Strategy

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens said Wednesday that its profit jumped 18.8% in the fiscal first quarter on a mix of better pricing and generic drug sales.

The chain said its profit rose to $580 million, exceeding estimates. Revenue rose 6% to $17.34 billion. The company's 2011 fiscal first quarter ended Nov. 30.

Overall same-store sale sales rose 0.8% during the quarter, with front-end same-store sales rising 0.4% and pharmacy same-store sales rising 0.9%.

New York City -- Aeropostale announced three executive appointments that realign responsibilities and strengthen its leadership team. Among the changes, Marc D. Miller, senior VP of strategic planning and new business development, has been appointed CFO.

In other appointments, Michael J. Cunningham, president, will expand his role and assume additional responsibilities over planning and allocation, construction, logistics and real estate. He will also remain responsible for the finance organization, investor relations and information technology.

Atlanta -- Oxford Industries has acquired Sugartown Worldwide, the owner of the upscale women's lifestyle brand Lilly Pulitzer, which sells to better specialty and department stores as well as through its stores and other direct to consumer channels.

TORONTO - Sears Canada announced that it has appointed Sharon Driscoll as SVP and CFO. Driscoll has held her current position with the company as SVP finance, since November of 2008.

Prior to joining Sears in 2008, Driscoll was employed with Loblaw Companies Limited, holding the position of SVP corporate development, and before that SVP finance national merchandising and SVP finance retail Ontario region. 

New York City -- The Finish Line said Tuesday that its fiscal third-quarter net income fell 37% as a one-time leg up from a tax windfall last year was not repeated.

Net income in the three months to Nov. 27 hit $4.1 million, from $6.6 million a year ago. Last year's tax benefit amounted to $6.4 million. Revenue rose 9% to $260.9 million, from $240.1 million. Same-store sales were up 4.5% from Nov. 28 through Dec. 19, compared with the same period a year ago.

The results were better than analysts’ estimates.

Maumelle, Ark. -- Dillard’s announced it will locate an Internet fulfillment center in Maumelle, Ark., to support the continuing growth of its online business. The company has signed an agreement to purchase the former Target distribution facility and will create over 300 new jobs in the Central Arkansas area.

ATLANTA - Home Depot is tinkering with the idea of  cutting back the space dedicated to kitchen showrooms. "We're piloting the removal of up to 40% of the space dedicated to kitchen showrooms," said Craig Menear, Home Depot's EVP merchandising, during the company's recent investor and analyst conference.

Pittsburgh - American Eagle Outfitters on Tuesday detailed its plans to open Eagle Outfitters and Aerie by American Eagle stores in Japan, in partnership with Sumikin Bussan Corporation. The first store is slated to open in Tokyo’s legendary Harajuku shopping district in the first half of 2012.

AEO has signed an exclusive franchise agreement with Sumikin, a leading marketer, importer and exporter with extensive experience in the fashion industry.