Technology

COLUMBUS, Ohio — DSW reported that its fourth quarter sales increased 15.7% to $594.3 million from $513.7 million for the same period last year. Comparable sales increased 3.6%.

The company reported that fourth quarter adjusted EPS rose to 69 cents per share, an increase of 35.3% per share.

Full year sales increased 11.5% to $2.3 billion, and comparable sales increase 5.5%.

Adjusted EPS for the year rose to $3.35 per share for the full year, up from $3.00 per share in 2011.

Profits outpaced sales growth at General Mills during the third quarter ended February 24 and the company vowed to launch a promising slate of new products and increase store support during the current quarter.

San Francisco — Williams-Sonoma reported that fourth-quarter earnings per share grew 15% to $1.34 and that quarterly revenue grew to $1.406 billion versus $1.268 billion in 2011, with comparable brand revenue growth of 4%.

Fiscal 2012 earnings per share grew 14% to $2.54. Net revenues for the year grew to $4.043 billion versus $3.721 billion in fiscal year ended January 29, 2012 with comparable brand revenue growth of 6.1%.

New York — The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index remained steady in February primarily as a decline in initial unemployment claims and a rise in real average hourly earnings offset negative forces.

Atlanta -- Global Franchise Group announced Tuesday a master franchise agreement with Western Brands PVT for the opening of the first Marble Slab Creamery locations in the country of Pakistan.

The deal calls for the development of 10 Marble Slab Creamery stores in Pakistan over a 10-year period, with the 5,000 sq. ft. flagship store opening up in the major city of Lahore, Pakistan.

Marble Slab Creamery is managed by GFG Management, a subsidiary of Global Franchise Group.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Redbox, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coinstar, has named Kiera Hynninen as its SVP marketing and Pamela Smith as its SVP finance. Hynninen will report into Anne Saunders, president of Redbox, and will oversee the company's marketing efforts, including brand growth and a continued focus on strengthening consumer relationships. Smith will report into Galen Smith, incoming CFO of Coinstar, and will be responsible for managing financial planning and analysis, budgeting, financial strategy and deal support for the Redbox line of business.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Nike announced a strategic partnership with Swiss company Bluesign Technologies to accelerate the supply of more sustainable materials and chemistries for use in Nike products.

Orlando, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects said Tuesday it has been awarded contracts to design three Ale House restaurants — in Winter Park, Fla., Queens, N.Y., and the Philadelphia area.

The restaurants average 10,000 sq. ft. each.