Sales & Marketing

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Consumer Electronics Association has issued praise for the U.S. Congress for introducing legislation to establish sales tax fairness.

IRVING, Texas — Michaels Stores has named Chuck Rubin CEO and a member of the board of directors.  Rubin, currently the president and CEO of Ulta Beauty, will assume his new roles after a brief period of transition, at which time Michaels will discontinue the office of the CEO, established on an interim basis in May 2012.  Charles Sonsteby, a member of the office of the CEO, will continue as the company's chief administrative officer and CFO.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market Inc. reported that its first-quarter net income rose 24% to $146 million, exceeding expectations, on stronger revenue. But the grocer narrowed its revenue forecast and said its earnings growth may slow through the remainder of the year amid higher store-opening costs and plans to increase its selection of lower-priced products.

Total sales increased nearly 14% to $3.86 billion for the 16-week period that ended Jan. 20. Same-store sales were up 7.2% for the quarter.

In the food industry’s largest ever acquisition, the H.J. Heinz Company has agreed to be acquired by an investment consortium of Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital.

Heinz shareholders will receive $72.50 a share in cash, a 20% premium to the prior day’s closing price of $60.48, which was at an all time high.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Belk has named Dorlisa Flur to the newly created position of EVP omni-channel, reporting to John Belk, president and chief operating officer.

Flur joins Belk after eight years at Family Dollar Stores, most recently as vice chair, strategy and chief administrative officer. Prior roles included chief merchandising officer and the EVP strategy and marketing. Prior to Family Dollar Stores, Flur spent her professional career at management consulting firm McKinsey and Company.

Check out the video of The Little Bookworm, Chongqing, China, which uses a colorful design (by Pompei A.D.) to engage and entertain shoppers.

 Click here.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market reported that its first-quarter net income rose 24% to $146 million, exceeding expectations, on stronger revenue. But the grocer narrowed its revenue forecast and said its earnings growth may slow through the remainder of the year amid higher store-opening costs and plans to increase its selection of lower-priced products.

Total sales increased nearly 14% to $3.86 billion for the 16-week period that ended Jan. 20. Same-store sales were up 7.2% for the quarter.