Supply Chain & Merchandising

American Eagle Outfitters reported better-than-expected revenue for the fourth quarter, as an improved assortment and fewer discounts drove sales.

The teen apparel retailer said it earned $61.6 million, or 32 cents a share, in the fourth quarter, up from $10.5 million, or 5 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue grew 3% to $1.07 billion. Same store sales, which includes online sales, were flat, but they beat management forecasts.

Sunbury, Pa. – Decreasing pretax income helped reduce net income at Weis Markets Inc. 12% to $13.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 from $15.7 million in the year-ago period. Net sales rose 4% to $713.8 million from $686.4 million, while same-store sales increased 3.5%.

The company attributed its sales increases to its pricing programs, which were fully implemented in the first quarter. Its results also benefited from strong sales increases in pharmacy, HBC and its fresh departments.

Troubled retailer Abercrombie & Fitch continued to be out of favor with its teen target market in the fourth quarter, with declines in both income and sales. 

Looking ahead, the company said its priorities include increasing comparable sales trends in both its U.S. and international stores, making strategic investments in its omnichannel business, ongoing expense reductions, and selective expansion in high-growth international markets.

Pittsburgh – American Eagle Outfitters Inc. soared past Wall Street expectations in the fourth quarter, helped by reduced promotions and discounts and the elimination of asset impairments. The teen retailer on Wednesday posted better-than-expected fourth quarter results and issued an upbeat outlook for the first quarter, projecting earnings of $0.09 to $0.12 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $0.07 per share.

By Steve Weber, nChannel

Shopping cart abandonment is a problem that costs retailers nearly $20 billion each year, according to a study by SurePayroll. If you’re putting effort into attracting customers and enticing them with products they’d like to buy, only to have them stop short of the finish line, you’re leaving money and opportunities for repeat business on the table.

The new owner of Shoes.com is not wasting any time in its quest to compete in a market dominated by Amazon and Foot Locker.

Shoeme, the parent company of OnlineShoes.com and Shoeme.ca, has formally re-launched Shoes.com after buying the website in December with a refreshed design and expanded product offering, now with more than 450 brands.

Improved customer service programs and a better store experience helped regional grocery chain Weis Markets post a jump in same store sales for the fourth quarter.

The Sunbury, Pa.-based food retailer reported that its fourth quarter same store sales increased 3.5%, while its net sales increased 4% to $713.8 million. During the 13-week period ending Dec. 27, the company's earnings per share totaled 51 cents compared to 59 cents for the same period in 2013. The company's fourth quarter net income declined 11.6% to $13.9 million.

Springfield, N.J. – The impact of two replacement stores and a same-store sales increase of 2.5% helped boost net income at Village Super Market Inc. 146% to $6.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, from $2.8 million in the same quarter a year earlier. Sales rose 5% to $411.2 million, from $392.24 million.

Village Super Market expects same store sales in fiscal 2015 to range from a 1.5% to 2.5% increase.