Data & Analytics

First quarter sales at the leading online retailer surged 34% to $13.2 billion during the first quarter ended March 31, as the company continues to enjoy a huge competitive advantage by allowing customers to avoid paying sales tax.

Despite surging sales, net income at the company declined 35% to $130 million or 28 cents a share, compared with $201 million or 44 cents a share the prior years. Operating income also declined considerably, dropping to $192 million in the first quarter compared with $322 million in first quarter 2011.

Addison, Texas -- Coyote Management has announced the addition of three new strategic divisions -- a Third Party Management Division, Coyote Creative, and MER Interests.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s Inc. reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter rose a record 62% to $28.8 million, from $17.8 million last year.

Revenue increased 6.3% to $623.5 million, and same-store sales increased 4.2%.

"This strong performance gives us confidence our growth strategy is working and working well," said Tommy Millner, Cabela's CEO.

SIDNEY, Neb. — Cabela's revenue for the first quarter increased 6.3% to $623.5 million and included a retail store revenue increase of 14.4% to $345.3 million and a direct revenue decrease of 8.3% to $190.2 million. For the quarter, comparable-store sales increased 4.2%.

The company reported that net income increased 62% to $28.8 million compared with $17.8 million in the year ago quarter, and earnings per diluted share were 40 cents compared with 25 cents in the year ago quarter.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter rose to $81.6 million, from $25.1 million in the year-earlier period.

Sales edged up 2.4% to $10 billion, from $9.8 billion last year. Same-store sales were flat.

“We continue to believe sales will grow as our new marketing initiatives take hold," said Steve Burd, chairman and CEO.

Chicago -- Survey results released Thursday by WorkInRetail.com found that about one-third (32%) of retail hiring managers use social networking sites to research job candidates.

The new survey from WorkInRetail.com – CareerBuilder’s job site for retail professionals, found that of the retail employers who do not research candidates on social media, 16% said their company prohibits the practice. Nine percent report they do not currently use social media to screen, but plan to start.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway's first quarter net income rose to $81.6 million, from $25.1 million in the year-earlier period. Sales edged up 2.4% to $10 billion, from $9.8 billion last year. Same-store sales were flat.

By Sam Khalilieh, [email protected]

Study after study has concluded that adding doors to medium temperature coolers (MTC) is a great solution for a variety of issues that plague grocery retailers. Whether looking at energy use, operational costs, product safety, or consumer comfort, there is no down side to adding doors. So why do so many overlook this very basic approach? This question has been puzzling me for a long time.