Corporate Governance

Dodgeville, Wisconsin — Lands' End reported that profit for the first quarter surged 68% to $10.9 million, from $6.5 million in the year-ago period, as shoppers have responded to improved merchandise assortments and targeted promotions.

The company, which was recently spun off by Sears, also reported a revenue rise of 4% to $330.5 million. Same-store sales climbed 3.4%.
 

Former Walmart president and CEO Mike Duke and company chairman Rob Walton drew large numbers negative votes when they stood for re-election to the retailer’s board at the annual shareholders’ meeting on Friday, June 6.

Seattle — Amazon.com has debuted a new feature for members of its Prime paid benefits program called Prime Music. The service provides ad-free access to more than one million songs and hundreds of expert-programmed Prime Playlists.

Brisbane, California — bebe stores CEO Steve Birkhold has left the company, effectively immediately, and an interim chief has been named to lead while a search for a permanent replacement is underway, said bebe stores on Thursday.

Following the sudden departure of Birkhold, the board appointed Jim Wiggett, currently CEO of Jackson Hole Group, as bebe’s interim CEO.

Neiman Marcus may have reported total revenues of $1.16 billion for the third quarter, compared to $1.10 billion in the prior year, and a comparable-store sales increase of 5.9%, but the company’s profits took a hit, as traffic to brick-and-mortar stores decreased compared to last year.

Mooreseville, N.C. — Lowe’s has launched Lowe’s Innovation Lab, with a goal of creating new technology to solve common consumer frustrations while working alongside start-ups, universities, specialized professionals and other companies. The first concept to come out of the lab is the Lowe's Holoroom, a home improvement simulator that applies 3D and augmented reality technologies to provide homeowners an intuitive, immersive experience in their dream rooms.

Bebe's Steve Birkhold has resigned as CEO, effective immediately. The board has appointed Jim Wiggett, currently CEO of Jackson Hole Group, as CEO while it starts a search for a permanent replacement.

New York City — Restaurant chain Pret A Manger has leased a 2,577-sq.-ft. shop at 600 Lexington Avenue, a boutique 36-story office tower on East 52nd Street. The new location will bring the chains Manhattan locations to a total of 39.

RKF (www.rkf.com) represented Pret A Manger and the landlord, SL Green Realty Corp. in the transaction. Over the last two years, RKF has arranged a dozen new leases for the chain.