Corporate Governance

Build-A-Bear Workshop is holding steady.   The specialty retailer's board of directors has completed its review of strategic alternatives and authorized a share repurchase program of up to $20 million. Build-A-Bear initiated the review in May 2016 after a sharp decline in net income in its first quarter, saying at the time that it would consider "all" options to boost shareholder equity, including a sale.     

Discount footwear retailer DSW topped analysts’ predictions for the second quarter fueled by an unexpected increase in same-store sales.   Net income was $28.6 million, or 35 cents a share, in the quarter that ended July 29, compared with $25 million, or 30 cents a share, in second quarter 2016.   Sales rose 3.3% to $680.4 million. Same-store sales edged up 0.6%, the first positive comp quarter since 2015. Analysts had expected same-store sales to fall 2%.   

Overall, this is a solid set of results from DSW which shows the company is moving in the right direction. The 0.6% rise in comparable sales may not be spectacular, but given it is the first time in over two years that the measure has been positive, we see it as an encouraging sign.  

Sears Holdings is expanding the distribution of two of its iconic brands.   Cleva North America will manufacture vacuum cleaners and floor cleaning accessories under the Kenmore and Kenmore Elite brands. The company will be able to sell the products to retailers around the world.   

The man who resigned from the number two position at Uber after six months on the job has been named chief executive of the nation's largest tax preparer.   H&R Block named Jeffrey J. Jones II president and CEO, effective Oct. 9, 2017. He will succeed Tom Gerke, who will continue to serve as interim president and CEO until then. Gerke will remain general counsel and chief administrative officer.  

The Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center (R-CISC) has announced featured speakers for its Retail Cyber Intelligence Summit, held October 3 - 4, 2017, in Chicago.    Among the keynote speakers are Rich Agostino, chief information security officer at Target Corp, who will lead a session titled, "Stepping into Leadership: Staying Ahead of Today's Threats and the Evolving CISO Role," and Kostas Georgakopoulos, CISO at Procter & Gamble, leading a session on the next evolution of information security.  

No matter how many robots, kiosks and shiny technology are readily available to improve the in-store experience, retail stores still need human power to operate and provide personalized customer service through store associates. After all, the human touch still gives brick-and-mortar retailers a key advantage over e-commerce merchants.   

Dollar General is celebrating an important milestone.   The discounter has opened its 14,000th retail location. The store is located in Dauphin, Pa.   “Dollar General is excited to celebrate our company’s continued growth by celebrating our 14,000th store grand opening today,” said Todd Vasos, CEO, Dollar General. “For nearly 80 years, Dollar General has continually been focused on delivering everyday low prices, convenience and value to the communities we serve."  

TJX Companies has taken the wraps off its newest U.S. retail format, Homesense, which debuted at Shopper's World plaza in Framingham, Mass.   The new concept, which TJX has described as a complement to its Home Goods format, has expanded departments for large-scale furniture, lighting and art. It also features new departments, including a general store.  

7-Eleven is being honored for its commitment to reducing energy.   The Alliance to Save Energy has awarded 7-Eleven with the Alliance to Save Energy "Built Environment" award for its commitment to reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency in its stores.    7-Eleven has successfully decreased electricity use in store operations by an estimated 21% over the past seven years through installing LED lighting, energy management systems and high-efficiency HVAC units.