News

'&' 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.
American Eagle flying high on strong Q1 profit, sales
Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters on Wednesday reported first-quarter net income of $29.1 million, up from $3.9 million a year ago, amid higher sales and fewer promotions. It results beat Wall Street expectations.

The retailer posted better-than-expected revenue of $699.5 million for the quarter ended May 2, up 8% from $646.13 million a year ago.

Total same-store sales rose 7%.

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.
Etsy blames Q1 loss on restructuring

Expenses related to a corporate restructuring led Etsy Inc. to report a huge loss in the first quarter.
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.
Walmart to expand vet hiring program

Walmart is more than doubling the number of veterans it plans to hire by the year 2020.
Staples Q1 profit drops 39%

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples Inc. reported a 39% decline in first-quarter profit amid declining sales and store closures. The results came as the chain is waiting for regulatory approval of its proposed takeover of rival Office Depot.

Staples reported a profit of $59 million, down from $96 million a year earlier.

Revenue slid 6.9% to $5.3 billion. Online sales grew 3%.

Same-store fell 5% in the quarter. Store traffic was down 2%, and the average order size fell 3%.
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.
Meijer acquires specialty pharmacy operator Aureus Health Services

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer announced Wednesday that it has signed an agreement to acquire Aureus Health Services, a national specialty pharmacy and health services company based in Pittsburgh, and a portfolio company of BelHealth Investment Partners, to enhance its customer offerings, particularly to patients with complex chronic conditions.
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.