Strategy

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- First quarter profits at Walmart exceeded analysts’ estimates as same-store sales increased 2.6% and the company said it strategy of low prices on a broad merchandise assortment is resonating again with shoppers.

New York -- Foot Locker Inc. said Thursday that current executive VP and retail group president Richard Johnson as been promoted to COO, giving the company veteran operational oversight of all the retailer’s banners. The appointment is effective immediately.

Along with its namesake Foot Locker stores, the company also operates Champs Sports, Kids Foot Locker and CCS.
 

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart said Thursday that net income for the quarter ended April 28 slid 26% to $11.8 million, compared with $15.9 million in the same period last year.

Revenue was basically flat at $303.4 million, missing Wall Street’s expected $303.9 million in revenue, and same-store sales dipped 0.4%.

The company said it expects to open four new stores, relocate four stores and close four stores during the second half of 2012.
 

New York -- Aeropostale said Thursday that net income for the first quarter narrowed to $10.6 million, from $16.4 million in the same period last year.

Sales for the quarter ended April 28 rose 6% to $497.2 million, from $469.2 million, and same-store sales edged up 2% on the strength of its online performance. Without e-commerce results, same-store sales for the quarter were flat.
 

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. raised its full year guidance Thursday after reporting first quarter sales and earnings per share growth. For the quarter ended April 28, sales increased 6% to $3.5 billion compared with $3.3 billion for the first quarter last year. The company’s first quarter comparable sales increased 4%. Net income for the first quarter was $233 million, flat compared with the first quarter last year. First quarter diluted earnings per share increased 18% to 47 cents compared with 40 cents last year.

HOFFMANESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings posted net income of $189 million in the quarter, compared with a loss of $165 million in the prior-year period.

After several rounds of closings of Kmart and Sears full-line stores in the past months, revenues decreased $270 million to $9.3 billion for the quarter ended April 28. Domestic comp-store sales declined 1.3% -- 1.0% at Sears Domestic and 1.6% at Kmart. Sears also saw declines in its home appliances and consumer electronics categories.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Ross Stores reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter surged 21% to $208.6 million, from $173 million in the same period last year.

Sales increased 14% to $2.4 billion, and same-store sales rose 9%.

“We believe that favorable weather across many of our markets also contributed to our above-plan performance," said Michael Balmuth, CEO, about the results.

ST. LOUIS — Supervalu is bringing its Save-A-Lot banner to Atlantic City, N.J.

The store, which opened Thursday, will become the first full-service grocery store within a 21-mile radius of the city, the company said. The Atlantic City location is the 11th Save-A-Lot store in New Jersey.