Business Analytics

Pittsburgh -- GNC Holdings reported Wednesday that adjusted net income for the quarter ended March 31 surged 85% to $64.5 million, compared with $34.9 million a year earlier.

CEO Joe Fortunato attributed the results to double-digit retail same-store sales growth, a growth in proprietary new products and increased traffic.

Consolidated revenue for the quarter increased 23.4% to $624.3 million; same-store sales grew 15.8% in domestic company-owned stores (including GNC.com sales), and 18.4% in domestic franchise locations.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots has lowered its comparable-store guidance for its first quarter, and now expects them to be slightly negative compared with its prior guidance issued on March 2. The company's prior guidance estimated first-quarter comps would be up 2% to 4%.

New York -- Modell’s Sporting Goods announced that Daniel Sheehan joined the company as COO in April 2012. With over 27 years of management and information technology experience, Sheehan is responsible for store operations, distribution, loss prevention, e-commerce, information technology, visual merchandising and human resources.

For the third time in the past five months, Walmart chief merchandising and marketing officer Duncan Mac Naughton is representing Walmart at a major investor conference. Smart move considering expectations of further U.S. same-store sales acceleration has served as a catalyst for Walmart shares, which are trading near a 52-week high.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Regency Centers announced the addition of Dale Johnston as VP, chief information officer, charged with overseeing Regency’s information technology team nationwide and advancing the company’s technology platforms from its headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla.

Before joining Regency, Dale served as VP and chief information officer for neighborhood shopping center developer and owner Edens in Columbia, S.C. 
 

NEW YORK — A report released by Bloomberg showed that household confidence improved last week to match the highest level in four years. 

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index was minus 31.4 in the period ended April 15, compared with minus 32.8 over the previous seven days. The reading equaled that from two weeks earlier as the best since March 2008.

Despite the strong showing, the monthly expectations measure fell from a one-year high, showing ongoing concerns that too many Americans are still unemployed.

New York -- A report released Thursday by Bloomberg showed that household confidence improved last week to match the highest level in four years. 

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index was minus 31.4 in the period ended April 15, compared with minus 32.8 over the previous seven days. The reading equaled that from two weeks earlier as the best since March 2008.

Despite the strong showing, the monthly expectations measure fell from a one-year high, showing ongoing concerns that too many Americans are still unemployed.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has named Reuben Slone as SVP supply chain management, where he will have leadership responsibility for distribution, transportation, systems integration and engineering, Lean and Six Sigma supply chain initiatives and community outreach.

Slone will join Walgreens May 16 and will report to Walgreens president of community management Mark Wagner.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores’ efforts to reduce waste and boost recycling added $231 million to its bottom line last year, company CFO Charles Holley said at the chain’s 2012 Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting.

Other speakers at the event, which was web cast live, included Mike Duke, president and CEO, Walmart; Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Walmart International; and Bill Simon, president and CEO, Walmart U.S.
 

Washington, D.C.  -- The retail real estate sector posted positive net absorption, a stable vacancy, and a near-stabilization of rent for the first quarter of 2012, according to the latest research from CoStar Group.