Retail

WASHINGTON — U.S. commissaries could face severe cuts if Congress fails reach a budget, leaving many military families without the benefits they rely on to make ends meet, according to the Coalition to Save Our Military Shopping Benefits.

New York -- Starbucks Coffee Co. on Friday opened its first location in Vietnam, following an expanded long-term relationship with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group.
 
The two-level flagship store has been designed to reflect Starbucks’ signature coffee heritage, while embracing Vietnam’s distinctive local traditions and coffee culture. It is located the bustling neighborhood of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1.

NEW YORK — Saks has introduced its Saks Love Your Cause Initiative, which will give 5% of all registered purchases to the American Red Cross and select local organizations, during February.

“Saks Fifth Avenue is committed to our local communities. We appreciate our customers’ charitable involvement and look forward to giving back locally for a second year with this exciting and newly implemented national program,” Steve Sadove, chairman and CEO, Saks Inc., said.

Brisbane, Calif. -- Bebe Stores Inc. swung to a loss in its fiscal second quarter from a profit a year ago amid heavy discounting during the holiday shopping season.

Bebe said it lost $4.8 million for the three months that ended Dec. 29, according to preliminary results, versus a profit of $6.5 million a year earlier.

Net sales dropped 11% to $135.5 million. Same-store sales fell 10.5%.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic supermarket chain, Harris Teeter, reported that sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 increased by 3.7% to $1.16 billion from $1.12 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The increase in sales was driven by an increase in comparable-store sales of 2.53% and sales from new stores, partially offset by store closings.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. has named Stephen Szilagyi to the post of supply chain executive, reporting to Rick Damron, COO.

In his new role, Szilagyi will oversee Lowe’s logistics and distribution network that expedites the replenishment of merchandise and supplies to all Lowe’s stores.

Szilagyi has more than 25 years of supply chain experience, including leadership roles prior to Lowe’s in wholesale distribution and retail/consumer products supply chain consulting services.

Fremont, Calif. -- Men’s Wearhouse announced today the launch of a free mobile app called Wedding Tuxedo Group Manager, which provides couples with information about the rental of their wedding party’s tuxedos, simplifying the wedding planning process and providing peace of mind.

SAN FRANCISCO — Target has found a new friend in Facebook, as the retailer has become one of the first businesses to participate in the social network's new gift card program.

According to a Reuters report, consumers can buy cards for their Facebook friends for use at four different businesses including Target, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vitton SA's Jamba Juice and Darden Restaurants Inc's Olive Garden.