented over the course of the next 18 months. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $9.41 billion for the month of July, the four weeks ended July 30, 2017, an increase of 8.8 percent from $8.65 billion during the similar period last year. For the forty-eight weeks ended July 30, 2017, the Company reported net sales of $113.70 billion, an increase of 6.1 percent from $107.16 billion during the similar period last year. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Second quarter operating revenues increased 3.4% to $774.5 million, including a $9.1 million unfavorable foreign currency impact, compared to $748.8 million in the prior year quarter. The year-over-year increase was due to the contribution from acquired operations2. On a same store basis, operating revenues in the second quarter declined 10.6%, a slight improvement compared to a decline in the 2017 first quarter of 10.8%, as a result of improved domestic print advertising and circulation revenues. Total digital revenues in the second quarter grew 43.5% year-over-year to $242.6 million, or approximately 31% of total revenue, which includes the contribution from ReachLocal acquired in August 2016. GAAP net loss for the second quarter was $0.5 million, including $21.8 million of after-tax restructuring, acquisition, severance, asset impairment, facility consolidation and other related costs; approximately $14.6 million of these charges were non-cash. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $83.7 million compared to $91.7 million in the prior year quarter. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company announced that its Board of Directors has set the close of business on August 21, 2017 as the record date for the proposed spin-off of Seattle SpinCo, Inc., which will hold HPE’s software business (“Seattle”). Subject to the satisfaction of the remaining conditions to the spin-off, on the distribution date for the spin-off, HPE will distribute to HPE stockholders one share of Class A common stock of Seattle (the “Seattle common stock”) for each share of HPE common stock held as of the close of business on the record date. As previously announced, immediately following the spin-off, a wholly owned subsidiary of Micro Focus International plc (“Micro Focus”) will merge with and into Seattle, and Seattle will continue as the surviving company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Micro Focus. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Anyone working in or around the magazine industry knows one thing for certain: Everyone’s got an opinion. Prognostications on the print magazine industry range from doom and gloom to nothing but sunshine and moonbeams. If you’re in the business of print magazines, like we are, you don’t have the luxury of choosing one position or the other. Common business sense requires us to critically examine what’s really going on. Is the print magazine industry in danger of collapse? Let’s take a closer look. Roy Stevenson is a travel magazine writer and industry coach, so he’s deeply in touch with the realities of his market niche. “These naysayers will tell anyone within earshot that the Internet has completely overtaken the print industry,” Stevenson writes on his travel writing site PitchTravelWrite. “One prominent travel blogger even predicted that by the year 2020 print magazines would cease to exist! Naturally, as a print media freelance writer I feel more than a little concern when I hear these gloomy predictions,” he continues. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The service allows customers to have their favourite daily newspaper delivered to their doorstep with an initial six weeks free from delivery cost. To receive a newspaper via post, the individual needs to search for a local newsagent via DeliverMyNewspaper.co.uk, then fill out a registration form on the site and secure free delivery vouchers. Once the vouchers have arrived in the post they must take them to the selected newsagents, pay for the newspaper they want delivered and arrange the deliveries. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Esperanto might never have really taken off, but the Internet seems to be in the process of moving us toward a far more successful and truly universal language: emojis. And as Ashley Stone inventively demonstrates in this design-school project, emojis on paper possess the ability to make us think through important issues as we work to decipher them. What I find particularly appealing about her “Endangered Emojis” series is the simple-yet-effective way in which she adapted a real fundraising campaign led by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – its “Stamp out Extinction” initiative – to appeal to teens and twenty-somethings.

For the quarter, on a GAAP basis, total revenue decreased 4.2% to $890.4 million, revenue from retail store sales decreased 6.7% to $601.7 million, Internet and catalog sales decreased 3.9% to $135.7 million, and Financial Services revenue increased 9.0% to $147.2 million. For the quarter, comparable store sales decreased 9.3%.

“As we head into the third quarter, which is historically the busiest quarter in HMH’s selling season, we are encouraged by our results for the first half of 2017,” said Jack Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of HMH. “We experienced strong net sales and billings growth within the extensions of our core Basal business, which are comprised of intervention, professional learning and supplemental products and services, and we took important steps to reduce our fixed cost base and improve our operating efficiency.” Joe Abbott, Chief Financial Officer of HMH added, “We remain on track to deliver against the targets we set at the start of the year and continue to progress our next generation program and platform development in advance of the large new adoption opportunities we anticipate in 2018 and 2019.”

