News

Christopher & Banks president and CEO LuAnn Via said financial results for the second quarter ended Aug. 2 were solid, adding that the company made continued progress toward its long-term growth objectives.

Net sales at the specialty women’s apparel retailer totaled $106.6 million, an increase of 2.3% from $104.2 million for the year-ago period. During the quarter, the company operated an average of 9.3% fewer stores than during the comparable period last year. Same-store sales increased 2.6%.

The Mall at Short Hills (New Jersey) will launch the holidays with its 13th annual “Santa Paws” promotion, as shoppers have pictures taken with Santa--pets in tow. On Nov. 9 and Nov. 16, shoppers will bring their canine companions--in costume, if desired--to the Ice Palace at Grand Court on the lower level of The Mall at Short Hills and have a holiday photo taken.

Atlanta – The Home Depot Inc. is the latest retail chain to investigate a possible credit card data breach.  

“I can confirm we are looking into some unusual activity and we are working with our banking partners and law enforcement to investigate,” said Home Depot spokesperson Paula Drake in a prepared statement.

San Francisco – A federal judge has reportedly approved an antitrust settlement EBay reached in May 2012. The settlement relates to a secret deal EBay reached with tax preparation software provider Intuit in which the two companies agreed not to hire each other’s employees.

According to Reuters, the settlement calls for EBay to not make any deals with any other technology companies to avoid hiring each other’s employees.

 

The Woodlands, Texas - Conn’s Inc. missed Wall Street expectations for profits in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, as net income dropped 8% to $17.65 million from $19.16 million. In addition to charges related to facility closures, a significant increase in delinquent customer debt in the company’s credit segment negatively impacted net income results.

Meanwhile, total revenues soared 30% to $352.96 million from $270.69 million. Same-store sales rose 11.7%.

Mountain View, Calif. – Target’s back-to-school ad “Supplies They Need” resonated most with consumers among all back-to-school ads in 2014. According to TV and video advertising analytics provider Ace Metrix, consumers awarded an Ace Score of 673 to the Target spot.

Los Angeles – Guitar Center is launching the fourth installment of its omnichannel “Guitar Center’s Singer-Songwriter,” offering aspiring singer-songwriters across the country the chance to take their careers to the next level, on Sep. 1. The winner of Guitar Center's Singer-Songwriter 4 will have the opportunity to record a four-song E.P with producer Don Was, perform to a national television audience on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” new gear, $25,000 cash and more.

New York – A Credit Suisse analyst is reportedly recommending that Staples and Office Depot, itself recently merged with Office Max, merge. According to Investors Business Daily, Credit Suisse analyst Gary Balter made the suggestion in a note sent to clients on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

New York – Vertical specialty apparel retailer Ugg for Men is launching a global omnichannel advertising campaign in partnership with NFL quarterback Tom Brady. The campaign, “This is Ugg,” launches Sept. 2 and features a series of three 60-second video spots that will air on YouTube and TV.

The campaign will also feature a concurrent print component. Los Angeles-based M&C Saatchi served as creative agency.