Marketing

Despite strong online volume, low store traffic translated into weak fourth quarter sales for Kohl’s.   For the quarter ended January 28, 2017, the department store chain’s profits fell 15% to $252 million, or $1.44 per share, from $296 million for the same period last year. Meanwhile, revenue dropped 2.8% to $6.21 billion, from $6.39 billion in 2015. Yet, the company still exceeded analysts’ expectations of revenue hitting $6.2 billion, or $1.32 per share.  

Ron Rubin resigned his post as chairman of the board of PREIT and will be succeeded in that role by CEO Joseph Coradino. His departure was expected, having been announced last month.  

TJX Cos. is preparing to debut a new retail banner.   Speaking on the chain’s quarterly call with analysts, TJX CEO Ernie Herrman said the company will open four home goods stores in the United States under a new nameplate this year, CNBC reported.   The new concept will allow TJX to enter new markets and sell products that it hasn't currently penetrated with its HomeGoods footprint, Herrman said, according to the report.     

Walmart’s house brands are getting a new audience — millennials.   Jet.com, which caters to the cost-conscious Gen Y segment, has started offering private label brands — Great Value, Equate and Sam’s Choice — from its parent company, Walmart, according to Bloomberg.   

Nordstrom is taking new designers under its wing, and giving them some “space” for exposure.   On Tuesday, Feb 21, the department store chain launched “The Lab,” an incubator project that will showcase and support new designers in select stores and online.  

Better inventory management and reduced promotions are helping to keep Chico’s FAS on the right financial path.   For the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2017, Chico’s reported net income of $13.5 million compared to a net loss of $21.1 million for the same period last year.   

Better control over pricing and inventory helped boost Havertys fourth quarter earnings, beating analyst expectations.   Net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, increased 2.2% to $220.6 million, compared to analyst expectations of $220.61 million.   Same-store sales rose 2.5%, and the average written ticket was up 2.6%, while custom upholstery written business rose 1.9%.  

Lowe’s is the latest retailer making job cuts.   The home improvement retailer has laid off more than 500 full-time corporate employees company-wide — its latest effort to streamline the company and boost profitability, the Charlotte Observer reported.    

Staying true to its recently announced growth plan, Dollar General is preparing to break ground on a new distribution center.   

It’s a record that most retailers are envious of, particularly in today’s competitive and disrupted marketplace.    TJX Cos. on Wednesday posted its 21st consecutive year of same-store sales increases, as well as better-than-expected income and revenue results for its fourth quarter. The off-price retailer also raised its quarterly dividend and announced a share repurchase program.