Discount Store

NEW YORK --Dillard’s was the clear winner in the department store category in January, posting a same-store sales increase of 6%, which edged results from both Macy’s and Saks.

JCPenney was the big disappointment, as same-store sales dropped an unexpected 1.2%. A survey of analysts by Thomson Reuters produced a consensus estimate of same-store sales up 1.8%.

The retailer said January sales were impacted by lower levels of clearance inventory as well as by adverse weather conditions.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced that the Walmart Foundation committing more than $750,000 in cash and in-kind donations to support emergency relief efforts in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where an estimated 827 people have been killed and thousands have been left homeless following torrential rains and mudslides. A $400,000 donation from the Walmart Foundation will help purchase critical supplies like water, food, medical supplies and long-term relief efforts.

NEW YORK -- New York & Company announced that it has promoted Gregory Scott, president, to the role of CEO effective Feb. 12. As previously announced, Richard Crystal, current chairman and CEO, will retire from the company and its board of directors effective Feb. 11. Grace Nichols, who has served as a director since March 2008, will assume the role of non-executive chair of the board effective Feb. 12. Scott will remain a director of New York & Company’s board, which will be comprised of ten members.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- The TJX Companies announced that its board of directors approved a new management structure as part of the company’s ongoing leadership succession planning. Carol Meyrowitz continues as CEO as well as a director of The TJX Companies and has entered into another two-year employment agreement. Ernie Herrman has been promoted to president of The TJX Companies from his post of senior EVP, group president.

Meyrowitz will now have Herrman and Jeffrey Naylor, senior EVP, chief financial and administrative officer, reporting to her.

Another week and another full page ad in Target’s circular touting the REDcard Rewards program launched last fall. Nothing unusual about that right? The 5% savings program has been promoted heavily since its arrival last October to the point where it is impossible to look anywhere in a store and not seen 5% Rewards signs.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Kmart announced that it is teaming up with comedian Steve Harvey for its Share the Word campaign celebrating Black History Month. According to the company, this year's installment of the Share the Word program was designed to spotlight the unique bonds found in black communities that have historically driven the progression of African-Americans.

Target took the 21st spot out of a list of 46 retailers ranked for their customer service. Zappos.com took the top spot followed by Amazon.com and LL Bean. Walmart was ranked 27.

Other retailers in the top ten include Overstock.com (4), JCPenney (6) and Kohl's (7).

MINNEAPOLIS -- Best Buy announced that it is helping consumers get ready for the Super Bowl by offering deals on Samsung products in stores and online through Feb. 5. 

Best Buy's deals include: