Corporate Governance

New York -- Google came out on top, followed by Amazon and Apple, in a new survey by market research company Ipsos called “The Most Influential Brands in the United States 2013.” The survey, which asked U.S. consumers to rate 100 leading brands on a wide variety of attributes, determined that the dimensions or factors that drive a brand’s influence are: engagement; trustworthy; leading edge; corporate citizenship; and, presence.

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Ulta Beauty has named Scott Settersten CFO and assistant secretary, effective immediately. Settersten will report to Dennis Eck, interim CEO.

Settersten has been acting CFO and assistant secretary since October 2012. He previously served as VP accounting since 2010 and was responsible for accounting, tax and external reporting. In that role, he also oversaw investor relations and worked closely with the audit committee and board of directors. He joined Ulta Beauty in January 2005 as director of financial reporting.

Dick’s Sporting Goods first Field & Stream outdoor specialty store is scheduled to open this fall in the Pittsburgh suburb of Cranberry Township.

IRVING, Texas — Michaels Stores reported that net sales for the fourth quarter increased 8.5% to $1.5 billion from $1.4 billion for the same period last year. Quarterly same-store sales increased 1.7% driven by a 2.3% increase in average ticket and a 0.6% decrease in transactions. 

The company reported that operating income increased 13.7% to $266 million, and as a percent of net sales increased 80 basis points to 17.5%. Net income increased to $112 million, and as a percent of net sales, increased 40 basis points to 7.3%.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Express, a specialty retail apparel chain operating more than 620 stores, reported that fourth quarter net sales increased 8% to $728.7 million from $673.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Comparable sales increased 1.5%, following a 5% increase in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Net income was $63.9 million, or 75 cents per diluted share. This compares to net income of $60.4 million, or 68 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2011.

First quarter same store sales are expected to increase in the high teens at Cabela’s and drive earnings substantially higher than analysts’ estimates, the retailer said late Tuesday in advance of an investor conference today.

Cabela’s reported a firearms and ammunition driven 12% same store sales increase for its fourth quarter ended December 29, 2012. When those results were released a month ago the company said the favorable trends seen in the fourth quarter had accelerated into the first quarter.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — DollarDays.com, an online wholesale distributor, has recently joined forces with Bongo International to offer customers located worldwide the same discounts and service that U.S. clients have enjoyed for over 12 years. Bongo International is a global e-commerce solution providing U.S. retailers access to international markets with no change to their current operations.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot, announced that it has won two Silver Stevie Awards in the seventh annual Stevie Awards for sales and customer service. 

Office Depot was honored with Silver Stevie Awards for e-commerce customer service, which recognized Office Depot’s expanded chat services for web customers and the telesales team of the year.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart President and CEO Mike Duke introduced First Lady Michelle Obama at the Business Roundtable Wednesday with the following remarks:

"We are pleased to be joined by our guest today, First Lady Michelle Obama.  Mrs. Obama speaks movingly about the service, strength, and sacrifice of our current generation of troops, veterans, and military families.  It is a personal privilege to share some of her work and to start our discussion around creating opportunity for this new group of heroes.

HUDSON, Ohio — Shortly after Michaels reported Q4 sales growth, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores will officially open its 800th store on March 21 in Slidell, La.

“Reaching our 800th store is a testament to the hard work of Jo-Ann Team Members around the country, our customers’ passion for crafting and sewing, and their appreciation of our retail concept as a one-stop creative destination,” said Travis Smith, chief executive officer and president for Jo-Ann.