Marketing

Seattle – Rising selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses resulted in shrinking profits for Blue Nile Inc. during the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2014, despite healthy sales growth. In the fourth quarter, net income dropped 2% to $4.83 million from $4.93 million.

Net sales rose 8% to $157.47 million from $145.96 million. During the full fiscal year, net income fell 12% to $9.73 million, from $10.87 million. Net sales grew 5% to $473.51 million, from $450 million.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. announced the promotions of Andrew Cobb to senior VP and director of accounting, Stuart Smith to senior VP - planning/redevelopment, Jennifer Cope to VP - shared services, Jon Meshel to VP - development/redevelopment, and Ken Wittler to VP - development.

Andy Cobb joined CBL in June 2002, as VP - accounting. In February 2007, he was promoted to VP and director of accounting. Prior to joining CBL, Cobb was an audit manager for Arthur Andersen.

New York -- The fast-growing Michael Kors has opened its largest and most comprehensive location to date, a three-story, 22,000-sq. ft. flagship in the Soho section of Manhattan. The store features the debut of the men’s collection in the brand’s own retail stores, with the first-ever in-store presentation of men’s shoes and and an entire floor dedicated to accessories, and the first dedicated Michael Kors shoe salon. Huge, floor-to-ceiling video screens, set on all three floors, help bring the products to life.

New York -- For the third consecutive year, Chain Store Age will select 10 individuals in retail real estate as “retail stars;” all will be featured in the May 2015 issue with bonus distribution to the International Council of Shopping Centers’ RECon show in Las Vegas in May.

The award recognizes people under the age of 40 who are making an impact in retail real estate – whether from the tenant (retail) or the landlord (shopping center company) side.

Woonsocket, R.I. – CVS Health Corp. showed vitality with its financial performance in the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2014. Net income for the fourth quarter grew 5% to $1.32 billion from $1.26 billion.

Walmart is making good on its pledge to boost sourcing of U.S. products by introducing its latest Made in the USA merchandise: bicycles.

The retailer and Bicycle Corporation of America announced that BCA bicycles, which are assembled in the United States, are now available for purchase in-store at various Walmart locations nationwide and on the Walmart website.

Atlanta -- JLL announced the expansion of its management platform with the addition of Brett Earp as the new Southeast and Florida property management lead. Based out of the firm’s Atlanta office, he will partner with Atlanta Retail Market Lead John Bemis and Florida Retail Market Lead John Lambert to maximize the firm’s clients’ property values. He will be responsible for increasing or maintaining their net operating income by developing and executing strategic operational efficiencies.

Pittsburgh -- In a first for Dick’s Sporting Goods, the retailer said it will serve as the official sporting goods retail sponsor to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and Team USA., as it prepares for the 2016 Summer Games, which will be held in Brazil.

Dick’s will focus on supporting U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls with jobs and equipment.