The U.S. Postal Service will pay tribute tomorrow to the beauty and importance of pollinators with stamps depicting two of our continent’s most iconic, the monarch butterfly and the western honeybee, each shown industriously pollinating a variety of plants native to North America. The Protect Pollinators Forever stamps will be dedicated at noon tomorrow at the American Philatelic Society National Summer Convention StampShow in Richmond, VA. Share the news on social media using the hashtags #ProtectPollinators and #PollinatorStamps.

UPS (NYSE: UPS) celebrated the company’s 110-year anniversary today in Seattle’s Waterfall Garden Park. The anniversary, on August 28, will mark the founding of a messenger service company started by James Casey and Claude Ryan in a six-by-17-foot room beneath a tavern run by Ryan's uncle at what is now 219 2nd Avenue South, in the heart of the city’s Pioneer Square area.

Parents magazine unveiled a fresh, new look with its September 2017 issue, on sale nationwide August 8. The dynamic redesign incorporates a modern logo, lively layouts and photography, and an evolved personality that reflects the candor, humor and confidence of today's mom. The September 2017 cover features Rebecca Minkoff – the fashion designer powerhouse and mother of two – as its Back-to-School Mom star with a personal interview and exclusive photos. Under the direction and leadership of Parents Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello, the print redesign focuses on revitalizing the iconic brand. The magazine continues to offer readers its signature trusted content and focus on the needs of diverse millennial women in families of all shapes and sizes. Health and safety articles will advocate for every child's wellbeing, while the lifestyle coverage has evolved to reflect the millennial's unique mindset about food, home and travel. Click Read More below for additional details.

Macmillan Publishers will be leaving its long-time offices in New York's Chelsea neighborhood in 2019. The publisher, which currently occupies all the office space in New York's iconic Flatiron Building, has signed a 20-year lease at 120 Broadway, called the "Equitable Building," in lower Manhattan. "We are delighted to be moving to 120 Broadway," Andrew Weber, COO of Macmillan, said in a statement. "The move will be great for our people and our planned growth, and the architectural heritage of 120 Broadway means we will be moving from one of New York City's great iconic buildings to another." In moving to lower Manhattan, Macmillan will follow HarperCollins and Abrams who have moved south in search of new offices. St. Martin's was the first Macmillan division to move to the Flatiron Building and over the years other divisions followed. Click Read More below for more of the story.

To celebrate pre-K-12 public, private and homeschool educators and administrators, Barnes & Noble, Inc. will kick off the school year with new Educator Appreciation Days every Saturday and Sunday in August. Starting Saturday, August 5, local stores will feature special discounts* including 25% off most merchandise like books, toys and games; and limited-time giveaways from Sterling Publishing, while supplies last. The offer will also be valid online at www.BN.com Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27. “We are thrilled to announce Barnes & Noble’s Educator Appreciation Days to ring in the new school year,” said Tracy Vidakovich, Vice President, Business Development for Barnes & Noble. “Educators and administrators are one of our most loyal customer bases and we want to continue to show our commitment to them with this initiative and savings on their back-to-school purchases.” Click Read More below for additional details.

Sales of adult trade books rose 3.4% in the first quarter of 2017, over the comparable period in 2016, according to the latest figures released by the Association of American Publishers' StatShot program. The adult trade segment was one of three major publishing categories to see an increase in the first three months of the year, over the same time frame in 2016. The higher educational course materials segment experienced the largest gain in the period, with sales up 24.3%. Within adult trade, hardcover sales jumped 18.1% in the quarter, offsetting declines in the paperback formats. Downloadable audio had another strong period, with sales rising 23.1% in the quarter. But e-book sales continued to drop, falling 4.5% in the three-month period. Click Read More below for additional details.

In another move to combat the spread of counterfeit textbooks, Cengage, Elsevier, McGraw-Hill Education, and Pearson announced an agreement with Barnes & Noble Education to implement the industry’s Anti-Counterfeit Best Practices. The best practices were developed earlier this year by the Educational Publishers Enforcement Group (EPEG) with the goal of assisting publishers and distributors looking to tamp down on the growing availability of counterfeit print textbooks. In agreeing to adhere to the best practices program, B&NE will verify the sources of its textbooks. It will also inspect inventory that has a high risk of being counterfeit, and prevent it from infecting the rest of its inventory. And, according to the agreement, when B&NE finds counterfeit books it will share information about the title and supplier with publishers. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Stein Mart announced the locations of its five new stores opening this fall to complete its 2017 store plan to open a total of 10 new stores this year. "We look forward to introducing our customers to these new locations where they will always find great values on the best designer and name brand merchandise, in an attractive, easy-to-shop setting," said Hunt Hawkins, CEO of Stein Mart. "With new merchandising initiatives and a new marketing campaign being launched this fall, we invite all of our customers — new and loyal — to come see and hear what's new at Stein Mart this fall." Click Read More below for additional details.

