Marketing

The explosive growth of connected devices combined with consumer preference for retailer-brand protection plans creates a growing opportunity for retailers to boost revenue and shopper loyalty. 

No retailer has more momentum right now than Ulta Beauty. The company’s fourth quarter same store sales increased 12.5% on top of a prior year gain of 11.1% and 2016 could be another year of double digits gains.

Weather related closures and tax refund delays hit Hibbett Sports hard in the fourth quarter, as the retailer posted a drop in same store sales.

Smart & Final’s value oriented brand of food retailing is resonating with shoppers and that has the company eyeing roughly 40 new stores in 2016.

Dollar General reported record sales and profits last year and plans to extend the streak in 2016 with 900 stores and an even greater number in subsequent years, according to the company’s new financial targets.

In 2015, Dollar General opened 730 new stores and remodeled or relocated 881 stores which combined with a 2.8% same store sales increase allowed it to grow total sales 7.7% to $20.4 billion. The company ended its fiscal year on Jan. 29, with 12,483 stores.

The company formerly known as Men’s Wearhouse plans to significantly reduce its physical presence this year by closing 250 stores, including more than 20% of the Jos. A. Bank stores acquired in 2014.

The major reduction is selling space by the company which changed its name to Tailored Brands earlier this year was announced in conjunction with the release of weak fourth quarter results that were in line with previously released results, which showed Jos. A. Bank stores had 32% decline in same-store sales.

Fourth quarter profits at Stein Mart were cut in half as the company relied on heavy promotional activity to clear inventory and eke out a 1% same-store sales increase.

The CEO of Toys “R” Us sounded an upbeat note on Thursday amid results that showed the chain cut its full-year net loss by more than half in fiscal 2015, and improved its adjusted earnings by 25%.

After more than doubling in size the past 10 years, the 69 store Bob’s Discount Furniture chain has executed a succession strategy.

Manchester, Conn.-based Bob’s Discount Furniture elevated Michael Skirvin from his role as president and COO to serve as president and CEO. He assumes the top job from Ted English who will remain with the company as executive chairman.