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Consumer Affairs & Relations

  • Dividend angst leads to unconventional actions

    Walmart moved its quarterly dividend payment up a few days so it would fall in 2012, but Costco took tax avoidance to a new level this week.

    In anticipation that tax rates on dividends will rise next year as the federal government flounders for ways to raise revenue rather cut spending, a flurry of companies are paying one time dividends or adjusting payment dates. Walmart falls into the latter camp and said its 39.75 cent per share payment scheduled for January 2 would instead be paid on December 27.

  • Wealthy shoppers prefer Amazon, really?

    It’s common to see BMWs, Mercedes and other luxury makes in Walmart parking lots, but a new study reported on by Ad Age reveals wealthier shoppers prefer Amazon.com

  • Save the date: LPGA returns to NWA June 17-23

    Walmart and Procter & Gamble have signed on as primary sponsors for LPGA’s tour event in Northwest Arkansas for the next three years.

    The event has been a phenomenal success for the region and grown in significance each year by attracting top LPGA talent. Next year, the tournament known officially as the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship presented by P&G will be held June 17-23 at the Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers.

  • Johnson & Johnson elects new chair as Weldon retires

    NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson has elected Alex Gorsky as its new chairman, board of directors, effective December 28. Gorsky, who was appointed CEO in April of this year, replaces current chairman Bill Weldon, who was with the company for 41 years.

  • Supervalu says deal not dead yet

    The review of strategic alternatives remains ongoing at Supervalu despite reports about discussions breaking down with one prospective investor.

  • Genesco Q3 profit jumps 56%; raises 2013 outlook

    Nashville, Tenn. -- Genesco Inc. said Friday its third-quarter profit increased to $41 million, from $26.2 million in the year-ago period, better than Wall Street expected. The company also raised its fiscal 2013 outlook, even as it warned that November was off to a slow start.

  • Forget game-changer, U of A group recognized as world changer

    The Sustainability Consortium jointly administered by the University of Arkansas and the University of Arizona, with support from Walmart and many of its suppliers, is ranked among 10 ideas changing the way people live by Scientific American.

  • Comp momentum intact at Kroger

    Kroger extended its same store sales winning streak to 36 consecutive quarters and reported better than expected profits Thursday.

    The grocer reported a third quarter adjusted profit of 46 cents a share that exceeded analysts’ consensus estimate by three cents and said its identical store sales grew by 3.2%. Total sales, including fuel, increased 5.9% to $21.8 billion

  • Guess Inc. profit plummets 44.7% in Q3

    Los Angeles -- Guess Inc. reported Wednesday a profit of $36.6 million for the third quarter, down 44.7% from net earnings of $66.3 million in the same period last year.
     
    Revenue fell 2.2% to $628.8 million, from $642.8 million in the prior-year quarter, but beating analysts’ expected $624.8 million in revenue. Retail sales in North America dipped 1.3% to $262.1 million. Same-store sales overall dropped 6%.
     
    The company said economic pressures hurt consumer confidence in most of its markets.

     

  • Kroger profit leaps in Q3, raises forecast

    Cincinnati -- Kroger Co. reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Nov. 3 rose to $316.5 million, compared with $195.9 million in the year-ago period.

    Total sales rose 6% to $21.81 billion, beating Wall Street’s expected revenue of $21.55 billion.

    Same-store sales rose 3.2%.

     

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