Marketing

Hong Kong – Global luxury retailer Michael Kors increased net income during the third quarter of fiscal 2014 77% to $229.6 million from $130 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Retail net sales grew 51.3% to $503.4 million, driven by a 27.8% increase in same-store sales and 98 net new store openings since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

Whole Foods Market has acquired leases from Safeway for seven locations formerly operated as Dominick's stores. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Mississauga, Ont. – Wal-Mart Canada plans to complete 35 supercenter projects in the company's fiscal year which runs from February 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015. The company also will expand its distribution network to support its growth and will continue to expand its Canadian e-commerce operation.  

Dallas - Corner Bakery Cafe has awarded its first multi-unit development agreement of 2014, and plans to open nine new restaurants in the Central Valley area of California with new franchise partner C&L Cafe, LLC. The group of veteran restaurant operators plans to open its first cafes in 2014 and the remaining sites over the next five years.

Corpus Christi, Texas - Steve DeSutter, president and CEO of Susser Holdings’ retail segment, is leaving the company, effective Feb. 28, 2014, to accept an opportunity to lead a significant company outside the convenience store industry. That segment will now report directly to Sam L. Susser, chairman and CEO of Susser Holdings, on an interim basis.

Unilever U.S. has teamed up with the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management master's degree program to explore “the changing face of the beauty consumer.”

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced that Norman Miller will join the company as senior VP and president, Automotive. Miller, who most recently served as president and COO of Dollar Financial Corp., will be responsible for the oversight and leadership of the company's automotive business, including Sears Auto Centers.

Vera Bradley has restructured its executive team and promoted key figures, effective immediately.

"We have a lot of talent and experience within our company, and these promotions and realignments will help position us for the future. I am confident that we are in the process of assembling the right team to achieve our long-term goals, drawing from both our own leadership team and attracting new talent to the organization," said CEO Robert Wallstrom.