eCommerce

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores' investment in China continues to grow as the company now has a controlling stake in one of the country's fast-growing e-commerce websites. The company announced that it has reached an agreement to increase its investment in the holding company of Yihaodian, bringing its total ownership stake to approximately 51%. Closing of the transaction is subject to Chinese government regulatory approval.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems announced it has signed a multi-year renewal agreement to continue providing private label credit card services to The Buckle, Kearney, Neb., which operates more than 430 stores in 43 states, as well as a robust e-commerce business.

Buckle cardholders will continue to earn "B-Reward" points with every purchase. Exclusive to cardholders, the B-Rewards points-based loyalty program allows cardholders to accumulate points that can be redeemed for dollars-off certificates for in-store or online purchases.

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Publix Super Markets and Nordstrom are the highest ranked bricks-and-mortar retailers in a report released Tuesday by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). While supermarkets overall are up 1.3% to 76, Publix remains the grocer to beat, with a score of 84.

The best of the best among all retailers — traditional or online — is Amazon, with a score of 86, followed by online retailer Newegg at 85. Next in line are two more websites: Overstock at 83 and eBay at 81.

NEW YORK — The growing popularity of its Nook devices once again helped drive up sales at Barnes & Noble. The company reported that total sales for the third quarter increased 5% to $2.4 billion from $2.3 billion for the same period last year. Barnes & Noble store sales increased 2% from $1.46 billion to $1.49 billion. Comparable-store sales increased 2.8%, on top of a 7.3% increase a year ago.  Retail core comparable-store sales, which exclude sales of devices, accessories and warranties, increased 4.2% over last year.

FORT WORTH, Texas — RadioShack reported a fourth-quarter sales increase, thanks to the rollout of Target Mobile centers, but profits were down.

Total net sales and operating revenues from continuing operations for the 2011 fourth quarter increased 5.9% to $1.39 billion, compared with $1.31 billion for the 2010 fourth quarter. Net income for the 2011 fourth quarter was $11.9 million, or 12 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $57 million, or 51 cents per diluted share, for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2010.

CINCINNATI — Macy's continues to see improved financial performance, reporting fourth-quarter sales and earnings today that exceeded management’s expectations.

The company reported fourth-quarter earnings per diluted share of $1.74, compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.59 for the fourth quarter of 2010. Sales for the quarter increased 5.5% to $8.7 billion from $8.3 billion last year. Same-store sales for the quarter increased 5.2%.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s fiscal fourth-quarter profit dropped 4.2%  on higher costs, but its U.S. business continued to draw in more shoppers.

Net income was $5.16 billion in the three months ended Jan. 31, compared with $6.05 billion in the year ago period. Net sales, excluding membership fees from its Sam's Club division, rose 5.8% to $122.3 billion.

New York City -- Saks Inc. fourth-quarter net income climbed 48% amid strong sales of handbags, fine jewelry and men's and women's apparel. The earnings topped expectations.

For the period ended Jan. 28, Saks earned $37 million, compared with $25 million last year. Quarterly revenue rose 7% to $925.1 million from $866.3 million, beating Wall Street's $918.9 million estimate.

Same-store sales were up 7.7%.