Marketing

Third-quarter results at Target were pretty darn good, but they were actually even better than they seemed depending on how one compares this year’s number to the prior year performance. Profits grew 10.2% to 82 cents in the third quarter compared with 74 cents the prior year, thanks to a 4.3% same-store sales increase and ongoing improvement in the company’s credit card business.

Covington, La. -- Stirling Properties announced it has promoted Chris Abadie to VP and manager of the Commercial Brokerage Division after 11 years as a sales and leasing executive with the company.

In his new role, Abadie will oversee all aspects of commercial operations throughout each of Stirling Properties brokerage offices located in Louisiana and Mississippi. 
 

LOS ANGELES — American Apparel announced that Tom Casey has resigned as acting president of the company. Casey was appointed in October 2010 to work with Dov Charney and key investors to validate the company’s strategy, improve operating disciplines and optimize the capital structure, the company reported.

New York City -- American Eagle Outfitters will pay a signing bonus of $3.3 million along with a base salary of $1 million to its new incoming CEO Robert L. Hanson, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported.

Hanson takes over for the chain’s longtime chief executive James V. O’Donnell, who is set to retire Jan. 28.

Third-quarter results at Target were pretty darn good, but they were actually even better than they seemed depending on how one compares this year’s number to the prior year performance. Profits grew 10.2% to 82 cents in the third quarter compared with 74 cents the prior year, thanks to a 4.3% same-store sales increase and ongoing improvement in the company’s credit card business. 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Healthy growth in both sales and earnings at Hibbett Sports during the third quarter indicate that sports-related merchandise remains in demand despite an overall weak economic market.

As the International Council of Shopping Centers’ New York Deal-Making Conference in New York City quickly approaches, it seems appropriate to zero in on the world’s No. 1 retailing market. Chain Store Age talked with Ivan Friedman, president and CEO of New York City-based RCS Real Estate Advisors about the Dec. 5-6 conference, and the state of retail in the Big Apple and its surrounding region.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming NY ICSC show?

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Mattel has announced that Robert A. Eckert, 57, will retire as CEO, after 11 years with the company, effective Dec. 31. The board of directors has named Bryan G. Stockton, 58, who has held the position of chief operating officer for the last year, to succeed Eckert as CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2012. Eckert has agreed to continue in his role as chairman of the board, and the board has elected Stockton as a member of the board, effective January 1, 2012.