Revenues for book publishers were $2.33 billion for the first quarter of 2017, a $108 million (4.9%) increase over the first quarter of 2016, according to the StatShot report from Association of American Publishers (AAP). Much of the growth is attributed to increased revenue in the two of the largest categories - Adult books and higher education course materials. StatShot tracks publisher revenue for about 1,200 publishers of trade (fiction/non-fiction/religious), PreK-12 instructional materials, higher education course materials, university presses and professional books. Click Read More below for additional details.

Highlights for the second quarter: • Ended the second quarter of 2017 with $48.4 million of cash and cash equivalents and $9.1 million of restricted cash; Torstar has no bank indebtedness. • Our net loss attributable to equity shareholders was $7.0 million ($0.09 per share) in the second quarter of 2017. This compares to a net loss of $23.9 million ($0.30 per share) in the second quarter of 2016. • Adjusted loss per share was $0.03 in the second quarter of 2017, an improvement of $0.10 from adjusted loss per share of $0.13 in the second quarter of 2016. Adjusted loss per share in 2017 and 2016 included $0.24 and $0.50 per share effects of amortization and depreciation. • Our segmented operating loss was $8.1 million in the second quarter of 2017 which included $19.2 million of non-cash amortization and depreciation expense as well as $6.2 million of restructuring and other charges. Click Read More below for additional details.

The Great American Read, an ambitious eight-episode documentary series that PBS has just announced, will explore the place of reading in American culture. The show, which is set to start airing in the summer of 2018, will kickoff with a two-hour program that will reveal a list of America’s 100 best-loved books. The inaugural episode of the series, set for May 2018, will feature the list of 100 best-loved books, chosen by the public and by a panel of literary experts. The final program in the fall will unveil a Top Ten list of America's best-loved books, culminating in the first-ever nation-wide vote to reveal America's single best-loved book of all. Funded by the Public Broadcasting System and produced by the TV production house, Nutopia, The Great American Read will marshal the entire PBS network in a multiplatform campaign. The TV series will be supported by social media campaigns and community reading groups, in addition to testimonials and appearances by figures from the worlds of entertainment, sports, news and literature. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) announced that the U.S. book publishing industry generated $26.24 billion in net revenue for 2016, representing 2.7 billion in units (volume). Books with religious and inspirational themes from religious presses and trade publishers were among the best-selling books. StatShot Annual estimates the book publishing industry’s size and scope, tracking the sales and volume data for trade (fiction/non-fiction/religious), PreK-12 instructional materials, higher education course materials, university presses, and professional books. While publisher revenue (1.5%) and units sold (2.8%) both increased for trade books, the overall publishing industry saw a decline in revenue (-5.1%.) This may in large part be attributed to a challenging year in the education and scholarly publishing markets, which together comprise about 40% of tracked revenues. Click Read More below for additional details.

Revenues were $2.57 billion in the quarter, down 8.1 percent or 6.4 percent in constant currency. Post sale revenue was 79 percent of total revenue. Second-quarter adjusted operating margin was 13.3 percent, up 0.4 percentage points from the same quarter a year ago. Xerox generated operating cash flow of $343 million from continuing operations during the second quarter and ended the period with a cash balance of $1.25 billion. The company returned $68 million in dividends to shareholders. Click Read More below for additional details.

InnerWorkings Inc., the leading global marketing execution firm, announced a new long-term alliance with global lodging company Choice Hotels International. Under a multi-year agreement, InnerWorkings will deploy an integrated solution across a broad scope of marketing channels for Choice Hotels, including direct mail, branded merchandise, signage, and other marketing collateral. InnerWorkings will also implement a custom eCommerce and fulfillment platform, delivering a comprehensive marketing supply chain solution to support Choice's extensive brand portfolio. Click Read More below for more of the story.

We are very proud to announce that Ink has signed a new partnership with the UK’s iconic challenger airline Virgin Atlantic, where we will revamp its inflight magazine Vera, as well as represent all media sales. From September, we will create an upgraded magazine for Virgin Atlantic’s loyal customers, with a complete relaunch in October. The new Vera will be a dazzling entertainment and travel magazine, that cleverly connects the onboard entertainment offering with original destination tips from across Virgin Atlantic’s global network. Mark Anderson, Executive Vice President, Customer at Virgin Atlantic said: “Offering our customers a unique and memorable experience is absolutely key to us at Virgin Atlantic; so we are delighted to be working with Ink’s expert team to give our inflight magazine a total makeover. Expect a new and exciting travel and entertainment magazine from October 2017.” Click Read More below for more of the story.