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The bonuses, along with annual pay raises, were included in employees’ March 9 paycheck.   Over the past two years, Walmart has invested billions of dollars in training, education and higher wages. These programs offer associates skills, knowledge and tools to help them grow with the company and provide great customer service during a time of rapid change in shopping habits.  

Neiman Marcus posted another quarter of declines for its second quarter.   For the period ended January 28, 2017, the chain reported total revenues of $1.40 billion, a decrease of 6.1% compared to $1.49 billion for the second quarter of fiscal year 2016. Comparable revenues decreased 6.8%.   

A new app enhancement is helping Sephora shoppers complete their look.   By adding new augmented reality-based features to the Sephora Virtual Artist app, the chain enables shoppers users to virtually try on thousands of shades of single and palette eyeshadows directly through their mobile device. This service augments the app’s existing functionality that allows users to try on an assortment of lip colors and false eye lash styles.  

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Mark Breitbard.     Gap Inc. on Tuesday named Breitbard as president and CEO of its struggling Banana Republic division.       Breitbard served as CEO at The Gymboree Corporation from 2013 until he stepped down in early 2017. From 2010 to 2013, he held leadership positions across Gap North America, where he was instrumental in delivering the product-led resurgence of Gap’s North America business.    

DSW credits inventory management and more focused campaigns for its profit growth during the fourth quarter.   For the period ended January 28, 2017, the chain’s sales increased 0.4% to $674.6 million, including $27.9 million in revenues from Ebuys. This profit of 20 cents per share was four cents better than analysts were expecting for the quarter, however sales missed their estimates of $695.5 million.    Adjusted net income was $16.5 million, an increase of 43% over last year.

Canada-based convenience store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard posted net earnings of $287 million in the third quarter of its fiscal year, up 4.7% from the previous-year period.   Same-store merchandise sales fell by a point in Europe, but were up 1.9% in the U.S. Same-store gasoline sales volumes rose 2.8% stateside.   Couche-Tard’s global rebranding of its Circle K stores proceeded at a quick pace during the quarter, with more than 1,000 U.S. stores completed.  

Vow To Be Chic is giving shoppers access to a new line of designer bridesmaids' dresses.   The two-year-old start-up, which allows women to shop for bridesmaids’ gowns via their desktop, laptop or smartphone, will add six of the best-selling gowns from Amsale's Nouvelle Amsale line. The partnership marks the designer’s debut in the gown rental segment.   

An increase in revenue and comparable store sales helped Tilly’s beat analyst expectations for the fourth quarter.   For the period ended January 28, 2017, Tilly’s revenue was $160.2 million, an increase from $159.1 million last year. Net sales also topped Wall Street forecasts of $159.9 million. The chain also beat analyst predictions of earnings hitting 21 cents per share. Tilly’s posted a profit of 22 cents per share.