Sales & Marketing

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. -- Though Dollar General's fourth-quarter sales growth came in at slightly below analysts' expectations, the company is still considered a good investment.

New York City -- Dollar General Corp. reported Tuesday that its fourth quarter profit more than doubled over last year, boosted by increasing sales and traffic. The discounter generated a higher-than-expected profit of $222.5 million for the quarter ended Jan. 28, up from $87.2 million in the year-ago period. The company also gave a full-year forecast that topped analysts’ estimates.

Sales increased 9.4% to $3.49 billion, and same-store sales rose 3.8%.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal announced Monday that it has hired Ken Seipel as president and COO, effective March 28.

Seipel will report to CEO Susan P. McGalla.

Seipel was previously president and chief merchandise/marketing officer of Pamida Discount Stores LLC, a regional general merchandise discount retailer. Prior to that, he was executive VP of stores, operations and store design for the Old Navy division of Gap.

BOSTON — Beers that were highlighted in Samuel Adams' annual homebrew contest last year now are available in a six-pack.

The company said that the 2011 Samuel Adams LongShot American Homebrew Contest - Category 23 Variety six-pack has hit store shelves. The variety pack includes two bottles each of Richard Roper's Friar Hop Ale, Rodney Kibzey's Blackened Hops, and Caitlin DeClercq's Honey B's Lavender Wheat, which all were named winners in Samuel Adams LongShot American Homebrew Contest in 2010.

New York City -- ACI Worldwide, an international provider of payment systems, announced that it has acquired ISD Corp. to broaden the functionality of its payments solutions for retailers. ISD is a provider of secure payment management software and solutions for retailers in the United States and Canada.

With the addition of 140 customers from ISD, ACI now has more than 220 retailers worldwide running ACI payment systems.

CHICAGO -- Wrigley's announced that is offering fans of its Extra sugar-free gum product the chance to create and purchase personalized packs featuring their photos and designs via the company's first-ever custom-packaging offer, MyExtra.  Consumers can visit www.MyExtraGum.com and upload photos and messages to celebrate and remember a variety of occasions such as weddings, baby showers, birthdays and vacations.

New York City -- Tiffany & Co. said fourth-quarter earnings rose 29% as net sales jumped 12% to $1.1 billion. The company earned $181.2 million in the quarter compared with $140.4 million in the year-ago period. The latest quarter includes from the pending relocation of Tiffany's New York headquarters staff.

For the full year, worldwide net sales increased 14% to $3.1 billion. Net earnings from continuing operations rose 39% to $368.4 million.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has made a $500,000 donation to Save the Children to assist with Japan’s earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

“When disaster strikes, Target listens and acts quickly to provide meaningful support to people in need,” said Gregg Steinhafel, Chairman, President and CEO, Target. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquake and tsunami and we hope our donation will aid in the country’s recovery.”