News

Watsonville, Calif. – West Marine's renewed focus on omnichannel growth seems to be paying off as the specialty retailer reported a big spike in same-store sales in the second quarter.

The California-based retailer reported net income of $20.9 million, up 14% from $18.3 million the same period a year earlier.

Net revenues were $253.2 million in the second quarter ended July 4, an increase of 7.1% compared to last year. Same-store sales increased by 7%.

The company also gave an update on its growth efforts:

West Marine's renewed focus on omnichannel growth seems to be paying off as the specialty retailer reported a big spike in same store sales in the second quarter.

Las Vegas - American consumers are increasingly comfortable with shopping through their smartphones, and many are using digital channels like social media and email marketing to engage with apparel brands.

According to a survey by advertising/marketing technology provider Fluent Inc., roughly 30% of respondents said that they have bought clothing using their smartphones.

O'Reilly Automotive reported another record-breaking quarter of financial results as the retailer revs up plans to expand its distribution network and store footprint.

The auto parts retailer reported that sales for the second quarter ended June 30 increased $188 million, or 10%, to $2.04 billion from $1.85 billion for the same period one year ago. Same store sales increased 7.2%.

This year, O’Reilly plans to add a net 205 stores, compared with 200 stores in 2014. In the latest period, it opened 34 stores.

Ahold USA has become the first major grocery retailer to join an initiative requiring Florida tomato suppliers to increase farmworker pay and protect workers from forced labor and sexual assault.

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers announced Wednesday that Ahold USA is America's first major grocer to join the group's Fair Food Program. Ahold USA is the parent company of Stop & Shop, Giant Foods of Landover, Giant Foods of Carlisle, Martin's and online grocer Peapod.

Victoria's Secret has a new cadre of Angels to celebrate the launch of two new lingerie collections.

Framingham, Mass. - With an ever-growing population of individuals gaining access to smartphones and mobile devices, there's no avoiding the escalated demand to meet consumers where they are with the precise product they want. According to a new study from IDC Retail Insights, this need will in turn drive the capabilities built by distributed order management (DOM) solutions providers.

Minneapolis – An unconfirmed executive departure at Target Corp. will have major ramifications on its digital and mobile retail operation if the report is accurate.

According to Re/Code, Alan Wizemann, VP of product for Target.com and mobile, is leaving the company for unspecified reasons.