News

Not-so-big Q4 for Big 5 Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods had a lackluster fourth quarter despite saying that cold weather in its Western markets drove strong traffic during the holidays.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 3, the company reported that net sales were $275 million, compared to net sales of $250.3 million for the 13-week fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. Same-store sales increased 0.1%. For the full year, net sales were $1.03 billion, compared to net sales of $977.9 million for the 52-week fiscal 2014 full year. Same store sales increased 1.3% for the fiscal 2015 full year.
Costco stuns shoppers with in-store 4K TV network
Costco hopes to sell more high-definition televisions and merchandise in clubs after going live with its revamped Costco TV Network.

The warehouse club leader deployed 4K technology to its existing in-warehouse TV network in a move designed to boost sales of televisions and help brands who use the network’s promotional capabilities better connect with shoppers. Powered by PRN, a division of Stratacache and longtime Costco partner, the TV network is in all 487 of the retailer’s U.S. clubs.

Sears to close more stores

The downsizing continues at Sears Holding Corp.

The troubled retailer is closing what it described as a “very small percentage” of its overall number of Kmart and Sears stores across the country.

"Every year we evaluate our store portfolio and make changes based on leases or stores with poor performance," company spokesman Howard Riefs said in a Reuters report.

The exact number of stores to be shuttered has not been disclosed. But Reifs also said Kmart would account for the majority of the closures.
RadioShack on comeback trail?

Under new ownership and management, a revamped RadioShack is working to transform its remaining 1,720 stores, as well as its online presence, according to the Star-Telegram. “It was herculean to get the stores back into position, and they’re proof of what people want and expect,” said chief marketing officer Michael Tatelman. [Star-Telegram]
Timberland climbs to new seamless experience heights

Outdoor retailer Timberland will use mobile technology to deliver a personalized, omnichannel environment in its flagship in New York’s Herald Square.
Publix Super Markets CEO is stepping down

Publix Super Markets is getting a new CEO after Ed Crenshaw announced his retirement on Wednesday.

The company announced that Crenshaw will step down effective April 30. Upon Crenshaw’s retirement, current company President Todd Jones will become president and CEO.
Walgreens enables Visa Checkout on its sites, Walmart.com next

Walgreens, along with a host of other retailers, on Tuesday opted into Visa's Visa Checkout to help facilitate an omnichannel shopping experience. Walmart.com also will be incorporating the option into its services within the year, Visa reported.
Chain to increase employee wages — without cutting hours

Sheetz, the family-owned and operated convenience store chain, announced it will invest more than $15 million to raise the wages of store employees across the company. And it is doing so without cutting back on hours for full-time employees.
Kohl’s, Macy’s and Footlocker join Shoptalk lineup

Shoptalk is out to break the mold of what constitutes a retail industry event and the clearest indication of that philosophy is a digital brochure that showcases an expanding roster of speakers and the image of a monkey sitting on a toilet. Seriously.
Drive sales by cracking SMS code

Almost every major brand has experimented with SMS marketing services. Some programs have been wildly fruitful while others were abandoned after only a few months. Having seen both small and large retailers implement successful mobile marketing programs, there is little doubt that SMS can drive customer engagement and increase revenue.