Check out a bunch of retail executives talking about the state of the industry, economy and the outlook for holiday shopping.
 
It’s the Reuters Consumer and Retail Summit, being held this week in New York, featuring top executives from Borders, Best Buy, Toys “R” Us, Jones Apparel, Perry Ellis and others.
 
The executives meet with Reuters reporters as most retailers are struggling to attract consumers that have been clobbered by $4-a-gallon gasoline, falling home prices, a credit crunch and rising food costs.
 
Sales got a bit of a boost in May as consumers started to spend their tax rebates. But analysts say that bump could be fleeting, with consumers still under pressure after the rebates have been spent.
 
To find out what retailers think, check out the Retail Summit page all week.
 
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InBev cautions Bid about striking Modelo deal
 
Trust chairman sees change, but no sale, at Hershey
 
CostPlus rejects Pier 1 acquisition offer
 
Starbucks says international growth to cushion U.S. weakness
(Photo: Reuters)

Check out those coupons from Borders.
 
In a new report, J.P. Morgan analyst Charles Grom begins tracking the promotional cadence at book sellers. Grom said he is keeping a close eye on discounts and promotions as the price war among book retailers extends into the first half of 2008 and Borders prepares to launch its own e-commerce site.
 
 
The view so far?  “Borders is still clearly focused on driving the top line, perhaps at the expense of margins, as it remains the most promotional retailer in bookselling today,” Grom wrote.
 
Borders averages about two coupons per week, with spikes in broad-based discounts during the holiday, quarter-end and month-end periods, Grom said. The company put more promotional focus on specific categories in February and March.
 
Barnes & Noble’s rewards program, unlike Borders’, is subscription based, with members paying $25 and receiving discounts,
 
“As such, Barnes & Noble’s direct marketing campaign serves more as a reminder of discounts rather than a limited time offer,” Grom said. But he added that he’s seen some special offers from Barnes over the past several weeks, including a 40-percent discount on kids’ books.
 
Grom sees the pace of discounts at Borders continuing in the first half as it ramps up e-commerce sales and faces macroeconomic headwinds.
 
Also in the basket:
 
The latest in fashion: pink slips (NYTimes)
 
Wendy’s reports lower quarterly same-store sales
 
Constellation Brands profit tops view

 (Photo: Reuters)