Supply Chain & Merchandising

NEW YORK — Further proof that the sluggish economy is affecting higher-income households much less than lower-income households can be found in the quarterly profits of Dillard's and Nordstrom's, which both reported earnings this week.

Dillard’s Inc. reported Friday that profit for the quarter ended Oct. 29 soared a record 85% to $26.6 million, compared with $14.4 million in the year-ago period. Strong comps and contained expenses propelled the strong performance.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation announced that it has urged the Senate to approve legislation that would help create jobs by making it quicker for citizens of Brazil, China and India to obtain visas needed to travel to the United States on business or to shop in U.S. stores.

Little Rock, Ark. -- Dillard’s Inc. reported Friday that profit for the quarter ended Oct. 29 soared a record 85% to $26.6 million, compared with $14.4 million in the year-ago period. Strong comps and contained expenses propelled the strong performance.

Revenue rose to $1.38 billion, from $1.34 billion, beating Wall Street’s expected $1.36 billion in sales. Same-store sales increased 5%.

Medford, Ore. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers announced the construction of Northgate Marketplace, an 80,900-sq.-ft. neighborhood center anchored by new-to-the-market anchors REI and Trader Joe’s. 

The grocery-anchored center is located in the regional retail hub of Medford, Ore. In partnership with Northgate, Regency Centers is developing the first phase of its first shopping center in Medford which will create more than 250 permanent jobs.

WASHINGTON — Pamela Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Kaleda as VP industry affairs, operational effectiveness.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Body Central Corp., which operates under the Body Central and Body Shop banners, reported Friday that net income for the third quarter more than doubled to $2.8 million, from $1.3 million a year earlier.

Total revenue rose 18% to $67.1 million, compared with $56.9 million a year ago. Results were boosted by a 21.2% increase in store sales. Same-store sales rose 8.2%.

The company opened five new stores during the third quarter and is on track to open 33 new stores in 2011.
 

Charlotte, N.C. -- Atlanta-based Jones Lang LaSalle announced that USA Grande Promenade Management chose the firm to lease and manage Grande Promenade, a 202,000-sq.-ft., multi-level, mixed-use property in Charlotte, N.C.

The new assignment brings Jones Lang LaSalle’s retail portfolio in North Carolina to nearly 1.4 million sq. ft. of space.

ST. LOUIS — Ralcorp Holdings announced that Terence Block will serve as president and COO of Post Holdings Inc., effective January 1, 2012 . Block will also join the board of directors of Post Holdings following completion of the separation of the Ralcorp and Post cereal business.