Sales & Marketing

A disruptive retail climate and underperforming categories took their toll on HSN during the fourth quarter.   HSN’s net income was $43.5 million for the quarter, or 82 cents per share, ended December 31, 2016, compared to $59.7 million for the same period last year. This exceeded analysts’ estimates of 74 cents per share.  

Retailers shouldn’t expect consumer tax refunds to equate into a sales boom anytime soon.   A record low number of Americans will spend their tax returns this year, while the second-highest number on record will put the money into savings, according to the annual tax return survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The study, which is based on responses from 7,609 consumers, was conducted Feb. 1 - Feb. 8.  

It’s a record that most retailers are envious of, particularly in today’s competitive and disrupted marketplace.    TJX Cos. on Wednesday posted its 21st consecutive year of same-store sales increases, as well as better-than-expected income and revenue results for its fourth quarter. The off-price retailer also raised its quarterly dividend and announced a share repurchase program.  

Better control over pricing and inventory helped boost Havertys fourth quarter earnings, beating analyst expectations.   Net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, increased 2.2% to $220.6 million, compared to analyst expectations of $220.61 million.   Same-store sales rose 2.5%, and the average written ticket was up 2.6%, while custom upholstery written business rose 1.9%.  

The Limited is in line to get a new lease on life.    Sycamore Partners has won the auction for the e-commerce business and intellectual property of the bankrupt women's apparel retailer with a bid of $26.8 million, according to Reuters.   

Walmart’s house brands are getting a new audience — millennials.   Jet.com, which caters to the cost-conscious Gen Y segment, has started offering private label brands — Great Value, Equate and Sam’s Choice — from its parent company, Walmart, according to Bloomberg.   

Lowe’s is the latest retailer making job cuts.   The home improvement retailer has laid off more than 500 full-time corporate employees company-wide — its latest effort to streamline the company and boost profitability, the Charlotte Observer reported.    

GNC Holdings plans to drive customer engagement by rewarding individual customers with targeted incentives.