Marketing

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores announced Thursday that it would convert all of its SaveRite-branded grocery stores to Winn-Dixie brands, discontinuing the SaveRite banner permanently.

“By aligning all 484 stores under one Winn-Dixie banner, we will be able to ensure a more consistent shopping experience for all of our guests – regardless of the type of neighborhood in which we operate,” said Peter Lynch, Winn-Dixie’s chairman, CEO, and president.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. announced that Roy Templin, EVP and CFO, will retire from the company. As part of the planned transition, Templin will remain in his current capacity until April 2012 to complete Whirlpool's year-end reporting and other transitional items. At that time, Larry Venturelli – currently SVP corporate controller, chief accounting officer and CFO for Whirlpool International – will succeed Templin as EVP and CFO.

San Francisco -- Gap reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended July 30 dropped 19% to $189 million, compared with $234 million in the year-ago period.

The retailer, which operates the Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic banners, cited aggressive merchandise pricing reductions for the profit decline. Results beat analysts’ earnings expectations, but the declines still raised concerns about Gap’s performance in the upcoming fall and holiday shopping seasons.

Walmart International sales increased 7.1% to $27.8 billion in the second quarter and all countries produced sales growth, except Japan, when measured on a constant currency basis. Profitability didn’t improve as quickly. Operating profit was up 0.5% to nearly $1.3 billion, but if some one time charges are excluded the growth rate picks up to 5.6%.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The discount store channel continues to thrive, as evidenced by Dollar Tree's strong second-quarter performance.

The company reported that sales for its second quarter ended July 30 increased 11.9% to $1.54 billion from $1.38 billion for the same period last year.  Comparable-store sales increased 4.7%, on top of a 6.7% increase for the second quarter 2010.

Dollar Tree's earnings rose an impressive 26.2% to 77 cents per diluted share from 61 cents per diluted share for the prior-year quarter. 

Lowe’s launched Lowes.com en Español, a Spanish language option that enhances Lowe’s ability to meet the needs and expectations of Hispanic consumers.

SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Children's Place Retail Stores announced second quarter net sales were $343.5 million, compared with $345.3 million in the second quarter of 2010. Comparable-retail sales declined 5.6% in the second quarter of 2011.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Limited Brands reported Wednesday that net income for the second quarter rose a better-than-expected 29% to $231.2 million, compared with $178.7 million in the year-ago period. 

It cited strong full-price sales at Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works for the strong showing.

Revenue rose 10% to $2.46 billion, matching Wall Street expectations. Same-store sales rose 9%.