Retail

New York -- Specialty retailer Vera Bradley has helped boost the revenue and margins generated by its recently launched line of baby accessories by obtaining advance insight from consumers about what they would pay for certain products and also what features most interested them.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — On the heels of reporting net revenues of $123 million for the first quarter ended May 4 — an increase of 5% from $117.2 million in the first quarter of the year prior — Vera Bradley has announced that CEO Michael C. Ray plans to retire from the company.

Ray informed the company's board of directors that he will remain CEO through the transition period and intends to continue to serve as a director. The board has formed a search committee and retained Spencer Stuart to assist in the search for Ray's successor. 

Corpus Christie, Texas -- Susser Holdings Corporation announced that its Striples LLL brand has Sid Keswani as senior VP store operations. Keswani brings to Stripes more than 18 years of retail operations experience with Target, most recently as senior VP for the Southeast region of the United States.

Stripes announced that company veteran Richard Sebastian has taken on the role of senior VP of facilities, construction and will be responsible for the company's maintenance, new store and capital expenditure programs.   

SAN FRANCISCO — The Gymboree Corporation is looking to leverage the rebounding economy and trends for the rest of 2013, following a dip in its net sales for the first quarter ended May 4. 

The company reported net sales of $293 million for the quarter, a 1.7% decrease from $298 million for the first quarter ended April 28, 2012. Comparable sales for the quarter decreased 5% versus the first quarter of the year prior.

Port Chester, N.Y. -- Royal Properties has leased 5,630 sq. ft. in the historic Port Chester, N.Y., train station to Heartland Brewery. According to Royal Properties, the lease will run for 20 years and offer a five-year option.

Heartland will open a food hall and beer garden restaurant in the station, which was constructed in 1890. To be called Port Chester Hall, the restaurant will feature a 3,600-sq.-ft. outdoor area with seating for 85.

LOS ANGELES — Virtual Piggy, an online service that allows parents to monitor their children's online shopping behavior, has deployed technology enabling youth younger than 18 to safely make donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

Arlington, Texas -- Papa Murphy’s has leased a 1,340-sq.-ft. space at Lamar Crossing Shopping Center in Arlington, Texas, according to WindStar Properties.

The Take ‘N’ Bake pizza shop, which prepares fresh pizzas for customers to bake at home, has 1,350 shops in 38 states and ranks as the fifth largest pizza company in the United States.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens reported sales of $18.3 billion for the third quarter, up 3.3%. Same-store sales increased 1.3%, with front-end comparable store sales up by 0.3% and pharmacy comp sales up 2%. Prescriptions filled were up 7% for the quarter.

Sales of Walgreens' shares were up $1 to $49.03 in early-morning trading.

Walgreens reported that more than 72 million Walgreens faithful have signed on for the company's Balance Rewards loyalty program through May.