Consumer Affairs & Relations

Financial network CNBC’s top anchor Maria Bartiromo took her show “Closing Bell” on the road this week to broadcast live outside the auditorium at the Orlando convention center where Walmart convened its domestic manufacturing summit.

New York -- Ann Inc. reported that its second quarter net income rose a better-than-expected 16% to $35.6 million, with strong performances from both its Ann Taylor and Loft banners. Similar to many other retailers in recent weeks, the chain trimmed its full-year revenue forecast.

Revenue for the period ended Aug. 3 increased 7% to $638.2 million.
 
Same-store sales rose 2.8%, with a 3.1% rise at Ann Taylor and a 2.5% lift at Loft.

New York -- Hibbett Sports reported that profit surged 34% to $10.5 million in the second quarter, compared with $7.9 million last year and just edging Wall Street expectations.

Sales matched forecasts with a 13% rise to $186.2 million. Same-store sales edged up 0.3%.

But the sporting goods retailer lowered its full-year outlook, citing concern over consumer spending.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores on Thursday brought together retailers, suppliers and government officials to figure out how they could work together to drive more manufacturing in the United States.

New York -- Jones Lang LaSalle has opened an office in Honolulu’s retail district.

“Robust real estate fundamentals across all asset classes makes Hawaii a top locale for investors, developers and retailers,” said Kirk Horiuchi, senior VP and Hawaii retail market lead.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate has dropped to 5% and is projected to fall further by year-end and boost consumer spending and the retail economy.

Gouverneur, N.Y. -- Kinney Drugs Inc. announced that Jim Spencer, formerly COO, has been promoted to president of Kinney Drug stores. In this expanded role, Spencer will be responsible for the total customer experience and strategic growth of our retail drug stores.

In addition to overseeing pharmacy and retail operations, marketing, and merchandising, he will assume oversight responsibilities for logistics.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart Inc. reported that its second-quarter net income increased 48%, helped by higher same-store sales. The retailer also announced that the SEC is conducting an investigation related to Stein Mart's restatement of prior years' financial statements and its change in its auditors.

For the quarter ended Aug. 3, Stein Mart earned $3.4 million up from $2.3 million in the same quarter of 2012.

Revenue increased 4%, to $291 million from $280.4 million. Same-store sales rose 6.4%.

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