Sales & Marketing

Ahold Delhaize’s Food Lion and Hannaford U.S. supermarkets had both strong fiscal fourth quarters and for fiscal 2016, the company stated in an earnings report. Volume growth was particularly strong, more than offsetting the impact of inflation on sales.   Underlying operating margins improved, driven by the “Easy, Fresh & Affordable” strategic initiative and synergies, said Ahold Delhaize.  

Costco Wholesale Corp.’s second quarter profit took a hit amid higher costs. And for the first time since 2011, the retailer is raising the cost of entry into its stores.   As of June 1, Costco’s annual fee for individual and business members will increase by $5.00, to $60. The executive membership fee will go up $10, to $120.    Costco’s net income for the quarter, ended Feb. 12, fell 5.7% to $515 million, or $1.17 per share, below Wall Street expectations.  

While many retailers struggle to find the best mobile marketing formula, Urban Outfitters is bucking the trend — big time.   Through a partnership with Appboy and PlaceIQ, the specialty retailer is using consumer behavior, location data and insights to more smartly deliver consumer messages within its brand-owned app. Armed with this data, Urban Outfitters has boosted customer conversions by 75% and increased related revenue by 146%, the chain said.  

Abercrombie’s efforts to revive its namesake brand still have a ways to go judging by its fourth quarter performance. But Hollister is on the upswing.    Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s total revenue in the quarter, ended Jan. 28, fell 7% to $1.04 billion, slightly below expectations.   

With its busy spring selling season about to commence, The Home Depot wants to make its hiring process as easy as possible.   By creating a shorter digital application and mobile-optimized “Careers” site, the home improvement chain has shortened its online application process to 15 minutes, a move that speeds up the task by as much as 80%, the company said.   

Hilton Hotels will break ground later this month on a new Tru by Hilton location at Streets of St. Charles, a Cullinan-owned, mixed-use property in the historic Mississippi River town north of St. Louis.   “Since its inception, Streets of St. Charles has been envisioned and developed around the idea of creating a community where there is something for everyone and all would feel welcome to gather and share experiences,” said Cullinan VP and Director of Leasing Kathleen Brill.  

Meet the winners of Chain Store Age’s annual Breakout Retailer Awards at SPECS/2017.    The awards, sponsored by Paint Folks, honors innovative retail and restaurant brands that have crossed the “newbie” line and are well positioned for growth in the coming years.   Here’s a look at the winners, who will discuss their concepts at a panel discussion on Tuesday, March 14, at SPECS:  

The Kroger Co. has broken its impressive record of 52 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth.    The supermarket giant on Thursday posted an unexpected decline in fourth-quarter same-store sales on Thursday amid ongoing food price deflation and increased competition.   Kroger’s net income fell to $506 million, or 53 cents per share, for the quarter ended Jan. 28, in line with estimates, and down from $559 million, or 57 cents per share, a year earlier.