Sales & Marketing

Abercrombie & Fitch on Thursday posted a much smaller than expected second quarter loss and better than expected sales amid strong demand for its Hollister brand.    The company reported a net loss of $15.5 million, or $.23 per share, for the quarter ended July 29, compared to $13.1 million, or $.19 per share last year. Excluding certain one-time items, Abercrombie posted a net loss of $11.0 million, or $.16 per share, compared to $16.8 million last year. Analysts on average had expected a loss of $.33.  

Mod Super Fast Pizza Holdings has named its first chief marketing officer.   The Seattle-based company has appointed Tracy Cioffi as chief marketing officer, effective immediately. She will lead the fast-casual restaurant chain's global marketing strategy.  

An 11-year veteran of Canadian department store giant HBC is stepping down.    HBC, whose banners include Hudson's Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Lord & Taylor, announced that Don Watros, president of HBC International, has made the decision to leave, effective September 29, 2017. The company did not name a successor.   

Dollar Tree turned in a strong quarterly performance that blew past profit and sales forecasts as consumers' love affair with dollar stores shows no signs of abating.    Net income rose to $233.8 million, or 98 cents per share, in the second quarter ended July 29, from $170.2 million, or 72 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Excluding items, Dollar Tree earned 99 cents per share, beating the analysts' estimate of 87 cents per share.  

As much as Sears deserves credit for the various actions it has been taking to shore up the company, there is no denying that this (Sears second quarter financials) is a miserable set of numbers. Indeed, the precipitous drop in comparable sales and the continued lack of progress on profit suggests the company isn't moving far or fast enough to ensure its long-term survival.  

On Sept. 11, Minsok Pak will step into the role of executive VP, chief strategy and innovation officer, for Target Corp.    In the Q&A below, posted on Target's website, the retailer spoke with Pak about his past work with consumer brands, and the challenges facing retail today.   

J.Crew Group named an internal associate as CFO as the retailer continues to struggle to turn around its namesake brand.   The retailer announced that Vincent Zanna, previously senior VP of finance and treasurer, has been promoted to CFO and treasurer, effective immediately. He will continue to report to Michael Nicholson, who was previously CFO and COO, and now serves as president and COO.    

Target Corp. has tapped a McKinsey & Company veteran to head up its innovation efforts.    The retailer appointed Minsok Pak as executive VP, chief strategy and innovation officer. He replaces Casey Carl, who left the company in May.