Strategy

The Finish Line is off to a strong start in fiscal 2015, according to chairman and CEO Glenn Lyon, who credited the company’s omnichannel efforts for its first-quarter success.

The company reported consolidated net sales of $406.5 million, an increase of 15.8% over the prior year period. Comparable store sales increased 5%.

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line’s first-quarter profit more than doubled as the retailer expanded its presence online and in Macy's stores nationwide. Its results topped Wall Street estimates.
 
The retailer reported a profit of $12.4 million, compared to $5.1 million in the year-ago period. Revenue was up 16% to $406.5 million. Same-store sales increased 5%.
 

In its PizzaRev case study series, CSA offers an insider’s look at the conception, initial rollout and growth of the southern California-based fast-casual concept PizzaRev. Likened to “the Chipotle of pizza,” this innovative chain lets customers choose from an artisanal array of toppings to craft their own pizzas very quickly in a high-end stone hearth oven.

Paterson, N.J. — Planet Fitness will open an 18,000-sq.-ft. facility at 100 Hamilton Plaza in Paterson, New Jersey, the facility will occupy the first-floor retail space in the 175,000-sq.-ft. downtown office tower.

Cushman & Wakefield’s East Rutherford, N.J., office represented the building’s owner, Mountain Development Corp. in the transaction. Ripco Real Estate represented the Planet Fitness franchisee, who operates several other regional locations.

New York -- Creative Realities and Wireless Ronin Technologies, a leading marketing technologies solutions provider, announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement.  

Mobile marketing and customer relationship management company Mocapay has hired Chris Munz as its director of business development.

“Chris is a welcome and strategic addition to the Mocapay team,” Mocapay CEO Doug Dwyre said. “As Mocapay continues to grow we welcome Chris’ expertise and proven track record of successful marketing strategy planning and implementation as well as an extensive technical understanding of needs of clients.”

Durham, N.C. -- Walgreens plans to incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting into its new stores going forward. The drugstore retailer recently installed Cree LED lighting in its 14,820-sq.-ft. Goodyear, Arizona location.

The 14,820-sq.-ft. store uses Cree’s LED troffers, linear luminaires and downlights, saving the retailer thousands in annual energy and maintenance costs while delivering superior illumination, Cree said.
 

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Price Chopper Supermarkets announced that it has cut about 80 positions, citing a need to improve efficiency within the company amid rising costs, including “skyrocketing” healthcare costs.