Williams-Sonoma Inc.

Brooklyn, N.Y. -- West Elm, a division of Williams-Sonoma, announced that it will open a store at 180 University Avenue in Palo Alto, Calif., on Oct. 18.

The new Palo Alto store will include a collection of decorative accessories and art made by Etsy artists from the South Bay. It will be only the second West Elm store selling goods made by Etsy artists in the U.S.

SAN FRANCISCO — The single cup brewing trend as arrived at Williams-Sonoma in the form of the Starbucks’ deluxe Verismo System 585.

According to the company, the Verismo System 585 is the first at-home premium single cup machine that makes Starbucks-quality espresso beverages and brewed coffee with the touch of a button. The system is available in the deluxe 585 or base 580 model online and will be available in stores beginning Sept. 28.

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma is betting it can replicate its highly successful formula internationally, with the opening of new stores in Sydney, Australia.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma Inc. said its second-quarter net income rose 10%, fueled by double-digit sales growth at its Pottery Barn and West Elm stores. The results beat analysts’ expectations and the company also raised its profit and sales predictions for the full year.

For the quarter ended July 29, Williams-Sonoma earned $43.4 million, up from $39.3 million in the same period last year.

New York -- According to multiple reports citing anonymous sources, Restoration Hardware chairman and co-CEO Gary Friedman has stepped down after an internal investigation into a relationship he had with a 26-year-old female employee.

Friedman was confronted with findings that he had had an intimate relationship with the employee, who has since left the company. To look into the matter, the board of directors formed a special investigative committee and brought in an outside law firm to conduct the inquiry.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma has named Julie Whalen as permanent CFO. Whalen replaces Sharon McCollam, who retired in March. Whalen had been serving as acting CFO since McCollam retired.

Whalen joined Williams-Sonoma, which operates namesake stores, Pottery Barn, West Elm, and other stores, in 2001 and has served in a variety of positions, including treasurer.

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma has promoted Julie Whalen, SVP, acting CFO, has been appointed EVP, CFO.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma Inc. reported Thursday that first-quarter profit dipped to $30.7 million, from $31.6 million last year, but results topped Wall Street estimates and the retailer has raised its full-year earnings forecast.

Sales increased 6% to $817.6 million, also surpassing analysts’ estimates of $811.7 million. Same-store sales grew 5.4% overall, driven by strength from Pottery Barn (up 9.1%) and West Elm (up 22.1%).