Strategy

Fort Worth, Texas -- As part of a previously announced plan to expand into non-traditional channels, RadioShack said its first shop-in-shop college store has opened at the University of Texas at Austin.

Located within the University Co-op bookstore, the RadioShack-branded section features consumer electronics products geared toward college kids. The Top Tech at UT Students' Fingertips RadioShack's retail space consists of a 12-ft. section of wall located on the first floor of the Co-op, and features items such as headphones and Bluetooth speakers.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — While competitors are in the midst of promoting back-to-school offers, Walmart is touting its familiar everyday low prices message and promising its customers gimmick-free pricing all season long. 

Aston, Pa. -- Action Services Group, a national lighting, sign and electrical maintenance and service company, said that it has been officially authorized as a member of the PICS Consortium.

NEW YORK — Kellwood Company, a leading apparel manufacturer and marketer, has appointed Lynn Shanahan to the newly created role of CEO of Kellwood Brands. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots EVP and CMO John C. Martin has announced his plans to retire. He will remain with the company until his successor is appointed, and has committed to provide guidance to his successor and the company through May 2014.  

Big Lots has retained SpencerStuart to conduct a search of external potential candidates.

San Francisco – Gap Inc. substantially improved upon its June 2012 same-store sales performance and beat analyst expectation with a 7% increase in same-store sales last month. In comparison, the retailer’s same-store sales were flat in June of last year and were only expected to rise 4.7% in June of this year, according to estimates from Retail Metrics.

Sales at Gap’s Old Navy helped drive the overall increase. Same-store sales at Old Navy rose 13% in June as a result of seasonal summer promotions.

Columbus, Ohio – John C. Martin, executive VP and chief merchandising officer of Big Lots Inc., intends to retire his position with the company. Martin will continue in his current capacity until his successor is appointed, and he has committed to provide guidance through May 2014.

Big Lots has retained SpencerStuart to conduct a search of external candidates to succeed Martin.

Increased shipping volumes and moderating fuel prices helped J.B. Hunt Transport Services grow second quarter sales 10.1% to nearly $1.4 billion while profits disappointed slightly.

Profits for the period ended June 30 increased to $87.7 million, or 73 cents a share, compared to $80.5 million, or 67 cents a share, during the comparable period the prior year. Earnings per share were a penny less than analysts’ forecast and operating margins contracted to 10.7% from 10.9%.