Supply Chain & Merchandising

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Dillard's posted an impressive 97% increase in earnings per share for its second quarter ended July 28. Net income for the quarter was $31 million, or 63 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $17.6 million, or 32 cents per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Net sales for the quarter were $1.5 billion compared with net sales for the prior year period of $1.442 billion. Sales in comparable stores increased 3%.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Third-quarter sales for Stater Bros. rose more than $10 million during the period ended June 24, the retailer said Tuesday.

Third-quarter sales increased 1.14% to $949.8 million, compared with $939 million in third quarter 2011. Same-store sales also rose 1.14% during the third quarter. For the 39-week period ended June 24, sales rose 3.51% to $2.8 billion, compared with $96.7 million in the year-ago period. Same-stores sales for the 39-week period also rose 3.51%.

Cincinnati -- Macy's reported a nearly 16% increase in net income for its second quarter as the chain benefited from cost controls and its ongoing strategy of tailoring its fashions to local markets. The company said it was raising its full-year profit forecast.

Macy's net income rose to $279 million for the three-month period ended July 28, up from $241 million in the year-ago period.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is responding to changing trends affecting the "back-to-school" experience with a number initiatives designed to meet the needs of its consumers.

According to Kmart, more public schools are requiring uniforms and others are now adopting a year-round school calendar. In response, Kmart has adjusted its approach to back-to-school by increasing the number of stores that sell uniforms and aligning its back-to-school sales periods by region to match that of the local school districts.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark’s solid second-quarter performance and outlook has prompted the company to raise yet narrow its guidance for the year. CVS Caremark now expects to deliver adjusted earnings per share of $3.32 to $3.38 for the full year 2012, up from its previous guidance of $3.23 to $3.33.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — The Hillshire Brands Company announced that Sean Reid will become chief customer officer, effective Aug. 20. Reid will lead the external selling organization and build sustainable strategic relationships and strategies across all consumer-facing channels including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Costco and development networks. He will report to Sean Connolly, CEO.

SEATTLE — Amazon.com boosted its college services with the launch of Amazon Textbook Rental. The service enables students to rent books by the semester and save up to 70% off on the price. Orders more than $25 are eligible for free shipping and can be returned for free with a prepaid, printable label. Amazon Prime members can take advantage of free two-day shipping on all orders.

By Merrick Theobald, [email protected]