Finance & Capital Management

WASHINGTON — Desire for more organic food, high-end products and mobile technologies were the driving trends of the fastest-growing retailers in the United States, according to the National Retail Federation's "Hot 100 Retailers" list. Published annually in the group's STORES August issue, the list consists of retail companies that reported the greatest increase in domestic sales between 2010 and 2011. All public and private companies with more than $300 million in sales were eligible for the list, which was compiled by Kantar Retail.

MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills has expanded its portfolio in Brazil with the acquisition of Yoki Alimentos.

“Today marks a new beginning for General Mills in Brazil,” said Sean Walker, General Mills SVPand president of its Latin America region. “Yoki has fantastic brands that have nourished Brazilian families for decades. We are honored that the family owners of Yoki are entrusting us with this fabulous business and its 5,300 people. We are poised to accelerate our growth in Brazil.”

Wayne Lutomski has joined Welch’s as vice president of the brand’s international division.

Welch's, the leading marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based products, named Lutomski to the position following the retirement of Bill Hewins who spent 30 years with Welch’s.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Big 5 Sporting Goods is seeing the positive effects of its merchandising and marketing strategies, with its first positive quarterly comps increase since the third quarter of 2010. The company reported a same-store sales gain of 1% for its 2012 second quarter ended July 1.

PITTSBURGH — American Eagle Outfitters is raising its EPS outlook, thanks to stronger than expected sales for the second quarter.

The company's new second quarter outlook calls for earnings per share of 19 cents to 21 cents. Previous guidance called for EPS between 13 cents and 15 cents.

Net sales for the second quarter increased 11% to $740 million compared with $669 million last year. Comparable-store sales increased 9%, including sales from AEO direct.

DODGEVILLE, Wis. — Lands’ End has named Michael Rosera as chief operating and finance officer. In his role he is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, legal, information technology and integrated company planning. As the leader of finance and operations and a member of the executive team, Rosera reports directly to Edgar Huber, CEO and president of Lands’ End.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy is out with its ranking of the leading charitable donors and Target ranked eighth in 2011.

Target donated $146 million in cash and $63 million worth of products last year, according the Chronicle. It is a significant sum that and equates to roughly 4.7% of the retailer’s pretax profits.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix sales grew $6.8 billion in the second quarter, a 3.2% increase from $6.6 billion for the same period last year. Same-store sales rose 1.9%.

Net earnings took a slight hit, declining 0.2%, to $381.6 million from $382.4 million in 2011. However, earnings per share for the second quarter increased to 49 cents for 2012, up from 48 cents per share in 2011.

Memphis, Tenn. -- Discount-store operator Fred's Inc. said Wednesday that its same-store sales increased 1.2% during the four weeks ended July 28, helped by markdowns that increased customer traffic. The company also raised its earnings guidance for the second quarter, citing a tax settlement with the state of Tennessee.

Total sales for the month rose 5% to $136.7 million.

New York -- Aurora Capital Associates, a real estate investment firm, is reported to be acquiring New York-based discount retailer Daffys with plans to sublease its stores, according to Crain’s New York.

Daffy’s, which operates 19 stores, in July announced plans to liquidate by October.

The company has several prime real estate sites, eight of which are located in prime shopping area of Manhattan.

Real Estate Weekly first reported the news concerning Daffy’s possible acquisition.