eCommerce

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela's reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Jan. 1 rose to $59.9 million, compared with $52.4 million in the year-ago period.

Total revenue for the quarter increased 8.4% to $934 million; retail store revenue increased 11.4% to $479 million.

Same-store sales increased 7.3%.

"With this quarter's performance, it is clear our strategies are working and we are gaining momentum," said Tommy Millner, Cabela's CEO.

New York City -- Italian eyewear maker and retailer Luxottica Group SpA said Thursday it will acquire two specialty sunglass retailers in a deal worth about $23 million in a move to gain entry to the Mexican market.

Luxottica’s deal to buy Stanza and High Tech includes more than 70 stores that will eventually be rebranded as Sunglass Hut locations.

New York City -- The National Retail Federation said Thursday that it expects retail sales growth of 4% this year, the biggest increase since 2006.

However, the group warned that shoppers are likely to remain cautious as they cope with slow job growth and rising prices.

The NRF said it expects retail sales to reach $2.47 trillion in 2011, up from $2.37 trillion in 2010, excluding automobiles, fuel and restaurants.

Minneapolis -- Another Target store is coming to downtown Chicago as the retailer disclosed it would open a small-format store under the new CityTarget banner in the Sullivan Center development at South State Street and Madison.

NEW YORK -- The Jones Group Inc. announced that it has appointed Sally Ross EVP merchandising for Nine West Direct, effective immediately. Ross' focus will be on leading the merchandise initiatives for Nine West Retail, Nine West Outlet and NineWest.com, and she will report directly to Ron Offir, President, Jones Direct Group, the company reported.

The nation’s leading auto parts and accessories retailer is offering a new delivery program through an affiliation with ShopRunner. According AutoZone, the agreement will ShopRunner will allow it to provided an enhanced online shopping experience because ShopRunner members are able to receive free and unlimited two-day shipping and returns from retail partners.

Middletown, N.J. -- Fameco Real Estate, L.P. said that Bone Fish Grill and Hand & Stone Massage have signed leases at the Chapel Hill Shopping Center, in Middletown, N.J.

Chapel Hill Shopping Center is a 64,507-sq.-ft. community shopping that was renovated four years ago and is anchored by a 45,000-sq.-ft. Whole Foods supermarket.

Bone Fish leased a 5,400-sq.-ft. endcap position. The restaurant is expected to open in September. Hand & Stone leased 3,600 sq. ft. of in-line space. The retailer is expected to open in April.

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Real estate broker Scott P. Lifschultz announced he has formed SPL Realty Partners, a retail real estate brokerage and consulting company.

Current clients include CVS/pharmacy, Dean & Deluca, LandMark Retail Group, Johnny Was, Casual Male Retail Group and Destination XL. Based in Santa Monica, Calif., the company’s services include tenant representation, strategic planning, site selection, transaction management, owner representation, leasing & marketing, consulting and investment sales.

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co.'s fiscal fourth-quarter net income nearly doubled on strong sales overseas and better U.S. results. The retailer reported net income of $92.6 million, up from $47.5 million a year ago.

Revenue for the period ended Jan. 29 rose 23% to $1.15 billion, from $936 million. Domestic revenue rose 13%, while international revenue jumped 61%.

Same-store sales rose 13%.

Naperville, Ill. -- OfficeMax swung to a fourth-quarter profit as the company retailer continued to cut costs, though sales declined in both its contract and retail segments.

OfficeMax reported earnings of $12.7 million, compared with a year-earlier loss of $2.58 million. Revenue decreased 2.4% to $1.77 billion. The chain expects sales to be flat for 2011.