Retail

Deerfield, Ill. — Walgreens has announced several updates to its mobile app, most notably the ability to print from Instagram, as well as upload more than five pictures simultaneously for in-store prints. The updates apply to iPhones and Android devices.

Amarillo, Texas — Hastings Entertainment reported that net income was approximately $1.2 million, or 15 cents per diluted share, for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31, compared with a net loss of approximately $8.4 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Net loss was approximately $9.3 million, or $1.14 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, compared with a net loss of $17.6 million, or $2.05 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2012.

Dallas -- The 49th annual SPECS conference officially kicked off on Monday morning at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas with two kinds of inspiration: Greg Buzek, present of IHL Consulting Group, introduced the Retail Orphan Initiative, and U.S. Navy Seal Scott Taylor presented Afterburner Black Ops, challenging the audience of retailers in design, construction, facilities, store planning and development to use Seal techniques to run their organizations.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said Monday that it will open 17 southwestern Ontario, Canada store on March 19 and another four on March 28, on the heels of three successful pilot-store launches in the area.

The added slate of openings, said Target, will allow the retailer more opportunity to volume-test in advance of April grand opening dates.

Charlotte, N.C. — Harris Teeter Together in Education (TIE) on Monday donated more than $385,000 to participating TIE schools during the second of three payouts of the 2012/2013 school year, raising the program total to $18.7 million since 1998.

By Krisha Brooks, VP engineering services, GMR

Whether the facility is a restaurant or retail storefront, owners and managers can agree sufficient lighting plays a key role in exterior facility safety. On a superficial level, lighting plays a significant role in presenting a warm and inviting storefront for customers. However, from a personnel, customer and branding standpoint, having adequate lighting in place that is regularly maintained, inspected and positioned makes an important difference towards alleviating safety and liability concerns.

Edwin Watts Golf replaces aging legacy systems with ERP option

Edwin Watts Golf has grown significantly during the past several years, expanding its store portfolio and direct mail and Internet businesses as well. With growth came an increased complexity that taxed the capabilities of its aging legacy systems, which did not provide visibility across channels and among stores. The retailer decided it was time to invest in a new solution due to the age and fragmentation of its existing systems.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports reported that net income for its fiscal fourth quarter increased a better-than-expected 22.3% to $19.4 million, compared with $15.8 million for the same period last year.

Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 14% to $217.4 million from $190.7 million in the year ago period. Same-store sales increased 4.9%.

Looking ahead, in its current fiscal year, the company expects to open 65 to 70 new stores, expand approximately 18 high-performing stores and close 15 to 20 stores.