Finance & Capital Management

Target’s second quarter sales increased 3.5% to $16.5 billion and the company’s profits grew 2.9% to $1.06, five cents better than analysts expected.

The company’s second quarter results were negatively affected by pre-opening expenses related to next year’s entry into Canada. Excluding those expenses, Target said its profits would have increased 4.6% to $1.12 compared to $1.07 last year. Including expenses related to Canada, Target increased its full year profit forecast to a range of $4.20 to $4.40 from an earlier guidance range of $4.10 to $4.30.

MINNEAPOLIS — Moving ahead with its previously announced turnaround strategy, Supervalu has overhauled its executive leadership team.

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS A. Bank Clothiers reported that its earnings in the second quarter rose 12.7% to $23.2 million, from $20.6 million a year earlier, easily beating analysts projections. The retailer said it plans to open about 45 to 50 stores each in fiscal 2012 and 2013.

Total sales in the quarter rose 12.9% to $260.3 million. Sales in the company's direct marketing segment, which consists of the Internet and catalog call centers, rose 39.3%.Same-store store sales increased 6.1%.

Minneapolis -- Supervalu announced that it is restructuring its executive leadership team to ensure alignment around the company’s goals and to better drive and execute the company’s business turnaround.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — The first of 39 former Zellers stores Walmart bought from Target in Canada celebrated its grand opening as a Walmart store earlier this month.

According to Walmart Canada, the 69,000 sq. ft. store located in Newmarket, Ontario, will feature easy-to-navigate aisles with directional signage, and a bright interior color palette to define the store's merchandise areas along with lower shelving to improve sightlines. The store will also conain a pharmacy.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems Corp., a provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, announced its retail services business has signed a multi-year renewal agreement to continue managing the private-label credit card program for Samuels Jewelers, which operates 104 stores under several banners.

New York -- Private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice on Tuesday announced a definitive agreement to acquire the 300-store David’s Bridal in a deal that values the bridal dress retailer at $1.05 billion.
 
Leonard Green & Partners will remain a minority partner. CD&R operating partner Paul Pressler, former CEO of Gap Inc. and former senior Disney executive, will assume the role of chairman at the close of the transaction, expected in the fourth quarter.
  

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts announced the signing of multi-unit store development agreements with four franchise groups to develop 29 new restaurants in Houston and Waco, Texas, over the next several years.