Book Manufacturers’ Institute Releases Industry Barometer Survey Results for August

•Total revenues increased 3% to $540.5 million. Comparable company sales increased 1% following a decrease of 8% in the first quarter last year. •J.Crew sales decreased 7% to $391.9 million. J.Crew comparable sales decreased 6% following a decrease of 11% in the first quarter last year. •Madewell sales increased 39% to $115.8 million. Madewell comparable sales increased 31% following an increase of 11% in the first quarter last year. •Operating loss was $0.9 million compared to $151.0 million in the first quarter last year. •Net loss was $33.9 million compared to $121.0 million in the first quarter last year. Click Read More below for additional information.

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.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) denying paper-based information and services. “The number of people who experienced identity theft while filing their taxes in 2016 is approximately the population of Anaheim, California or Tampa, Florida.[1] With news of data hacks and security breaches breaking regularly, government officials have increasingly turned to paper-based documents for added protection. “Citizens will be complying with new tax rules this year. Unfortunately, the IRS no longer makes printed instructions available unless ordered for payment. Readily available, printed instructions will be needed more than ever before as people prepare their tax returns given these changes. Click Read More below for additional information.