Retail

Digital BrandWorks has introduced a new diagnostic tool that lets product suppliers grade the representation of their products online and then develop strategies to optimize their presence.

J.C. Penney scored its first positive quarterly sales result since 2011, reporting a same-store sales increase of 2% in the fourth quarter, which included the holiday season.

Sport Chalet’s digital strategy paid off in the third quarter ended Dec. 29, which saw online sales surge 22% from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

The company reported net income for the quarter of $1.5 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the third quarter of last year.

Sears Holdings has named Norman Miller as SVP and president, automotive. Miller most recently served as president and COO of Dollar Financial Corp. In his new role with Sears Holdings, he will be responsible for the company's automotive business, including Sears Auto Centers.

Whole Foods Market has acquired leases from Safeway for seven locations formerly operated as Dominick's stores. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

On the heels of a healthy yet modest holiday shopping season, cautious consumers aren’t quite ready to splurge on Valentine’s Day this year, continuing to keep their budgets in check.

Amazon did a bit of Valentine’s Day data mining of sales of romance novels and sexy music to come up with its fifth annual list of the nation’s top 20 romantic cities. And people are worried about the NSA’s activities?

The Wet Seal board member Mindy C. Meads has resigned her spot to focus on her new role as CEO of Calypso St. Barth.

“Mindy has been a valued member of the board of directors and we wish her well in her future endeavors with Calypso St. Barth. Mindy’s leadership as chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and her general contributions to the board were a value to the company and its shareholders,” said Lynda Davey, non-executive chairperson.