Corporate Governance

Specialty pharmacy bumps Fred's sales
Fred's Inc. says the expansion of its specialty pharmacy business helped drive an increase in sales in June.

Fred's total sales for the period ended July 4 increased 12% to $212.9 million from $190.8 million in June 2014. Excluding $7.4 million from last year's June sales for 56 subsequently closed locations, total sales increased 16% for the month. Same store sales for the month increased 1.6% compared with a decrease of 0.6% in the same period last year.
More good news for Stein Mart
Just months after being named the nation's best department store by USA Today, Stein Mart is reporting a big jump in same store sales for June.

The Florida-based retailer reported total sales for the five-week period ended July 4 of $121.7 million, a 7.5% increase over total sales of $113.2 million for the five-week period ended July 5, 2014. Same store sales for the five-week period ended July 4 increased 5.8% from June 2014.

Costco comps increase in June

Headwinds from fuel price fluctuations and currency exchange rates lessened for Costco in June as the retailer posted a bump in same store sales.

The warehouse club reported net sales of $11.01 billion for the month of June, the five weeks ended July 5, an increase of 1% from $10.88 billion during the similar period last year. Same store sales, excluding the negative impacts from gasoline price deflation and foreign exchange, were 6%.
Target debuts connected home showroom

Target Corp. is putting a spotlight on how the “Internet of Things“(IoT) will transform consumers’ homes and lives.
Toys"R"Us not playing when it comes to e-commerce

Toys“R”Us Inc. plans to bring its U.S. e-commerce operations in-house, including building and managing a new platform for Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com and FAO.com, by the end of summer 2016.
Staples adds Jonas juice to student initiative

Staples is injecting a little bit of boy band starpower into its latest promotion aimed on supporting education.

The retailer is building on its decades-long support of teachers, students and education with a $10 million pledge to support Think It Up, a program launched by the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Think IT Up is a new movement created to inspire students to pursue their passions through student-powered, teacher-led learning projects with support from Staples for Students.
At Home finds new home in Louisiana

At Home is accelerating its pace in its race to operate 100 stores by opening its first store in the state of Louisiana.

The retailer is opening a 90,000 square foot store in Kenner, La., on July 9.

Following the store opening, the Kenner location will have a grand opening ribbon-cutting July 14 at 9 a.m. with the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and onsite giveaways for customers and a radio remote on July 18.
Conn’s names Moran its new CFO

Every retailer needs a good CFO and that’s especially true at Conn’s where the company’s business model requires balancing the need to grow sales against the charge off risk associated with extending credit to subprime customers.
Same store sales push up at L Brands

L Brands Inc. continues to surpass expectations as the parent company of Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret reported a bump in same store sales.

The company said net sales increased 3% to $1.207 billion for the five weeks ended July 4, compared to net sales of $1.176 billion for the five weeks ended July 5, 2014. Same store store sales for the five weeks ended July 4, 2015, increased 3%.
Lowe's earns accolades for disaster relief

Lowe's is getting some recognition for its efforts to aid communities with money, supplies and manpower in times of disaster.
Ikea wants more shoppers in electric cars

Shoppers who drive an electric vehicle and shop at Ikea in Canada just got a big gift from the Swedish retailer.
Overstock.com expands fresh food delivery

Overstock.com is expanding its already popular online produce delivery service by teaming up with farmers in 35 states.