Marketing

CINCINNATI — Macy's continues to see improved financial performance, reporting fourth-quarter sales and earnings today that exceeded management’s expectations.

The company reported fourth-quarter earnings per diluted share of $1.74, compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.59 for the fourth quarter of 2010. Sales for the quarter increased 5.5% to $8.7 billion from $8.3 billion last year. Same-store sales for the quarter increased 5.2%.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s net income in the three months ended Jan. 28 rose a better-than-expected 12% to $745 million as the chain, buoyed by strong holiday and online sales. The company has now seen net income rise in three straight quarters.

SEATTLE — REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), a national outdoor gear and clothing retailer, has announced that Angela Owen has been named SVP marketing and Lee Fromson has become SVP merchandising. 

"With more than 50 combined years with the outdoor industry, Angela and Lee have a wealth of experience in driving innovation and leading essential company business units," said Brian Unmacht, REI's EVP. "They have well-deserved reputations for developing high performing teams and are highly regarded for their strategic leadership."

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Publix Super Markets and Nordstrom are the highest ranked bricks-and-mortar retailers in a report released Tuesday by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). While supermarkets overall are up 1.3% to 76, Publix remains the grocer to beat, with a score of 84.

The best of the best among all retailers — traditional or online — is Amazon, with a score of 86, followed by online retailer Newegg at 85. Next in line are two more websites: Overstock at 83 and eBay at 81.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — Newegg Inc., the electronics-focused e-retailer, has promoted Bob Bellack, the current president and CFO of Newegg North America, to CEO of Newegg North America. Dr. S.C. Lee has assumed the role of vice chairman of Newegg North America.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s fiscal fourth-quarter profit dropped 4.2%  on higher costs, but its U.S. business continued to draw in more shoppers.

Net income was $5.16 billion in the three months ended Jan. 31, compared with $6.05 billion in the year ago period. Net sales, excluding membership fees from its Sam's Club division, rose 5.8% to $122.3 billion.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Company has announced that, effective Feb. 15, Gregory Sandfort assumed the title of COO in addition to his role as president. As planned, Stanley Ruta, who previously served as EVP and COO, retired from Tractor Supply Company effective Feb.  As part of this transition, Ruta served in the role of VP special projects since July 2011.     

Seattle -- REI announced that Annie Zipfel has been promoted to senior VP marketing. With her, REI will not hire a chief marketing officer as previously announced, but instead add a senior creative leader to the company.

Zipfel joined REI in 2012 as the divisional VP customer marketing, and was named VP of the marketing division in January 2014. Prior to REI, she held leadership and strategic roles at Target and General Mills.