Strategy

Tamasakai, Japan -- Costco Wholesale said Tuesday that two people died when a parking garage collapsed at its warehouse in Tamasakai during the earthquake, according to a report by the Seattle Times.
 
The store sustained significant damage and will remain closed for several months for inspections and repairs, said Costco.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Label-lovers aside, designer shoes -- even discounted designer shoes -- are considered discretionary items by most consumers, and the fact that DSW had such a strong quarter is indeed a good sign that the middle-income consumer is feeling more confident about her economic situation.

Arlington, Va. -- In response to legislation introduced on Tuesday by Montana senator Jon Tester to reopen critical reforms of the debit payments market, the Retail Industry Leaders Association issued the following statement:

“Despite the American people’s repeated disapproval of bank bailouts, the Tester bill is just that, this time at the expense of retailers and their consumers,” said Katherine Lugar, executive VP for public affairs, RILA.

WASHINGTON -- The National Retail Federation said legislation introduced today to delay swipe fee reform scheduled to go into effect this summer would block retailers from giving discounts to consumers who use debit cards and would cost merchants and the public more than $1 billion per month.

Salisbury, N.C. -- Delhaize America said Monday it plans to convert all of its Bloom stores in North and South Carolina to the Food Lion banner, with the exception of one Bloom store in Mauldin, S.C., that will close.

According to a report by Supermarket News, the 15 Bloom locations in the Charlotte and Greenville, S.C., markets will be converted "as quickly as possible."

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- The NBCUniversal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group announced that Ed Prince has been promoted to VP business and legal affairs. In addition, Christopher Lucero and Drew Rowley have joined the department as directors of global licensing. The announcement was made by Kim Niemi, SVPt.

SAN FRANCISCO -- In what can only be a sign that the economic health of the country is improving -- at least for for higher-income consumers, Williams-Sonoma announced that net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased 9.7% to $1.195 billion versus $1.09 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010, including Internet net revenue growth of 27.2% and a comparable-store sales increase of 5.2%.

Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis were $1.05 for the quarter compared with 81 cents for the same period last year.

Los Angeles – Guess announced Tuesday that ex-Sephora chief Jacques Levy has joined Guess as founder's advisor.

In this role, Levy will collaborate with Guess CEO Paul Marciano to develop key marketing and customer relationship management strategies worldwide.

Levy stepped down last week from his position as CEO and president of Sephora Worldwide.