Strategy

MONTREAL — Toy manufacturer Mega Brands reported that net sales in the second quarter increased 13% to $94.5 million compared with $83.9 million in the corresponding 2011 period.

Toy sales increased 14% compared to the second quarter of 2011, driven by higher product shipments in the preschool and boys construction categories. Toy sales have increased year-over-year in ten of the last 11 quarters.

Sales of stationery and ctivities products were up 10%, the fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth in this segment.

Walmart is used to encountering opposition to its new stores, just not in its own backyard.

However, that is what’s been happening in the sprawling master planned community of Bella Vista, Ark., where residents, some of them anyway, are up in arms over a planned Walmart Neighborhood Market. They say the location of the proposed stores is a poor choice and the 24-hour store with four gas pumps will bring additional traffic to an already busy road.

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma has promoted Julie Whalen, SVP, acting CFO, has been appointed EVP, CFO.

SIDNEY, Neb. — Revenues rose 11.6% to $627.3 million at Cabela's during its second quarter, consisting of a 16.9% increase in store revenue, a 0.7% decrease in direct revenue and a 12.8% increase in financial services revenue. Same-store sales rose 4.7%.

Net income for the quarterr increased to $33.9 million compared with $21.7 million and earnings per diluted share were 47 cents compared with 31 cents, each compared with the year ago quarter.

Sidney, Neb. -- Outdoor-gear retailer Cabela's Inc. reported Thursday that net income for the second quarter increased to $33.9 million, from $21.7 million in the year-ago period.

Total revenue rose 11.6% to $627.3 million, boosted by a 17% rise in retail store revenue – to $384.7 million. Analysts forecasted total revenue of $606.3 million.

Same-store sales increased 4.7%.

The economic recovery may be on an uneven track, but consumers are still willing to spend money – at Whole Foods Market especially.

Los Angeles -- CBRE Group said it has named Cal Frese as CEO of the company’s Americas business. In this role, Frese has responsibility for leading CBRE’s largest business segment, with more than $3 billion of annual revenue and more than 20,000 employees.

River Forest, Ill. -- Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based Mid-America Asset Management said that DSW has signed a lease for 28,000 sq. ft. at River Forest Town Center in Chicago’s west suburbs.

The shoe retailer is taking space vacated by Linens ‘n Things and plans to open in fall 2012 as a new anchor joining The Children’s Place, The Loft, Chico’s, Whole Foods, Panera Bread, Petco and Walgreens.