Retail business briefs, Dec. 27

Walmart, Sam's Club and Dollar Tree are the top retailers at retaining customers, according to a study by America's Research Group, which on Monday released its best and worst retailers of 2012. The three were the only retailers of 25 surveyed that kept at least 80 percent of their customer base. “A well-marketed, well-merchandised retailer needs to retain 80 percent or more of its customer base,” said Britt Beemer, chairman and chief executive of the Charleston, S.C.-based company. Big Lots and Amazon rounded out the top five. The retailers worst at customer retention were Barnes & Noble, BJ's, Gap, Lowe's and Costco.

Jeweler wins social media award

When it comes to social media, Samuel Gordon Jewelers ranks alongside major national jewelry chains, according to a new award based on social media strategies. The Oklahoma City jeweler was recognized a winner in the first ever MVI Marketing Ltd. social media awards and was the only single store independent jeweler to win. Others include Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Robbins Brothers, Reeds Jewelers, Zales, Kay Jewelers, Helzberg Diamonds, Michael Hill and H. Stern. Samuel Gordon Jewelers, which started using social media 10 years ago, has more than 5,700 Facebook “likes” and 2,790 Twitter followers.