Marketing

Neiman Marcus reported modest sales and a reduced loss for fourth quarter as it eyes an initial public stock offering and a bright omnichannel future.

Neiman Marcus posted a net loss of $32.9 million for the fourth quarter, compared to a net loss of $42.1 million in the year ago period.

Revenues at the company’s 43 full-line department stores and 42 Last Call off-price stores increased 4.9% to $1.17 billion. Same-store sales increased 1.9% for the fourth quarter ended Aug. 1.

Veteran J.C. Penney merchant John Tighe has been elevated to fill the role of executive VP and chief merchant held by Liz Sweney who is retiring.

The change, announced Sept. 23, was effective immediately. Tighe and Sweeney joined the company in 2002 and 2000, respectively, and Sweney served as chief merchant since March 2012. She will remain with the company in an advisory role through year end.

Smart & Final celebrated the one year anniversary of its public stock offering by telling investors a growth story about differentiation and new store expansion.
 
Smart & Final, a uniquely positioned operator of 266 warehouse style stores, has plans to open 100 new stores in the Western United States during the next four years. CEO Dave Hirz dropped that bombshell while he and other senior members of the company were at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell to commemorate the one year anniversary of the company’s listing.

Macy’s Inc. relatively new to the outlet sector but it’s making up for lost time.

On the heels of the debut of its Macy’s Backstage off-price format and the news that it would close up to 40 underperforming namesake stores, the retailer announced it will open two Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores in November, at The Shops at Liberty Place in Philadelphia, and at Westfield Mission Valley in San Diego.

An innovative cause marketing initiative involving Nordstrom’s Treasure&Bond brand is being expanded to more merchandise categories, and non-profit beneficiaries couldn’t be happier.

Austin, Texas -- GroundFloor Development and Prescott Group announced plans for Saint Elmo, a $120 million mixed-use project in Austin, Texas. Saint Elmo will include 225,000 sq. ft. of creative office space and feature a 40,000-sq.-ft. indoor-outdoor marketplace, seated alongside the new location for Austin’s Saxon Pub.

Kroger’s annual Leadership Summit will begin in unconventional fashion when thousands of employees form a human breast cancer awareness ribbon Sept. 29 on the field of Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.

Global retail estate company Simon is looking to the Internet for its latest development. Simon is launching Simon SAID, a lifestyle-focused digital platform.

Simon SAID delivers editorial content on fashion, beauty, design, culture and food that links back to offerings available at Simon centers nationwide. The platform will utilize influencers, bloggers and retail partners to create original content featuring products sold at Simon retailers, from clothing and accessories to home decor and food.

Dallas -- Cypress Equities Cos. announced that it has hired Lance Taylor, director of asset management.

Taylor brings 25 years of experience in commercial real estate with varied responsibilities that include underwriting, acquisition, asset management, leasing, land development, receivership and dispositions. Lance’s background includes Archon Group, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, Jones Lang LaSalle America’s, Inc. and Stream Realty Partners, L.P.

A planned secondary stock offering by Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings means the rapidly expanding outdoor retailer no longer meets the definition of a “controlled company” but the private equity firm that brought the company public last year will still own a huge stake.