Retail

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – AutoNation Inc. reported net income of $91 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, about 10% higher than $83 million in the same period a year earlier. Revenue totaled $4.4 billion, up 7% from $4.1 billion.

Revenue increases resulted from stronger performance in all business sectors, including new vehicles, used vehicles, parts and service, and finance and insurance.

Philadelphia -- Urban Outfitters Inc. has appointed Trish Donnelly to the role of president of Urban Outfitters brand, North America, effective July 14. She will report directly to Ted Marlow, CEO, Urban Outfitters Group.

By Andy Couch, DJM Real Estate

Jersey City, N.J. -- Single Touch Systems, technology-based mobile media solutions provider, announced that it has signed on FreshDirect, a leading online fresh food grocer, for its “Reminder Messaging Product.”

The messaging program includes implementing order status, delivery status and service notifications.

The technology provides companies with the opportunity to establish a more trusted relationship with its customers by direct mobile messaging.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW Inc. has appointed Mary Meixelsperger as CFO effective May 1. Meixelsperger replaces Douglas Probst, who is retiring from DSW on the same day.

New York - L.L.Bean was ranked number one in online customer service in March 2013. According to monthly benchmark analysis from customer service analysis provider StellaService, LLBean.com showed strength in email and returns, besting all other retailers in those specific service areas.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and money transfer provider Ria Money Transfer, a subsidiary of EFT provider Euronet, are launching Walmart-2-Walmart Money Transfer Service. Available April 24, the new service allows customers to transfer money to and from more than 4,000 Wal-Mart stores nationwide for what Wal-Mart says is up to 50% less than similar offerings on the market.

Washington, D.C. -- Lowe's Home Centers has agreed to pay a $500,000 civil penalty for violating federal rules governing lead paint exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday.  

The chain will also implement a comprehensive, corporate-wide compliance program at its over 1,700 stores nationwide to ensure that the contractors it hires to perform work minimize lead dust from home renovation activities, as required by the federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule.