Sales & Marketing

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Columbus, Ohio -- Express Inc. soared in the second quarter as its profit tripled amid increased sales and profit margins and reduced promotional activity.

The retailer on Wednesday reported better-than-expected sales and profit for the second quarter. It also raised its full year outlook.

Express’ net income totaled $21 million, compared to $6.9 million, boosted by gross profit resulting from cost of sales growth that was significantly behind the rate of net sales growth.

As it awaits regulatory approval of its acquisition of Office Depot, Staples Inc. is focused on making its stores appealing to students with tech items on their back-to-school lists.

The retailer is offering exclusive student savings with a valid college student I.D. or verifiable .edu email address for online orders.

New York – Macy’s is getting more personal with its customers.

New York -- Technology-related spending by chief marketing officers (CMOs) is on the rise.

According to a study from Foundation Capital, technology spend by CMOs will increase 10 fold in 10 years, growing from $12 billion to $120 billion.
 

Seattle – Tully’s Coffee is reveling in a new mobile POS capability.

More precisely, Tully’s has selected Revel's iPad POS systems to be deployed across 46 corporate stores located in the western U.S.

The lightweight Revel hardware decreases the amount of counter space used, connects to the cloud and seamlessly integrates with Tully's current Synergy loyalty platform. Tully’s can also track inventory, manage payroll and provide analytics in real time.

Altoona, Pa. -- Family-owned convenience store chain Sheetz is partnering with First Bankcard to offer its first private label credit card, the Sheetz Personal Credit Card.

First Bankcard is a division of First National Bank of Omaha and a leading issuer of credit cards.

The card is designed to be used exclusively at Sheetz stores and offers customers’ automatic savings at the chain’s fuel pumps, as well the ability to earn points on every qualifying purchase in its stores.

Livonia, Mich. -- Pet Supplies Plus is looking to capitalize on the $58 billion pet industry.

The company, the nation’s largest pet retail franchise, announced that, so far this year, it has 19 new locations in the pipeline. Newly signed agreements will bring the neighborhood pet stores to new and underserved markets including Nashville, Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville and Denver.