Corporate Governance

BOSTON — Brian Kilcourse, managing partner for Retail Systems Research, took some time out at the Orgill Fall Market Friday to deliver a primer on mobile technology as a driving force in the contemporary retail environment.

The seminar, titled "The New Rules of Retail: How Today's Consumer is Changing the Game," positioned mobile technology as a harbinger of a giant "reset" in retail comparable to the Industrial Revolution and onset of the Information Age. 

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg's has teamed up with Scholastic as well as actor and children's book author Taye Diggs to promote childhood literacy and the importance of having books in the home. 

In a public service announcement, Diggs explains how U.S. families can help give kids great starts with great stories by placing 200,000 books into home libraries, schools and local communities.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears continues focusing on its Shop Your Way loyalty program, following second quarter results for the period ended Aug. 3. Members can increase their reward points by linking up to three eligible Visa credit and debit cards to their accounts.

Members can use their linked cards at any number of Reward Partner merchants, such as Burger King, Popeyes, Louisiana Kitchen, Picture People, Public Storage and 1-800-Flowers.com.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — QVC is eyeing an increase in growth opportunities following the recent promotions of two key executives. 

The company has promoted Alex Miller to the position of SVP of digital commerce and Dave Caputo to the position of SVP of TV production and operations.  . 

Miller, who will continue to report to Mary Campbell, SVP of multichannel platforms, will now be responsible for the customer experience across QVC's web, mobile, tablet and social platforms.  

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Crate and Barrel will carry three exclusive collections by Italian designer, architect, art director and interior designer Paola Navone. The first of three collections will be available online through crateandbarrel.com and in select stores Sept. 9, and in all locations by Sept. 13.

The first collection will consist of more than 140 items across multiple categories, including tabletop, textiles, decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, dining tables and seating. 

J.C. Penney filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Monday that would allow for activist investor Bill Ackman to unload his entire stake in the company via a secondary stock offering.

According to the J.C. Penney’s filing, Ackman and various Pershing Square investment vehicles he controls plan to sell roughly 39 million shares representing 17.7% of the company’s 220.5 million outstanding shares.

Canton, Mass. -- Big and tall men’s apparel retailer Destination XL Group recorded a $1.6 million loss in the second quarter, compared with a profit of  $1.2 million in the year-ago period.  Sales dipped 3% to $97.6 million from $100.5 million, and same-store sales rose 6.9%.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Ross Stores Inc. reported a profit of $213 million for the second quarter, compared with $182 million last year and beating Wall Street’s expectations.

Revenue rose 9% to $2.5 billion, matching forecasts. Same-store sales edged up 4%, compared to a 7% rise in the same period last year. However, the retailer expressed caution about the months ahead.

New York -- Hibbett Sports reported that profit surged 34% to $10.5 million in the second quarter, compared with $7.9 million last year and just edging Wall Street expectations.

Sales matched forecasts with a 13% rise to $186.2 million. Same-store sales edged up 0.3%.

But the sporting goods retailer lowered its full-year outlook, citing concern over consumer spending.

Lakeland, Fla. -- Publix Super Markets on Friday announced it will enter the Winston-Salem market and add a third location in Mecklenburg

The Winston-Salem store will measure 49,000 sq. ft. and is slated to open in 2015. The Cornelius store, located in Mecklenburg County, will also encompass 49,000 sq. ft. and will feature a drive-thru pharmacy. Opening is planned for late 2014.

Publix continues to aggressively look for additional locations throughout the state of North Carolina, the grocer said.