Sales & Marketing

The CEO of Citi Trends says well-managed inventories and improved merchandising helped the company deliver strong sales growth in the second quarter.

Kearney, Neb. — The Buckle Inc. beat Wall Street expectations for profit in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The retailer achieved this feat even as net income slipped 4% to $23.5 million from $24.1 million.

Growth in cost of sales and selling expenses cut The Buckle’s profit. Net sales increased 0.1% to $236.1 million from $235.7 million. Same-store sales decreased 1.7%. In one bright note, online sales increased 17% to $20.1 million from $17.1 million.

The CEO of Whole Foods says that despite the company's recent bad publicity and sales growth struggles, the retailer plans to stay the course of "conscious capitalism."

Houston — Stage Stores Inc. plans to close 90 underperforming stores, representing 4% of total sales, after a disappointing second quarter that missed Wall Street expectations for profit and revenue. The retailer expects the closures to enhance its capital efficiency, deliver higher productivity and be accretive to earnings.

The 90 closings include 27 stores expected to be shut down during fiscal 2015. Stage also plans to open three new stores during the fiscal year.

Sam’s Club is taking its efforts to woo small business customers to social media.

The retailer is launching #SmallBizHelp, an interactive social media campaign that offers expert advice on starting and running a business.

Stamford, Conn. — Even with the increasing influence of digital technology on retail habits, the in-store experience is important in all major purchase decisions, according to a new survey. The new Fourth Annual Major Consumer Purchase Study from Synchrony Financial shows that an overwhelming majority of shoppers buy in person.

At the same time, shoppers continue to carefully research major purchases of $500 or more, including financing options. While 80% of major purchase customers start with online research, most finish the deal inside a store.

Just in time for football season, Foot Locker has launched a new video campaign starring two of the best receivers for the New York Giants.

The New York-based specialty athletic retailer has unveiled "Thoughts," a new commercial starring New York Giants wide receivers Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham, Jr., highlighting the brand's back-to-school campaign.

Hoffman Estate, Ill. — A one-time gain of $2.7 billion from the creation of its publicly-traded Seritage Growth Properties real estate investment trust (REIT) pushed Sears Holdings Corp, into the black for the first time since 2012. Sears reported net income of $208 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to a net loss of $573 million the same period the prior fiscal year.