Business Analytics

NEW YORK — The Jones Group Inc. returned to a profit in the first quarter, but sales were hampered by unseasonably cool weather. The company said net income for the three months ended April 6, after paying preferred dividends, totaled $500,000. That compares with a loss of $1.2 million in the year-ago period.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office products retailer Office Depot reported a worse-than-expected first quarter net loss of $17 million, compared with net earnings of $41 million a year earlier, hurt by lower sales and costs related to its pending merger with OfficeMax. The company also said it would hold a special meeting with investors to seek approval for the merger.   

By Michael W. Maynard,

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Monday by the Commerce Dept. said that March consumer spending in the U.S. advanced more than forecast – rising 0.2% after a 0.7% increase in February.

Washington, D.C. -- Applied Predictive Technologies said Monday that AutoZone has extended its relationship with APT to license APT’s Test & Learn Management System on a long-term basis.

AutoZone will continue implementing the Test & Learn Management System to assess strategic marketing, capital expenditure, merchandising, labor, and store operations initiatives.

Lodi, N.J. -- Charter Realty & Development said that Blink Fitness will open a 20,000-sq.-ft. facility in Lodi, N.J.

The fitness facility operator has grown to 13 locations in the New York Tri-State area, with another approximately 15 openings scheduled over the next 12 months.

Electrolux reported net sales decreased 2% to $25.3 million compared with the same period last year. On an organic basis, adjusted for acquisitions, divestments and changes in exchange rates, sales increased 3.8% compared with the same period last year.

New Britain, Conn.-based Stanley Black & Decker saw revenues grow, largely as the result of acquisitions.

The company reported first-quarter revenues of $2.49 billion, an increase of 3% over the prior-year period. Volume and currency each declined approximately 1%, while acquisitions added 4% to that total. 

Net earnings declined to $81.1 million for the quarter, compared with $121.8 million in the same quarter last year.