News

Smart & Final launches new branding campaign
Commerce, Calif. -- Smart & Final launched a new branding campaign, which will place the ampersand ("&") -- already in the 144-year old company's name -- front and center to showcase the company's relationship with both its customers and the communities it serves.
Target Q1 profit surges 52% as turnaround efforts take hold
MINNEAPOLIS —Target Corp. on Wednesday reported a larger-than-expected increase in first-quarter profit amid signs that its efforts to refocus and revamp its product lineup are taking hold. Target executives said they are “pleased” with its first quarter, particularly the performance of its signature categories, as the retailer also posted a lift in sales and double-digit gains in its digital channel.

Target hits the bulleye in first quarter

Target’s efforts to revamp its product assortment are apparently paying off for the company, which reported a nearly 52% surge in first quarter profit on strong sales of fashion, home and beauty products.

The company posted a profit of $635 million for the three months that ended May 2. Same store sales rose 2.3%, beating forecasts. Revenue rose 2.8% to $17 billion. Online sales rose nearly 38%.
A&F exec named Big Lots general counsel

A legal veteran of Abercrombie & Fitch and Harvard Law grad has been named general counsel for Big Lots.

Ronald "Rocky" Robins Jr. becomes SVP general counsel and corporate secretary at Big Lots. Robins will be a member of the executive leadership team of the company and report directly to David Campisi, CEO and president.
Etsy blames Q1 loss on restructuring

Expenses related to a corporate restructuring led Etsy Inc. to report a huge loss in the first quarter.
Housing recovery lifts sales at Lowe's

The rebounding housing market lifted Lowe's financial results in the first quarter, although not as much as Wall Street expected.
Staples first quarter profit drops 39%

Traffic problems continued to hinder Staples in the first quarter even as the company awaits regulatory approval of its merger with Office Depot.
Ace Hardware is still surging

A month after being named America's favorite home improvement store, Ace Hardware reported record profit in the first quarter of 2015.
Kohl's confirms off-price store in New Jersey

Kohl’s is testing the off-price waters by opening a discount store in Cherry Hill, N.J., this summer called "Off Aisle by Kohl's," the company has confirmed.
American Eagle soars past expectations

Improved, "costumer-focused" merchandising helped American Eagle Outfitters post record net income in the first quarter.
'&' marks the spot for Smart & Final campaign

Smart & Final is launching a new marketing blitz that puts its use of punctuation front and center.

The rollout will include print, radio, television and outdoor advertising in select markets and digital outreach now through July 3. The new campaign aims to tell the story of what the value-oriented food and staples retailer has become through its growth initiatives and will highlight the company's heritage.
Walmart to expand vet hiring program

Walmart is more than doubling the number of veterans it plans to hire by the year 2020.