Strategy

Lowe’s CEO Robert Niblock cited the recovering U.S. economy as among the reasons why the company plans to focus more on market differentiation and omnichannel retailing.

The company said it will outline these and other strategic priorities in a meeting with investors on Dec. 11 in North Carolina.

by Gina Acosta   Mooresville, N.C. - Lowe’s Companies’ CEO Robert Niblock cited the recovering U.S. economy as among the reasons why the company plans to focus more on market differentiation and omnichannel retailing. The company said it will outline these and other strategic priorities in a meeting with investors on Dec. 11 in North Carolina.  

Covington, Louisiana - Stirling Properties has named Michael Bucher as Development Director, charged with leading new and on-going development projects, including ground-up development, redevelopment and joint ventures.     Based in the Covington office, Bucher will plan, coordinate and direct personnel relating to development and redevelopment.   

  Vancouver, Canada – Net earnings at Lululemon Athletica Inc. fell 8% to $60.45 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 from $66.11 million a year earlier to increases in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and cost of goods sold.    Net revenue fared better, rising 10% to $419.4 million from $379.9 million. Same-store sales fell 3% but total comparable sales, including direct-to-consumer revenue, climbed 3%.

The paint competition will heat up in March as Lowe’s rolls out HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams.

The HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams product line will feature what both companies describe as “a new and improved interior and exterior paint program.” The line will be available at both Sherwin-Williams' company stores and Lowe's stores nationwide, as well as exclusive line extensions available at Lowe's.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -  The troubles keep mounting for teen retailer Wet Seal Inc., which reported a wider loss for the third quarter amid lower revenues and fees related to its exit from its former Arden B business.  The retailer posted a loss of $35.9 million in the quarter emded Nov.1, up from a loss of $12.5  million the previous fiscal year.    

University of Arkansas alumni Ann and Gene Bordelon have contributed $100,000 to establish the Faculty Innovation Endowed Fund for the benefit of the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

Washington, D.C. – Retail sales showed slow but steady growth during November 2014. According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales, not including automobiles, gasoline stations or restaurants, increased 0.6% seasonally-adjusted from October and 3.2% unadjusted from November 2013.  The increases were in line with NRF’s holiday sales forecast, which anticipates an increase of 4.1% from 2013.