Marketing

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market’s first quarter net income surged 79% to $88.7 million, on an increase in customer visits and a rise in average transactions. The natural and organic foods grocer raised 2011 profit outlook on its strong results, which beat expectations.

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- Massage Envy announced Thursday the signing of a multi-unit Regional Developer agreement with Sol Glastein for the development of 11 new centers in Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and Morgantown, W.V.

Glastein has been a Massage Envy franchisee since 2006 and currently operates two centers in New Jersey.

In 2010, Massage Envy opened 43 locations, bringing the total number of locations to more than 650 units operating in 43 states.
 

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. -- M&M's brand Pretzel Chocolate Candies were honored with the 2011 Product of the Year in the candy and snacks category by Product of the Year USA, Mars Chocolate North America announced.  

"This award is especially gratifying because it was decided by consumers," said Debra Sandler, chief consumer officer of Mars Chocolate North America.  "We felt confident that the delicious combination of salty and sweet was a winner, but this award solidifies that M&M'S Pretzel are truly irresistible."

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.  -- Stater Bros. reported that supermarket sales declined 2.31% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared with the same period of the prior year.  Like-store sales decreased 2.31% or $21.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended Dec. 26, 2010 compared with the thirteen weeks ended Dec. 27, 2009.  Consolidated sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were $899 million compared with $923.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, an overall decline of $24.8 million.

NEW YORK-- Barneys New York has launched a new editorial site called "The Window," which will reside on Barneys.com. According to the company, The Window will give viewers "a unique and expertly cultivated view into the worlds of luxury, culture, beauty and the people behind the most celebrated design houses, through interactive features and exclusive content."

NEW YORK -- Macy’s announced that it has donated $16.25 million to various charitable organizations as a result of its 2010 Thanks For Sharing and Believe holiday campaigns. 

Los Angeles -- 7 For All Mankind announced it will open its first fully owned store in Canada in March, at Chinook Centre in Calgary.

The company said it plans to open two to three stores annually in Canada during the next four to five years.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. said Wednesday that it has made several key promotions and moves in its human resources, legal, merchandising, logistics and information technology areas.

Maureen K. Ausura was promoted to executive VP human resources, from senior VP in the same capacity.

Gaither M. Keener has been promoted to executive VP general counsel, secretary and chief compliance officer, from senior VP in the same capacity. 

Both will continue reporting to CEO Robert Niblock.