Marketing

CHiCAGO --  Walmart has succeeded in bringing its smaller format store concept to Chicago, helping to make the case that the retailer can find success in more urban markets, including New York, which has thus far eluded the retailer. The company announced that it has secured locations in West Englewood for a Walmart Market and Walmart Express store.  According to the company, West Englewood is in the heart of a food desert and one of Chicago’s most underserved communities. 

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity Corp. said Wednesday that it has opened a 10th Destination Maternity store in the Middle East, this one located in Discovery Center, in Kuwait.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway has announced the appointment of T. Gary Rogers to the company's board of directors. The company's board of directors will expand from nine to 10 members with this new appointment.

"Gary's vast experience as a supplier to the grocery industry, his business acumen and experience as a director will be great assets to the board," said Safeway chairman, resident and CEO, Steve Burd. "We are pleased he is joining our board."

Anaheim, Calif. -- Pacific Sunwear of California announced that total sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 were $263 million, a decrease of 10% from total sales of $293 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Total company same-store sales decreased 7% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

The company reported a net loss of $35 million, or 53 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with a net loss of $36 million, or 56 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

SAN FRANCISCO -- In what can only be a sign that the economic health of the country is improving -- at least for for higher-income consumers, Williams-Sonoma announced that net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased 9.7% to $1.195 billion versus $1.09 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010, including Internet net revenue growth of 27.2% and a comparable-store sales increase of 5.2%.

Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis were $1.05 for the quarter compared with 81 cents for the same period last year.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods on Monday announced that its EVP and CFO, Timothy McLevish, will leave the company in mid-2011.

McLevish, who served as EVP and CFO for Kraft since 2007, will shift his CFO responsibilities to EVP operations David Brearton. Prior to his exit, McLevish will report the company's first-quarter financial results.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- The NBCUniversal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group announced that Ed Prince has been promoted to VP business and legal affairs. In addition, Christopher Lucero and Drew Rowley have joined the department as directors of global licensing. The announcement was made by Kim Niemi, SVPt.

Salisbury, N.C. -- Delhaize America said Monday it plans to convert all of its Bloom stores in North and South Carolina to the Food Lion banner, with the exception of one Bloom store in Mauldin, S.C., that will close.

According to a report by Supermarket News, the 15 Bloom locations in the Charlotte and Greenville, S.C., markets will be converted "as quickly as possible."

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma announced that net revenues for fourth quarter 2010 increased 9.7% to $1.195 billion versus $1.09 billion in fourth quarter 2010, including Internet net revenue growth of 27.2% and a comparable-store sales increase of 5.2%.

Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis were $1.05 for the quarter, compared with 81 cents for the same period last year.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. said Tuesday it was named 2011 Energy Star partner of the year in the product retailer category by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The award is Sears’ second consecutive.

"This award is a reflection of the significant commitment our entire organization has made to promote energy efficiency and help our customers make changes that allow them to save money," said Lou D'Ambrosio, CEO and president of Sears Holdings.