Retail

Nordstrom’s second quarter earnings were in line with its expectations. The results come two weeks after the company said it was acquiring Trunk Club, a men’s personalized clothing service, for $350 million.

Profit for the quarter remained flat compared to last year’s second quarter at $183 million. Net sales for the quarter were $3.3 billion, a 6.2% increase from $3.1 billion in the prior-year quarter. Comparable sales increased 3.3%.

Gainesville, Fla. -- Hip hotel brand Hotel Indigo has inked a deal to open a 120-room boutique property at mixed-use project Celebration Pointe, in Gainesville, Florida. The InterContinental Hotel Group’s banner will bring boutique style to a neighborhood that has garnered attention for its urban style, featuring a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, inspired architectural features and abundant green space.

In the alternative universe where Amazon resides, surging expenses that eat into the company’s profitability are viewed favorably. If Walmart were afforded the same treatment its stock would have surged after it was revealed increased labor, health care and e-commerce costs eroded second quarter profits.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Following Walgreens' announcement last week about taking the next step in acquiring Alliance Boots, Alex Gourlay, executive VP Walgreens Boots Alliance and president of Walgreens, announced a proposed operational organization structure in a letter to Walgreens employees.
 

Following Walgreens' announcement last week about taking the next step in acquiring Alliance Boots, Alex Gourlay, EVP Walgreens Boots Alliance and president of Walgreens, announced changes in the company's operational organization structure in a letter to Walgreens employees.
 

Singapore -- Two retail chains in Singapore, Cold Storage and Guardian, have selected the Pricer ESL (electronic shelf label) solution in their stores and the rollout is planned to be completed by the end of 2015. The two chains are under the umbrella of The Dairy Farm Group.

Cold Storage operates about 50 large supermarkets in Singapore while Guardian operates 150 pharmacy stores.

Advance Auto Parts demonstrated strength in its second quarter performance in one of the retail industry’s hottest sectors.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. - Paula A. Price, senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and former CFO of Ahold USA, has been named to the Dollar General board of directors effective Aug. 26. The election of Price to Dollar General’s board will bring the total number of directors to eight.