Retail

The country's second largest home center chain posted sales of $12.2 billion in its first quarter ended April 29. That's down 1.6% as the one-two punch of bad weather and weak economy took its toll.

The company's earnings also declined -- down 5.7% to to $461 million. Comparable store sales were down 3.3%.

Houston -- The Men's Wearhouse surprised more than 14,000 employees with pizza delivery to every store across North America. To thank employees for their hard work and dedication, more than 42,400 slices of pizza were delivered to more than 1,200 Men’s Wearhouse, MW Cleaners, and K&G Fashion Superstore locations in the United States and Moores Clothing for Men stores in Canada.

New York City -- Retail real estate columnist Jeff Green has unveiled his newest opine on Chain Store Age’s real estate community website, discussing the impact – both positive and negative – that reducing a store footprint could have on a store’s brand.

Target has awarded its 2010 Partner Award of Excellence to Munchkin, a designer and manufacturer of clever infant and toddler products. Target presents the award to select companies across various companies. Munchkin took home the top honor in the newborn/infant/toddler category.

New York City -- Retailers have plenty of challenges to overcome when it comes to shoppers using smartphones for shopping, with awkward usability (49%), credit-card security (36%) and connection speeds (31%) topping the list, according to a survey by the e-tailing group.

An increase promotional efforts in April contributed to Target’s 13.1% monthly same store sales gain, according to new data from the promotional intelligence firm Market Track.

SAN FRANCISCO — Levi Strauss & Co. announced that it has named Anne Rohosy as EVP and president global Dockers.

As Dockers president, Rohosy will be responsible for all product, marketing and business operations for the global khaki brand, reporting to Levi Strauss & Co.pPresident & CEO John Anderson. She moves to this Dockers leadership position after two years as a SVP, overseeing Levi’s brand commercial wholesale operations in the Americas. Prior to joining Levi Strauss & Co., she spent 15 years with Nike.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. reported Monday that its first-quarter net income rose 6.7% amid cost-cutting and improved sales. The department store chain also raised its full-year earnings profit guidance.

The company on Monday reported net income of $64 million for the three months ended April 30, up from $60 million in the same period last year.