Finance & Capital Management

“Dollar General’s first quarter performance marks a great start to the year. Our first quarter sales were ahead of our expectations. Our same-store sales growth of 6.7% for the quarter was on top of 13.3% growth in the first quarter of 2009,” said Rick Dreiling, chairman and chief executive officer.

PHILADELPHIA (Jun. 8) The Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack reported that sales for the first quarter ended May 1 increased by $13.5 million, or 2.7%, to $510 million from $496.5 million for the first quarter ended May 2, 2009. Comparable sales increased 1.4%, consisting of a 0.1% comparable service revenue increase and a 1.7% comparable-merchandise sales increase.

Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 increased to $12 million (23 cents per share) from $10.9 million (21 cents per share) recorded in the same period last year.

CRANBURY , N.J. (Jun. 7) LaJobi, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of infant and juvenile furniture, has announced a multi-year agreement with Kathy Ireland Worldwide, the design and marketing company founded by CEO and chief designer Kathy Ireland. LaJobi is the exclusive, nursery furniture licensing partner for Kathy Ireland Home.

The line will launch this fall and will include wood nursery furniture, glider chairs, ottomans and crib mattresses.

ANN ARBOR , Mich. (Jun. 4) Borders Group announced that Mike Edwards has been appointed president of Borders Group and president and CEO of Borders Inc., the principle subsidiary of Borders Group. Bennett LeBow, who recently became chairman of the Borders Group board of directors, will serve as CEO of Borders Group. Edwards will report to LeBow.