Sales & Marketing

Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon will provide an update on the company's U.S. business at the Morgan Stanley Retail and Restaurants Conference in Boston on Wednesday, May 23.

The presentation will be webcast live through links at Walmartstores.com/investors and a transcript will be available later in the week. The materials will be archived for one year on the company’s website.

New York -- Lowe’s reported net earnings of $527 million for the quarter ended May 4, a 14.3% increase over the same period a year ago.

Sales for the quarter increased 7.9% to $13.2 billion, from $12.2 billion in the first quarter of 2011.

Comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 2.6%, while comparable-store sales for the U.S. business increased 2.7%.

By Jon Cano, [email protected]

PORTLAND, Ore. and SEATTLE — Safeway has launched its Just for U online and mobile shopping tool in its Oregon and Washington divisions. Customers in these areas will now be able receive targeted savings to their Safeway Club card by signing up for free online at Safeway.com or accessing Just for U through the new Safeway Mobile App for iPhone or Android.

Neiman Marcus took full advantage of its Northern California locale in the design of its store in Walnut Creek, Calif. The interior finishes and materials draw from the rich colors of the surrounding landscape, and the space takes advantage of the famed California sunshine. The two-level store—the 42nd Neiman Marcus store to date—offers a fresh take on modern luxury shopping in a smaller format for the upscale retailer, featuring 85.870 sq. ft. of selling space. 

Woodbridge, Va. -- Indianapolis-based The Mills, a Simon Property Group company, said that Potomac Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in Virginia, will soon expand its footprint with the addition of an exterior transformation and two new restaurants: The Cheesecake Factory and Bobby’s Burger Palace.

The project also includes the relocation of Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and the introduction of Buybuy Baby and Christmas Tree Shops.

Las Vegas -- Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino said that five new stores will open at the center, and several tenants will unveil newly renovated spaces.

Garrett Popcorn will open this September in its first Las Vegas location; Jamba Juice has already opened its Miracle Mile Shops outlet, and blow-dry bar Dollheads will open this June. In November, GRATiAE will open a skin care products store.

New York -- Ann Inc.'s fiscal first-quarter net income increased a better-than-expected 5%, boosted by growing sales at its Loft division. The chain, which also operates Ann Taylor, said Friday that it earned $28.7 million in the three months through April 28, up from $27.3 million a year earlier.