Visual Merchandising Tutorial

http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inretra-comde.nsf/vwapj/chapter5.pdf/$FILE/chapter5.pdf#search=
%22merchandising%22

Retail Economic Link #1 State of the Retail Industry

The US Census Bureau reports that Retail Sales were up in 1.6% in July over the previous month, and a whopping 4.8% over July 2005. These figures show positive consumer spending habits, and that should continue as we head in to the holiday retail boom.
http://www.census.gov/svsd/www/retail.html

Canadian GDP

http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_ecnmy/sio/cisgdpe.html

PR Newswire's Monthly Retail Sales Comparison

On the first Thursday of each month, most major retailers issue their same-store sales figures via PR Newswire. We compile this data the same day for a company-by-company review of monthly and year-to-date results.
http://retailindustry.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=retailindustry&zu=http%3A%2F%2
Fwww.prnewswire.com%2Findustryfocus%2Fret%2Fretailreports%2Fretailreport.shtml

Progressive Grocer

http://.progressivegrocer.com/progressivegrocer/index.jsp

Grocery Headquarters

http://www.groceryheadquarters.com/

Food Marketing Institute: Daily Lead

Compiles the daily Grocery headlines in one easy to access location powered by Smart Brief
http://www.smartbrief.com/fmi/

Produce Merchandising

Finally a site that is dedicated directly to the interests of Produce Merchandisers
http://www.producemerchandising.com/ME2/Default.asp

The Retail Loss Prevention Exchange

A Forum where people in the Loss Prevention Industry
http://www.rlpx.com/

Retail News Bites

http://www.eweek.com/category2/0,1738,1478356,00.asp?kc=EWGL10403KTX2B1100655

US Consumer Price Index

The increase in inflation is being lead by the rising costs of food and fuel. The price of Produce has gone up 5.1% since July.
http://www.bls.gov/cpi/

US GDP

Chain store sales posted their largest gain in four weeks in the week ending August 26, gaining 0.6%, according to the ICSC. Year-over-year growth accelerated to 3.6%, the best growth in nine weeks. Better weather and lower gasoline prices contributed to the strong end to the fiscal month.
http://www.bea.gov/bea/dn/home/gdp.htm