Strategy

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group Inc. has opened a 50-store expansion of Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, California. Desert Hills now has 180 stores.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Safeway reported a net loss of $76.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to net earnings of $118.9 million in the same period a year earlier. The company is working toward closing its $9.4 billion merger with Albertson’s by the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year.

Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS/pharmacy announced that it is teaming with The Partnership at Drugfree.org to create a community donation program that presents drug collection units to police departments across the country.

Through the Medication Disposal for Safer Communities program, local police departments can apply to receive a drug collection unit to help their communities safely dispose of unwanted medications, including controlled substances.

A Walmart initiative begun a year ago to offer an online assortment of products from small women-owned businesses has expanded to the retailer’s stores.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin’ Brands Group, parent to Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, said its banners were impacted by tough weather in the first quarter, with U.S. comparable store sales growth of just 1.2%. Net income for the quarter dipped 3.5% from $23.8 million to $23 million. Revenue rose 6.2%.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. cut some stock awards and reduced outgoing CEO Mike Duke’s compensation package 73% to $5.6 million in 2013, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Last year, Duke didn't get stock awards that are given in anticipation of future performance, and his performance-based bonus was reduced, resulting in a compensation package worth about $5.6 million including a base salary of $1.4 million and a performance-based bonus of $2.8 million for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31.

A precipitous decline in gun and ammunition sales caused a 21.7% drop in first quarter same store sales at Cabela’s where profits were half the prior year level.

Firearms and ammunition sales declined 39% and 32%, respectively, during the first quarter ended March 29, and total company sales declined 9.6% to $725.8 million. Profits totaled $25.7 million, or 36 cents a share, compared to $49.8 million, or 70 cents a share, the first quarter the prior year.

Westlake Village, Calif. -- Paint retailers with well-trained staffers will drive a more positive purchase experience, this according to the J.D. Power 2014 Paint Satisfaction Study.