Strategy

New York -- Ann Inc. on Wednesday reported net income was $40.7 million in the third quarter of 2012, versus $32.3 million in third quarter 2011. The company also increased its outlook for the full year of fiscal 2012.

Total net sales for quarter were $612.5 million, compared $564.0 million in the year-ago period. By brand, net sales across all channels of the Ann Taylor brand totaled $244.6 million compared with net sales of $229.7 last year At the Loft brand, net sales across all channels were $368.0 million, compared with $334.3 million last year.

Columbus, Ohio -- Express Inc. reported that its net income for the quarter ended Oct. 27 fell to $17.4 million, from $32.7 million a year earlier, amid a fall in same-store sales.

Net sales fell 4% to $468.5 million. Same-store sales declined 5%.

Toronto -- To better accommodate its customers in Western Canada, Toys “R” Us has partnered with SCI Logistics to open a new distribution center in Delta, British Columbia. The 180,000-sq.-ft. facility is strategically positioned to receive goods from overseas and domestic manufacturers who can now ship directly to British Columbia for distribution to local Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores.

Merrimack, N.H. -- Brookstone announced the launch of a new tablet-optimized website.

"In response to the growing trend of tablet shopping, Brookstone saw the importance of developing a premier tailored shopping experience for our customers to more easily navigate the site, find all the holiday gifts on their list and easily checkout," said Stephen Bebis, president and CEO of Brookstone. "We researched shopping behaviors, and incorporated the most successful retail mobile applications to enhance the experience."

By Brendan W. Walsh, [email protected]

ATLANTA — Former Home Depot executive Michael Esposito has joined HoneyBaked as its new VP, human resources, a newly created position. Esposito previously served as director of associate relations for the Home Depot’s northern division.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has launched a new packaging technology nationwide that allows them to customize delivery box sizes to each order. Staples “smart-size” packaging, developed by Packsize International, is convenient for customers and also improves supply chain sustainability and efficiency.

Target is working its way across Canada beginning this week by hosting special events in 20 cities to build interest in the planned opening of 124 stores in 2013.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Crosman Corporation, an international designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of products for the shooting sports, has named Lenn Phegley as its VP of manufacturing. Phegley replaces Dan Schultz, who retired after 39 years of service.  

In his new position, Phegley will oversee all manufacturing operations, as well as the company’s environmental, health and safety, manufacturing engineering, design engineering and quality assurance functions.

Washington, D.C. -- On Tuesday, a majority of named class plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to challenge a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York granting preliminary approval to a proposed settlement of a long-standing antitrust class action filed by merchants against Visa, MasterCard and the largest banks. The merchant group will ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to deny preliminary approval due to the legal defects in the proposed settlement.