Marketing

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group’s adjusted fiscal fourth-quarter profit exceeded Wall Street estimates, driven by strong same-store sales at its Lane Bryant division.

Looking ahead, the company, whose brands include Justice, Lane Bryant, Maurices, Dressbarn and Catherines, said it plans to open approximately 180 to 190 stores and close 115 to 125 stores.

Ascena’s net income jumped to $29.8 million for the quarter that ended July 27, compared with net income of $1.6 million in its fourth quarter last year.

Columbia Sportswear Company, a leading manufacturer of active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, has appointed Franco Fogliato as SVP of Europe, reporting directly to president and CEO Tim Boyle, effective Nov. 4.

Fogliato will be responsible for establishing and executing sales, distribution and marketing strategies for the company’s Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear and Sorel brands, sold through more than 5,000 wholesale customers across Europe.

Big Lots has joined the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as full board members. 

NACD full board member companies range in size from large-cap to small-cap companies. Through their membership, these companies become part of a diverse director community and have the opportunity to share and gain insights about current and emerging issues and to take part in NACD's director education programs.

Columbus, Ohio – Big Lots, Inc. has joined the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as full board members.

"We are honored to join the distinguished and diverse group of directors who comprise NACD's full board members," said Philip E. Mallott, chairman of the board at Big Lots. "The resources, insights, and connections NACD offers will be valuable assets to our company as we continue to strengthen our corporate governance practices."

Winston-Salem, N.C. – Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation has signed its first development agreement in South America with Bogota-based IRCC Ltda., a subsidiary of the VA! Group. Under the agreement, IRCC expects to develop 25 stores in major cities throughout Colombia, including Bogota, Medellin and Barranquilla, during the next five years.

Eastman Kodak Company has elected James V. Continenza chairman of the board. Continenza has been a Kodak director since April. Kodak CEO Antonio M. Perez remains a member of the board.

“Kodak is a company poised for growth. I look forward to providing leadership as the company realizes its potential as a technology company focused on the packaging, graphic communications, and functional printing markets,” said Continenza.

Stratacache, a leading provider of scalable, high-performance digital signage, content distribution and enterprise video acceleration technologies, has announced its Optika specialty display division has opened a new, state-of-the-art optical bonding and display enhancement facility in Huber Heights, Ohio. 

The 25,000-sq.ft. facility will be home to Optika’s bonding, resizing, lighting and advanced testing operations, along with a new outdoor digital signage research and testing area. 

Deerfield Park, Ill. – The Walgreen Company won a North American Innovation in Loyalty Marketing award at the recent Colloquy Loyalty Awards. The award recognized Walgreens’ achievements with its Balance Rewards program.

Colloquy cited achievements such as obtaining 72 million members between its September 2012 launch and May 2013, as well as producing a year-over-year sales increase of 4.3% and year-over-year average basket size increase of 4.7% in May 2013.