Mergers & Acquisitions

In a week in which many of the nation's major department stores reported disappointing financial results, Nordstrom showed once again how to drive sales growth.

The Washington-based retailer reported that total sales rose 9.2% from the same quarter in 2014, while same store sales rose 4.9%. The company posted a profit of $211 million, or $1.09 a share, compared with $183 million, or 95 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue, which includes revenue from its credit cards, rose 9% to $3.7 billion. 

Seattle -- Finally some good news in the department store sector.

Nordstrom Inc. on Thursday reported better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter earnings and sales.

The retailer reported net profit of $211 million, or $1.09 a share, for the quarter ending Aug. 1, up from $183 million, or 95 cents a share, in the year-ago period.

Nebraska-based sportings goods retailer Cabela’s has appointed the former CEO of Coors to its board.

The company announced that Peter S. Swinburn has been named to its board of directors.

New York -- Two retail and consumer product goods veterans have joined Target's board of directors.

The company announced Wednesday that its board of directors elected Donald R. Knauss, former executive chairman and former chairman and CEO of the Clorox Company, and Robert L. Edwards, former CEO of Safeway Inc., as new directors, effective immediately.


New York -- Macy’s has joined the increasing number of retailers tapping into their real estate assets.

Macy’s on Wednesday announced a real estate purchase agreement with developer Tishman Speyer to sell several of the nine floors of the Macy’s store on Fulton Street in Brooklyn, New York. The real estate transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter, and Macy’s is expected to record a gain of approximately $250 million in its fiscal fourth quarter of 2015.

Lowe’s is giving an overhaul to its store format strategy when it opens in New York City this week. 

New York -- Things are not getting any better at the struggling and cash-poor American Apparel. In fact, it looks like they are getting worse.

In a short form quarterly filing, the retailer said its net loss increased to $19.4 million in the second quarter from $16.2 million in the year-ago period while net sales fell 17% to $134 million. It estimated that, as of June 30, it had only $7 million in cash and $6 million left in its Capital One credit line. (American Apparel’s full quarterly filing will be delayed.)

Bethesda, Md. -- Washington Property Company announced it has acquired Ballenger Creek Plaza, a 75,527-sq.-ft. center located in Frederick, Maryland, for $9.5 million.

“Washington Property Company is excited about expanding its retail portfolio with the acquisition of Ballenger Creek Center,” said WPC president Charles K. Nulsen, III. “We plan to renovate and reposition this neighborhood center in the growing submarket of southwestern Frederick.”