Sales & Marketing

Memphis -- AuzoZone’s earnings rose a better-than-expected 7.4% to $285.2 million for the third quarter, up from $265.6 million in the year ago period, helped by demand for new parts.
 
Revenue rose 6.2%  to $2.34 billion. Domestic same store sales rose 4% in the quarter.

During the quarter, AutoZone opened 30 new stores in the United States and seven new locations in Mexico. As of May 10, the company had a total of 5,279 stores, including 4,901 domestically and 374 in Mexico.

Just four months after launching a major ad campaign, Staples named Frank Bifulco to the role of EVP of marketing where he will drive the brand’s ongoing repositioning.

I indulged in a shopping center grand opening on May 22 – and I’m glad I did.

Themed “Indulge,” the opening event marked the official unveiling of the nation’s first truly downtown outlet center, Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, located in the heart of New Orleans, and built by West Coast developer Howard Hughes Corp.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples has named a veteran marketing executive, Frank Bifulco, as executive VP marketing, effective June 23. Bifulco previously served as chief marketing officer at Home Depot.

In the newly created role, Bifulco will lead marketing across Staples. He will report to Ron Sargent, chairman and CEO, and will be a member of the company’s executive committee.

The technology-driven innovation spree occurring in the retail industry offers merchants, marketers and operators unprecedented shopper insights capabilities — and a host of new opportunities.

Omaha, Neb. - Omaha Steaks today announced the launch of a newly created customer loyalty program, Omaha Steaks Steaklover Rewards. This new loyalty program is designed to reward customers through a points-based program, where they can earn points by purchasing products, in addition to non-transactional engagements like referrals and social sharing.

The smart shopping brand and magazine All You from Time Inc., doubled its Facebook community during the past year and recently surpassed one million fans.

Target will test same-day delivery in three markets as the online shipping war among retailers continues to gain momentum. Target will launch a $10 rush delivery pilot in June in the Minneapolis, Boston and Miami markets, offering guests the ability to order as late as 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon and receive a delivery of qualifying items between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, the company stated in its recent quarterly call with analysts.