Strategy

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Publix Super Markets and Nordstrom are the highest ranked bricks-and-mortar retailers in a report released Tuesday by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). While supermarkets overall are up 1.3% to 76, Publix remains the grocer to beat, with a score of 84.

The best of the best among all retailers — traditional or online — is Amazon, with a score of 86, followed by online retailer Newegg at 85. Next in line are two more websites: Overstock at 83 and eBay at 81.

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. reported a steep decline in fourth quarter profit this morning. Its results, however, were in line with its January warning to investors.

The chain posted a profit of $11.9 million, compared to a profit of $57 million in the prior year. Total fourth-quarter sales rose 5.9% to $1.39 billion. Same-store sales fell 1.4%. 
 

SEATTLE — REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), a national outdoor gear and clothing retailer, has announced that Angela Owen has been named SVP marketing and Lee Fromson has become SVP merchandising. 

"With more than 50 combined years with the outdoor industry, Angela and Lee have a wealth of experience in driving innovation and leading essential company business units," said Brian Unmacht, REI's EVP. "They have well-deserved reputations for developing high performing teams and are highly regarded for their strategic leadership."

Dayton, Ohio -- Walmart takes the top spot on a ranking of the most valuable U.S. retail brands from branding consultancy firm Interbrand. The discounter’s brand value is put at a whopping $139 billion. By comparision, the second highest ranked U.S. brand, Target Corp., has a value of $23 billion.

ATLANTA — Boosted by mild temperatures and spring-like selling conditions throughout much of the country, Home Depot saw sales rise nearly 6% in the fourth quarter.

The home improvement giant reported fourth-quarter sales of $16.0 billion, up 5.9% from the same quarter last year. Comparable store sales were positive 5.7%, and up 6.1% in the United States.

"We had a strong finish to 2011, and with favorable weather, our business delivered results that exceeded our expectations," said CEO Frank Blake. 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s fiscal fourth-quarter profit dropped 4.2%  on higher costs, but its U.S. business continued to draw in more shoppers.

Net income was $5.16 billion in the three months ended Jan. 31, compared with $6.05 billion in the year ago period. Net sales, excluding membership fees from its Sam's Club division, rose 5.8% to $122.3 billion.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — Newegg Inc., the electronics-focused e-retailer, has promoted Bob Bellack, the current president and CFO of Newegg North America, to CEO of Newegg North America. Dr. S.C. Lee has assumed the role of vice chairman of Newegg North America.

Lexington, Mass. -- The Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group (PLG), which owns such brands as Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Keds and Stride Rite, announced today that is has signed new agreements with partners in 10 countries to continue the rapid international expansion of several of its brands in Mexico, Indonesia, Japan, five South American countries and the Czech Republic.