Retail

Nashville, Tenn. - Genesco Inc. recently extended its relationship with EarthLink, with future plans to use the network in new ways to enhance the customer shopping experience. A longtime EarthLink customer, Genesco relies on a private EarthLink MPLS network to run all in-store point-of-sale, inventory management and employee communications and training in its Johnston & Murphy, Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Underground by Journeys and Shï by Journeys stores.

Evansville, Ind. – Increases in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) drove a year-over-year reduction in net income during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 at Shoe Carnival Inc. The company reported net income of $2.58 million, down 59% from $5.84 million the same period a year earlier.

Net sales fared better, rising 3% to $222.1 million from $216.4 million. Same-store sales dropped 2.1%.

San Francisco – August 2014 sales results indicate the 2014 back-to-school period had a significant boost to shopping activity. According to new data from in-store retail analytics provider Euclid, traffic increased substantially compared to the previous month, aided by temperate weather and multi-year highs in consumer confidence.

San Jose and Menlo Park, Calif. – EBay and Facebook both reportedly experienced technical issues on Sept. 3. According to Fox Business, some EBay users were unable to gain entry to their accounts, while others reported their accounts had disappeared and their sales were no longer listed on the site.

A strong performance at Stein Mart’s Texas locations in August helped to offset sales at the retailer’s more challenged Gulf state locations.

Total sales for month were $86.5 million, a 3.8% increase over total sales of $83.3 million for August last year. Comparable store sales for the month increased 2.5% from comparable store sales for August last year.

New York -- Costco Wholesale Corp. and L Brands Inc. were among the retailers that posted stronger-than-expected sales in August, fueled in many cases by back-to-school promotions.

Costco led the pack, reporting a 7% gain in August total same-store sales, ahead of views for a 4.9% gain. U.S. same-store sales, excluding the negative impacts from gasoline price deflation and foreign exchange, rose 7% as well. Top-performing categories at Costco included housewares, small appliances, apparel, fresh foods and food sundries.

J.C. Penney Co. is testing new design treatments, merchandise presentations and service options at its new — and first ever — location in Brooklyn, New York. Located at Gateway Center, the 124,000-sq.-ft., single-level store boasts a contemporary exterior that incorporates clean lines, large glass panels, red accents and the unmistakable Penney logo.

The interior is bright and modern, with large murals of local landmarks. A variety of flooring surfaces, including polished concrete, wood laminates and grey ceramic tile, complement the streamlined design.

Shoe Carnival may have had a challenging second quarter thanks to soft store traffic, but the company is looking forward to implementing improved digital capabilities — including the launch of its first-ever mobile app — as part of its aggressive push to evolve the omnichannel shopping experience for its consumers.