Retail

Plano, Texas – Rent-A-Center Inc. reported declining net earnings for first quarter 2014, even as revenues slightly grew. The company said it plans to optimize its U.S. store footprint by consolidating about 150 stores into existing stores by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2014.

Net earnings fell 37% to $28.9 million from $46.1 million, while total revenues increased 1.8% to $833.7 million from $819.3 million. Same-store sales dropped 0.8%.

New York -- E-commerce company Birchbox, which provides subscribers with monthly boxes of personalized beauty products for a monthly fee, has launched managed fulfillment operations and small parcel management with third party logistics provider OHL. The new fulfillment center is located in Mount Juliet, Tenn., providing a more centralized location and faster transit times for Birchbox customers across the U.S.

New York – Nine basic attack patterns that vary from industry to industry are the source of 92% of the 100,000 security incidents analyzed by Verizon since 2004.

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- These days, virtually everyone is a cross-channel shopper: 95% of consumers frequently or occasionally shop a retailer's website and store, according to a recent survey by CFI Group that was sponsored by eBay Enterprise.

The study, “Omni-Channel Insights,” reveals that consumers expect exceptional service, while having the convenience of seamless in-store and online shopping.

Atlanta - Arby's Restaurant Group Inc. (ARG), franchisor of Arby’s, has signed development agreements with new and existing franchisees. ARG recently sold 14 company-operated restaurants in Tampa, Fla., to Mosaic Investments Inc., a fully integrated investment firm based in Atlanta. In addition to remodeling existing locations slated to commence at the end of 2014, Mosaic has committed to build 13 new Arby's restaurants in the Tampa area during the next nine years.

San Jose, Calif. -- Pier 1 Imports is facing criticism this week for its policies regarding leave for pregnant workers. Nearly 50,000 people have signed a petition from anti-sexism group UltraViolet to demand Pier 1 stop what the petition says is discrimination against pregnant workers.

New York – Barney’s New York has released its iPad app. Created in partnership with mobile development and design firm Fueled, the app will allow users to experience the shopping functionality found on Barneys.com seamlessly integrated with relevant and exclusive content, providing background and insight into purchases.

Austin, Texas - RetailMeNot, Inc. has reached a strategic partnership agreement with General Growth Properties Inc. (GGP), a real estate investment trust focused exclusively on owning, managing, leasing and developing retail properties throughout the U.S. RetailMeNot will be the preferred digital coupon provider across GGP malls.