Finance & Capital Management

Walmart’s first quarter sales were not great, but longer term success could be driven by an interesting range of pilot programs and expanding initiatives the company shared during a recap of its results.

While other retailers saw sales affected by a winter that overstayed its welcome, Dillard’s marked its 15th consecutive quarter of positive sales.

Despite weak sales in home and furniture, Dillard’s said sales trends in the first quarter were strongest in the men’s apparel and accessories category and the juniors’ and children’s apparel category followed by ladies’ accessories and lingerie.

Blyth — a direct-to-consumer company and leading designer and marketer of candles and accessories for the home, as well as health, wellness and beauty products sold through the direct selling and direct marketing channels — has promoted Jane Casey to the role of CFO.

The company this week announced that VP, CFO Robert H. Barghaus plans to retire later this year after 13 years. Barghaus will remain active as the company's CFO until Casey, an 18-year veteran with the company, assumes the role.

Mattel has elevated company veteran Tim Kilpin to the role of EVP, international. Kilpin will be responsible for advancing the company’s international presence and leading its growth in emerging markets throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in grants to 700 schools, nonprofits and literacy organizations across the 40 states Dollar General serves to support adult, family and summer literacy programs.

More than 1,200 leaders from the toy and baby products industries gathered at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York to celebrate the 2014 Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund Gala.

Dallas -- J.C. Penney topped expectations for the first quarter, reporting a 6.2% increase in same-store sales that easily topped views. Revenue for the quarter, which ended May 3, rose to $2.80 billion, above the $2.71 billion analysts expected, up from $2.64 billion in the year-ago period.  

It was the second consecutive month of same-store sales gains for Penney, and the retailer said sales improved sequentially each month within the quarter.

Penney lost $352 million for the quarter, not as much as analysts expected.

Dallas -- Zale Corp. on Thursday restated its support for Signet Jewelers Ltd.'s $1 billion acquisition offer, urging shareholders to support the deal despite opposition from a large investor. The deal, under which Zale stockholders would receive $21.00 per share in cash, has been unanimously approved by the Zale board of directors.

Zale’s investor TIG Advisors LLC has called the deal "grossly unfair," saying the jewelry retailers should be able to get $28.60 a share in cash and stock.  

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. missed Wall Street expectations for profits, revenue and same-store sales during a difficult first quarter. Net income, which had been expected to rise slightly, fell 15% to $125 million, from $147 million.

In addition, net sales declined 3% to $4.07 billion from $4.2 billion, while analysts had expected them to rise to $4.22 billion. Same-store sales, also expected to increase, fell 3.4%.

Melville, N.Y. - Global Facility Management & Construction is naming two new members of its management team. Bruce Wollmuth has been named construction manager, leading a team of construction project managers.