Finance & Capital Management

ATLANTA — Newell Rubbermaid has appointed Doug Martin as CFO, succeeding Juan Figuereo.

The Marine Stewardship Council received a nearly $11 million cash infusion from a trio of charitable foundations, including the Walton Family Foundation.

The groups said the multi-year investment would support expansion of a seafood certification program and continue development of partnerships with fishermen, industry and retailers.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Collective Brands reported net earnings of $9.7 million, or 16 cents per share, for its second quarter compared with a loss of $35 million, or 58 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2011.

Net sales increased 0.4% to $886 million, driven by a 2.9% comparable-store sales ncrease and sales growth of 6.1% in the Performance + Lifestyle Group  Wholesale segment, offset in part by operating 375 fewer stores.

MODESTO, Calif. — Save Mart Supermarkets has appointed a new chief human resources officer and chief legal officer, as well as a new CFO.

In the newly-created role of CHRO/CLO at Save Mart, Eric Nadworny is responsible for leading the human resources, labor relations, risk management, compliance and legal functions for the Modesto, Calif.-based grocer. Nadworny has worked at such companies as Ross Stores, BJ's Wholesale Club and Shaw's Supermarkets.

BERLIN, N.J. — For the second year in a row, A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts along with its associates and customers, will team up to raise funds from Sept. 9 through Oct. 13, 2012, for the American Cancer Society through A.C. Moore's "Crafting a Better World" program." This initiative coincides with the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign in October, and gives customers an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Houston -- Francesca's Holdings Corp. said Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 topped expectations by nearly doubling to $12.7 million, from $5.5 million in the same quarter last year. Sales leaped nearly 50% to $25.1 million, and same-store sales surged $20.7%.

The company said it is on track to open 76 stores and one outlet this fiscal year, two of them in the third quarter.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Tuesday it has lowered its holiday layaway fee from $15 to $5, saying that the move is in response to customer feedback.

Customers may begin to open layaway accounts under the new fee arrangement on Sept. 15, and it runs through Dec. 14.

According to Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising and marketing officer, Walmart U.S., “this is a direct response to feedback we received since announcing this year's Holiday Layaway program. [It] makes Walmart more competitive in the marketplace.”

Seattle -- Nordstrom said Tuesday it will open two new full-line stores – one in Jacksonville, Fla., and the other in Woodlands, Texas.
 
The Florida store will open at St. Johns Town Center, a Simon Property and Ben Carter-owned shopping center. The 124,000-sq.-ft. store will be two levels and is expected to open in fall 2014.