Finance & Capital Management

Kmart is taking a comedic approach to its back-to-school promotions this year with an eccentric ad campaign.

The retailer has rolled out an ad that touts back-to-school season not being about students, but about parents getting ready to get their free time back.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Off-price retailer Stein Mart continues to pursue the accelerated store growth strategy that it began in 2014.

The off-price retailer announced it will open nine stores this fall, and at least 12 new locations in 2016.

The news follows the company's recent release of first half 2015 total sales growth of 6.1% and comparable store-sales growth of 4.0%.

Nebraska-based sportings goods retailer Cabela’s has appointed the former CEO of Coors to its board.

The company announced that Peter S. Swinburn has been named to its board of directors.

New York -- It’s been a rough week for department stores.

Kohl’s Corp. joined Macy’s and Dillard’s this week in reporting disappointing earnings and weak same-store sales growth.

Kohl’s posted a profit of $130 million in the second quarter ended Aug. 1, down from $232 million in the prior-year quarter.

PayPal has revised its disclosure practices for material information in a way that could serve as a blueprint for retailers in the wake of a major insider trading bust that took down 32 hackers and brokers who allegedly reaped $100 million during a five year scheme to steal press releases.

New York -- A strong majority of Americans (72%) - crossing regional, political, generational, gender and income lines – believe the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is lower than it should be. However, while Americans clearly feel minimum wage should be higher, exactly how high remains a more contentious subject.

In a week in which many of the nation's major department stores reported disappointing financial results, Nordstrom showed once again how to drive sales growth.

The Washington-based retailer reported that total sales rose 9.2% from the same quarter in 2014, while same store sales rose 4.9%. The company posted a profit of $211 million, or $1.09 a share, compared with $183 million, or 95 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue, which includes revenue from its credit cards, rose 9% to $3.7 billion. 

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW continues its march across America.

The footwear and accessories retailer is opening 22 stores this fill, including six locations in new markets.

"Expanding our store base allows us to grow our footprint in areas we already call home, while also bringing DSW stores and the DSW brand to areas where our customers have been anticipating our arrival,” said Carrie McDermott, executive VP and COO of DSW, which operated 449 stores in 42 states.