Sales & Marketing

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart President and CEO Mike Duke introduced First Lady Michelle Obama at the Business Roundtable Wednesday with the following remarks:

"We are pleased to be joined by our guest today, First Lady Michelle Obama.  Mrs. Obama speaks movingly about the service, strength, and sacrifice of our current generation of troops, veterans, and military families.  It is a personal privilege to share some of her work and to start our discussion around creating opportunity for this new group of heroes.

By Theresa Wabler, [email protected]

As retailers and manufacturers settle into the reality of the “new normal” of shoppers who  will continue their frugal consumption habits amidst recession or not, it’s crucial to employ promotional tactics that generate significant, lasting value, not just a flash in the pan. As marketers consider their options, one tried and true promotional tactic should be included to yield definite results: rebates.

NEW YORK — Macy's has announced Teen Vogue as the latest fashion-forward collection to launch exclusively in Macy's Mstylelab department. Aimed at the most discerning teenage fashionistas, Teen Vogue will bring Macy's customers the latest trends from the combined fashion eye of Macy's and "Teen Vogue." The collection will be available in approximately 150 Macy's stores nationwide and on macys.com this March. 

Pittsburgh -- Dick’s Sporting Goods will debut its Field & Stream concept this fall, opening the first store in Cranberry Township, Pa.

Named for the iconic brand that for more than 140 years has been synonymous with outdoor experiences, the Field & Stream store will carry outdoor equipment, accessories and services in hunting, fishing, archery, camping and more, and provide an array of related in-store services.

IRVING, Texas — Michaels Stores reported that net sales for the fourth quarter increased 8.5% to $1.5 billion from $1.4 billion for the same period last year. Quarterly same-store sales increased 1.7% driven by a 2.3% increase in average ticket and a 0.6% decrease in transactions. 

The company reported that operating income increased 13.7% to $266 million, and as a percent of net sales increased 80 basis points to 17.5%. Net income increased to $112 million, and as a percent of net sales, increased 40 basis points to 7.3%.

Houston -- Brixmor Property Group said that Petco will open a new 12,150-sq.-ft. store at Merchants Park, in Houston.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Merchants Park.

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Ulta Beauty has named Scott Settersten CFO and assistant secretary, effective immediately. Settersten will report to Dennis Eck, interim CEO.

Settersten has been acting CFO and assistant secretary since October 2012. He previously served as VP accounting since 2010 and was responsible for accounting, tax and external reporting. In that role, he also oversaw investor relations and worked closely with the audit committee and board of directors. He joined Ulta Beauty in January 2005 as director of financial reporting.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic reported net income in the fourth quarter ended February 2, 2013, of $12.1 million, up from $9.0 million in the year-ago period.

Total sales for the fourth quarter increased 11.0% to $233.0 million, compared to $209.9 million last year. Total same-store sales increased 2.6%. (Due to the 53rd week in fiscal 2012, fourth quarter comparable sales are compared to the corresponding 14 week period ended February 4, 2012.)