News

Foot Locker Inc. continues to cash in on the trend toward wearing fashionable active apparel, as the company reported impressive sales and earnings growth in its latest quarter.

For the second quarter ended Aug. 1, the retailer posted net income of $119 million, or 84 cents per share, compared with net income of $92 million, or 63 cents per share, last year, a 33% increase. Same store sales increased 9.6%. Total sales increased 3.3%, to $1,695 million this year, compared with sales of $1,641 million for the corresponding prior-year period.  

Bentonville, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is rearranging how responsibilities are handled by its merchandising executives. According to the Wall Street Journal, an internal company memo indicates that among the changes is a promotion to chief merchandising and marketing officer for Wal-Mart China for Marybeth Hays, currently serving as senior VP of home for Wal-Mart U.S.

Hays will replace John Furner in that role. Furner will return to the U.S. in an unspecified position.

New York & Company Inc. says a stronger focus on omnichannel is helping the retailer increase traffic in its stores and sales online.

New York – Foot Locker Inc. scored big in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 with profit and sales that exceeded Wall Street expectations. Net income was $119 million, a 33% increase from $92 million the same period the prior year.   Total sales climbed 3% to $1.69 billion from $1.64 billion. Same-store sales grew 9.6%. Falling selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses aided profit growth, while foreign currency fluctuation had a negative impact on sales growth.  

The Fresh Market is not so fresh anymore to shoppers, if the retailer's second quarter results are any indication.

The upscale grocery chain reported that same-store sales decreased 1% for the second quarter ended July 26, and the retailer expects an even bigger decrease in the next quarter, both below analysts' estimates. 

The company reported 36 cents EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ estimates of 40 cents. Net income rose 53.5% to $17.5 million, while net sales increased 4.7% to $442.1 million. 

Minneapolis – First Best Buy became the first national retailer, other than Apple Stores, where customers can buy the Apple Watch. Now Best Buy will reportedly become the first national retailer outside of Apple Stores to offer the Apple Care warranty program.

This summer marks the 40th anniversary of “Jaws,” the landmark movie that turned summertime into a season of blockbuster films, made Steven Spielberg a household name and still causes many people to think twice before taking a dip in the ocean.

In honor of the enduring legacy of Capt. Quint, Chief Brody, Hooper and of course Bruce the shark, here are three lessons “Jaws” offers retail analytics professionals.

Omaha, Neb. — Gordmans Stores Inc. was able to reduce its net loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 as a result of gross margin improvements. Net loss totaled $3.03 million, compared to $3.19 million the same quarter a year earlier.

Net sales increased 2% to $143.4 million from $141 million Same-store sales dropped 1.6%, negatively impacted due to a sales tax holiday shift from July to August.

Gordmans intends to open two additional new stores in the third quarter of 2015 and close one store later this year when the lease term expires.