Retail

Little Rock, Ark. – Dillard’s Inc. reported net income of $34.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2014, down 5% from $36.5 million the same period the prior year. Increased markdowns and the loss of after-tax credits and gains drove the decline in net income.

Phoenix -- X Team International partner Velocity Retail Group has completed a lease with At Home for a 104,967-sq.-ft. store in Tempe, Arizona. The new At Home concept is owned and operated by home décor retailer Garden Ridge.
     
A décor superstore that provides selections of patio furniture, wall décor, and decorative accents, rugs and housewares, At Home recently opened at Arizona Mills, a Simon shopping center located at the northeast corner of Baseline Road and Interstate 10.

Bentonville, Ark. -- A day after announcing a disappointing second quarter, Wal-Mart Stores has made an aggressive holiday promise to its customers: the world’s largest retailer says it will staff every cash register from the day after Thanksgiving through the days just before Christmas during peak shopping times.

Wal-Mart’s "checkout promise" is aimed at addressing lengthy waits in checkout lines.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney answered Wall Street questions about whether or not the struggling department store retailer could stage a comeback — by posting better-than-expected profit and revenue in the second quarter.

Orlando, Fla. - Darden Restaurants Inc. has retained global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to assist the company with the recruitment of its next CEO. As previously announced, Clarence Otis is stepping down as chairman and CEO of Darden.  

To ensure a smooth transition, Charles A. Ledsinger Jr. has been appointed independent non-executive chairman of the board, and Mr. Otis has agreed to continue serving as CEO of Darden until the earlier of the appointment of his successor or Dec. 31, 2014.

A brand known for its American craftsmanship has opened a flagship in the heart of the Ginza, one of the premier shopping districts in Tokyo.

The 2,000-sq.-ft. space marks the new face of Cole Haan for its retail stores as it expands. It blends tradition and modernity in a casually elegant environment, with distinct presentations for both female and male shoppers.   

Seattle – Starbucks Corp. is reportedly changing its scheduling rules to prevent employees from having to work an opening shift after a closing shift the previous evening. According to Bloomberg, Starbucks is altering its scheduling policy following a report in the New York Times about a Starbucks barista who had difficulty managing her schedule with her childcare needs.

Herndon, Va. -- Salon Plaza has leased a 7,659-sq.-ft. endcap space next to McAlister’s Deli at Worldgate Centre in Herndon and plans to open in fall 2014. This will be the salon chain’s 21st location nationwide.

Kristin Perry of Rappaport represented the landlord in the transaction. Worldgate Centre features an AMC Theatre and fitness club Sport and Health. Co-tenants include TGI Friday’s, Starbucks, Tara Thai, FedEx Kinkos, Vocelli Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery.