Strategy

DALLAS — Zale Corp. reported that revenues for its second quarter rose 1.1% to $7 million from $664 million last year.

“The growth achieved in the quarter was driven by our exclusive, branded collections. Further expanding these products and supporting them with compelling marketing and training is an important part of our growth strategy,” commented Theo Killion, CEO.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2013, comparable-store sales increased 2.8%. This increase follows a 5.8% rise in the same period last year. 

Brian Michon was named chief technology officer at Cartera Commerce, a Boston-based provider of card-based marketing solutions for merchants, banks and loyalty programs.

In his new role at Cartera, Michon, a former vp of engineering at Intuit, is expected to drive Cartera’s card-linked offer technology strategy and lead the company’s development, operations and solution delivery teams.

New York -- Winick Realty Group announced that it is exclusively representing Chipotle Mexican Grill in its leasing efforts throughout Northern New Jersey, Long Island and all five boroughs of New York City.

The Winick team is seeking 1,600-sq.-ft. to 2,300-sq.-ft. sites in these markets. Since opening its first Manhattan location in 2003, Chipotle has grown to 60+ locations in New York City, Long Island and Northern New Jersey.

New York -- Walmart overcame a meager 1% same stores sales increase at U.S. stores to deliver better than expected fourth quarter profits on Thursday.

The company said total sales increased 3.9% to $127.1 billion compared to $122.3 billion last year. Without the benefit of a favorable currency exchange situation, sales would have increased a lesser 3.7% to $126.8 billion. Full year sales increased by 5% to $466.1 billion compared to last year’s total of $443.8.

Whirlpool has appointed Diane Dietz, executive VP and chief marketing officer of Safeway, to its board of directors, effective immediately.

"Diane Dietz's history of leadership in the consumer products industry makes her an outstanding addition to our board," said Jeff Fettig, Whirlpool chairman and CEO. "We know her breadth of experience in driving sales and building successful brands will be invaluable to our board of directors and Whirlpool Corporation." 

Tucson, Ariz. -- Presidential Pools and Spas said it is planning to relocate its Northwest Tucson store to the Shops at Costco Plaza.

The 3,369-sq.-ft. store to slated to open on March 1.

Dublin, Ohio -- Wendy’s is getting a makeover. On Feb. 25, the company will unveil its new, more contemporary-looking logo in advertising, on product packaging, crew uniforms, new restaurant signage, menuboards and digital assets.  

The updated logo is in sync with the company’s new “Image Activation” restaurant environment, whose bold, sleek, ultra-modern look is designed to enhance the customer experience. Features include lounge seating with fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and digital menuboards.

ATLANTA -- Newell Rubbermaid announced it will reaffirm its fiscal year 2013 outlook, as provided in its fourth quarter 2012 earnings press release dated Feb.1, 2013, during its presentation Thursday at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference.

The company’s guidance and key assumptions for the full year 2013 are as follows:

• Core sales increase of 2% to 4%.

• Net sales are expected to grow 1% to 3%