Marketing

Chicago – Bigger is often said to be better, but some big restaurant chains may not agree. The 500 largest restaurant chains in the U.S. accelerated their cumulative sales growth in 2014 to a 4% increase, totaling an estimated $274.4 billion, according to data released by Technomic Inc.

But some of the biggest brands among them, namely Subway and McDonald's, lost ground to focused-menu competitors and emerging fast-casual chains and reported overall sales decreases for the year.

Tampa, Fla. – The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. has opened its first restaurant outside of North America in Jakarta, Indonesia. The latest opening comes on the heels of the company announcing its plans for continued international expansion.

The Melting Pot is on track to open its first restaurants in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia later in 2015, as well as its fourth location in Mexico City, Mexico.

Alpharetta, Ga. - McAlister's Deli is targeting Phoenix for franchise growth. The fast-casual dining chain is seeking experienced multi-unit restaurant operators to help expand McAlister's presence in the market through multi-unit development agreements in areas such as Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale and Goodyear.

Toronto - Joe Fresh and Ryerson University are launching a long-term partnership that will see the creation of Canada's first fashion innovation center. The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation, made possible with a $1 million investment from Joe Fresh, will develop and fund Canada's emerging fashion-inspired businesses through Ryerson's Fashion Zone, an incubator that supports students and student entrepreneurship.

Merrillville, Ind. – Membership-based buying club DirectBuy has named Curt Fisher VP of sales. He brings more than 20 years of experience customer relationship management in Fortune 500 companies, including the past three years as Chicago-area general manager of residential HVAC manufacturer Goodman Manufacturing.

New York -- A surging housing market is giving Lowe’s Cos. a feeling optimistic, to the tune of $5 billion.

The company’s board of directors announced that it has authorized a new repurchase program of $5 billion of the company's common stock. This new repurchase program has no expiration date and adds to the previous program's balance, which was $2.4 billion as of Jan. 30.

The resurgence of the housing market has Lowe’s feeling optimistic, to the tune of $5 billion.

The company’s board of directors announced that it has authorized a new repurchase program of $5 billion of the company's common stock. This new repurchase program has no expiration date and adds to the previous program's balance, which was $2.4 billion as of Jan. 30.

Sportsman's Warehouse is trying to increase its appeal among women with a promotion aimed at outdoorsy ladies.

The retailer plans to host its 5th annual Ladies' Night on March 26. The company says the event will celebrate the growing number of women who regularly participate, or are just becoming involved in, outdoor sports such as hunting, fishing, camping and shooting.

New York -- The collapse of oil prices translates into a huge tax cut for 90% of the economy, former CNBC host, economist and newspaper columnist Larry Kudlow told attendees at Chain Store Age’s 51st annual SPECS show. Kudlow was a keynoter at the event, which was held at the Sands Expo, Venetian/Palazzo Hotel, Las Vegas, March 15 – 16, and brought together retail executives in store planning & design, construction and facilities.
 

New York – The elimination of a one-time adverse legal ruling helped Tiffany & Co. swing from loss to profit in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, but a strengthening dollar hurt overall sales. Tiffany reported net earnings of $196 million, compared to a net loss of $104 million the same period a year earlier.

However, worldwide net sales of $1.28 billion were down 1% from $1.3 billion, with the stronger U.S. dollar negatively impacting foreign sales results. Same-store sales dropped 4%.