eCommerce

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.  — Staples reported that total company sales for the first quarter of 2011 increased 2% to $6.2 billion compared with the first quarter of 2010.  Net income for the first quarter of 2011 increased 5% year-over-year to $198 million, and diluted earnings per share, on a GAAP basis, increased 8% to 28 cents from 26 cents in the first quarter of 2010.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Amazon.com announced that it plans to expand its customer service center in Grand Forks, N.D.,  creating more than 200 full-time jobs and hundreds of seasonal jobs at the facility by the end of 2012.

Seattle --Nordstrom announced it will open a 42,222-sq.-ft. Nordstrom Rack at Westfield Plaza Bonita shopping center in National City, Calif. The new store will open on Oct. 27.

The new Nordstrom Rack will be the company's third Rack store in the greater San Diego area, joining Westfield Mission Valley in San Diego and Grand Plaza in San Marcos.
 

By Ramsey Mansour, [email protected]

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. said Wednesday that overseas strength pushed its net income to $25.1 million for the first quarter, compared with a loss of $11.8 million a year earlier.

As previously reported, revenue rose 22% to $837 million, helped by a 64% surge in international revenue.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples reported Wednesday that first-quarter profit rose 5% to $198.2 million, compared with $188.8 million a year earlier. Results were boosted by overseas strength and increased buying by small businesses in North America.

But results were softer than expected, and the company cut its full-year earnings guidance. Its earnings outlook for the second quarter and the year are below Wall Street estimates.

Revenue rose 2% to $6.18 billion, from $6.06 billion a year ago. Same-store sales slipped 1%.

Columbus, Ohio -- The Bath and Body Works unit of Limited Brands said Tuesday it has named former Lands’ End president Nick Coe as its new CEO.

Current CEO Diane Neal, at the helm since 2007, will remain in that role through the summer. After that, she will transition into an advisory role with the company and work from San Francisco, according to the company.

Before working a Lands' End, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corp., Coe held senior merchandising jobs at Gap’s Banana Republic and at Levi Strauss.
 

Minneapolis -- Despite weakened sales in the first quarter ended April 30, Target Corp. saw net income rise 2.7% on the strength of its credit-card business.

The retailer reported on Wednesday net income of $689 million in the first quarter, up from $671 million in the year-ago period.

Total revenue rose 2.2% to $15.94 billion. Same-store sales rose 2%.

Analysts expected revenue of $16.02 billion.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart reported first-quarter earnings that were above the company's guidance, reflecting stability and strength in global operations, according to president and CEO, Mike Duke.

Walmart's net income was $3.4 billion, or 98 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $3.3 billion, or 87 cents per diluted share. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio — DSW has named Todd Cordell as SVP human resources.  Cordell will be responsible for all human resources activities in support of DSW Stores, DSW.com, and the DSW leased business division.  

"Todd brings a wealth of experience and expertise in all areas of the Human Resources function, most particularly Organizational Development," said Michael MacDonald, CEO of DSW Inc.  "I am confident Todd will help DSW attract, develop and retain top talent in support of our key strategic growth initiatives."