Finance & Capital Management

New York -- Saddled with high levels of debt and sluggish sales, Brookstone Inc. is preparing to file for bankruptcy protection, with a plan already in place to be bought by another specialty retailer, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. filed suit with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas suing Visa for $5 billion, alleging that the financial services company overcharges on the credit and debit card swipe fees it charges retailer.

The suit claims that Visa colluded with banks to fix swipe fees between January 2004 and November 2012, forcing it to raise prices and reduce customer service, resulting in lost retail sales.

Cortre Madera, Calif. – Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc. (RH) swung to a profit in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 amid ongoing sales growth. The retailer posted net earnings of $26.64 million, compared to a net loss of $28.36 in the year-ago period.

Net revenues grew 18.5% to $471.69 million, from $398.05 million. Same-store sales grew 17%.

Indianapolis – The Finish Line Inc. reported net income of $42.75 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, up 28% from $33.47 million in the year-ago period.

Net sales grew 17% to $518.87 million from $442.68 million and same-store sales rose 6.3%. Finish Line credited its omni-channel strategy, among other factors, as driving its impressive quarterly performance.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Safeway Inc. on Friday said that no other bidders have emerged during the 21-day “go-shop” period following the announcement of its agreement to be acquired by AB Acquisition, the parent of Albertsons.

Under the definitive merger agreement, Safeway and its representatives were permitted to solicit and engage in negotiations with respect to alternative acquisition proposals during the 21-day period that ended on March 27 (the "go-shop" period).

Columbus, Ohio – Lane Bryant opens two new stores in Marlton, N.J., and Odessa, Texas on March 28. The New Jersey store is located at Willow Bridge Plaza and the Texas store is located at Chimney Rock.

Lane Bryant operates 775 stores nationwide and also operates an e-commerce site.

New Lululemon CEO Laurent Potdevin said 2014 is a year for investing, strengthening the company’s foundation, reigniting its product engine and accelerating sustainable and controlled global expansion.

Restoration Hardware Holdings chairman and CEO Gary Friedman lauded the company’s performance in the fourth quarter and fiscal 2013, saying that RH continued to outperform the home furnishings industry by a wide margin.

It’s onto the next step for Safeway and Albertsons. No additional bidders emerged during Safeway’s 21-day “go shop” period following Albertsons’ announcement of its intention to acquire the company.

Under the definitive merger agreement, Safeway and its representatives were permitted to solicit and engage in negotiations with respect to alternative acquisition proposals during the 21-day period that ended March 27.

Finish Line chairman and CEO Glenn Lyon said the company’s successful execution of its consumer-centric omnichannel strategy drove solid gains in its core business and that growth initiatives contributed meaningfully to its record full-year revenue and profits.

The company reported net income of $42.75 million during the fourth quarter, up 28% from $33.47 million in the year-ago period. Net sales climbed 17% to $518.87 million from $442.68 million and same-store sales increased 6.3%.