Strategy

Cleveland -- Personalized gifts retailer Things Remembered announced the appointment of Catalina Maddox-Wagers to senior VP, chief merchandising and marketing officer, effective Sept. 3.

Maddox-Wagers previously served as executive VP and general merchandising manager for retailer David’s Bridal. In her new role, she will further evolve the Things Remembered brand in product development, brand marketing, in-store and online merchandising,

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General reported record sales, operating profit and net income for its second quarter ended Aug. 2, driven, in part, by the company’s newly introduced tobacco products and strong sales of perishables and candy and snacks.

The company’s net income increased 15% to $245 million in the quarter, from $214 million in the year-ago quarter, and earnings per diluted share of $0.75 in the quarter increased 17% over EPS of $0.64 in the year-ago quarter. 

Jacksonville, Fla. - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Stein Mart Inc. The investigation focuses on whether Stein Mart and/or certain of its officers complied with the federal securities laws when making statements to investors.

Houston – Francesca’s Holdings Corp. grew its net income and sales during the second quarter of this year compared to the second quarter of last year, despite a slight drop in same-store sales. Net income grew about 15%, from $12.7 million to $14.6 million, while net sales rose 17% to $89.6 million.

Lombard, Ill. — The Dump is opening a new 134,000-sq.-ft. furniture outlet location in Lombard, Ill., today.

 Official opening festivities began at 8:30 a.m. CT with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be followed by musical acts.

SAN FRANCISCO — Mavatar Technologies has appointed Phil Schlein, former president and CEO of Macy's California and partner at U.S. Venture Partners, as chairman of its board of directors. 

New York -- A controversial bill requiring Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and other large retailers to pay their employees a "living wage" of at least $12.50 an hour has been sent to District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray.   
    
The mayor has 10 business days, starting Tuesday, to either sign or veto the bill, which was passed by the D.C. Council at the beginning of July.

Brinker International chairman Doug Brooks and First Horizon National Corp. CEO Bryan Jordan were elected to the AutoZone board of directors.

The addition of Brooks and Jordan give AutoZone a total of 11 board members. The company is due to report fourth quarter financial results on September 25.