Marketing

Dollar Tree customers are responding to the value retailer’s offerings in discretionary and consumable merchandise categories. As a result, its consolidated net sales for the second quarter ended Aug. 3 were $1.85 billion, up 8.8% from $1.7 billion for the prior-year quarter.

Comparable-store sales increased 3.7%, on top of a 4.5% increase for the second quarter 2012.

New York -- A disconnect between chief marketing officers and chief information officers threatens the ability of companies to deliver effective customer experiences, according to a new study by Accenture. Only one-in-10 of executives believing collaboration between CMOs and CIOs is currently at the right level.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores named Tom Williams as senior VP of store operations and human resources. He replaces Ken Haverkost, who is retiring effective Aug.31.

In addition to retaining his current responsibilities overseeing all corporate human resources functions for Jo-Ann, Williams will assume responsibility for leading the store operations organization, covering more than 18,000 employees and more than 800 stores. He will continue to serve as chairman of the company’s benefits advisory committee

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By John Lytle, [email protected] and Julien Escribe, [email protected]

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s second-quarter net income rose 26%, boosted by strong demand for its product.

For the period ended Aug. 2, Lowe’s earned $941 million, up from $747 million a year ago.

“Home improvement demand was strong during the quarter,” said Lowe’s CEO Robert Niblock. “We drove a healthy balance of ticket and transaction growth, and delivered solid performance across all product categories.”

The Hain Celestial Group, a leading organic and natural products company, has appointed Stephen J. Smith as EVP and CFO, effective September 3. He replaces Ira J. Lamel, who announced his retirement as the company’s CFO Sept. 5, 2012 and which becomes effective at the end of the month.

ORRVILLE, Ohio — J. M. Smucker has completed its acquisition of Enray Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium organic, gluten-free ancient grain products, including sprouted and non-sprouted grains, pasta, and cookies, which are primarily sold under its flagship brand, truRoots.

Enray generated net sales of more than $45 million throughout its latest 12-month period. The transaction includes a leased manufacturing facility in Livermore, Calif., where Enray is headquartered. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.