News

LOS ANGELES — American Apparel reported that its net sales for the fourth quarter were up 10% to $173 million and comparable-store sales rose 7% for the same period.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $4.9 million, or 4 cents per common share on a fully-diluted basis, compared with net loss for the fourth quarter of 2011 of $11.2 million or 11 cents per common share.

HANOVER, Germany — SAP announced that it has enhanced its OnDemand software solution to empower businesses to know their customers like never before, guide them through each step of the buyer's journey and groom customers to become loyal brand advocates. 

WASHINGTON — A show devoted to snack food is expected to draw suppliers from 22 countries when it kicks off in May, the show's sponsoring organization said.

The 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, which will take place May 21-23 at Chicago's McCormick Place, is expected to be the most successful in the event's 16-year history, with a nearly sold-out show floor, according to the National Confectioners Association.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Lowe’s winner of the Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year. The 2013 award recognizes Lowe’s long-standing leadership as a retailer of energy-efficient appliances and products. Lowe’s will receive the EPA’s most prestigious honor at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 26.

DALLAS — Neiman Marcus is inviting customers to create Pinterest collections featuring images from its Art of Fashion campaign for the chance to win a $1,000 gift card. 

The contest runs March 6 to March 27. One winner will be chosen by a panel of Neiman Marcus judges.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club will offer free allergy and health screenings at all of its stores that operate pharmacies, the club retailer said.

The screenings will take place late Saturday morning and into the afternoon, and include up to $200 worth of tests, including allergy screenings for milk, eggs, pet dander, mold, dust mites, wheat, ragweed, mountain cedar, Bermuda grass and Timothy grass, as well as tests for blood pressure, body mass index and vision.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Tuesday reported net income of $82.5 million for the 52-week period ended Dec. 29. Even with one less week of sales, that's up 9.2% versus fiscal 2011, which was a 53-week period, the grocer noted. Sales were down slightly by 1.9% to $2.7 billion compared with the week-longer year-ago period. Comparable sales were down 2%. 

Adjusting for the 52-week to 53-week comparison, the grocer's 2012 net income increased 13.9% while sales and comparable store sales were flat.

New York -- Best Buy Co. named Ron Wilson as president and COO of its Canadian operations, effective immediately. Wilson will lead the business in Canada under the Future Shop and Best Buy online brands.

As SVP merchandising and e-commerce since 2008 for Best Buy Canada, Wilson led the strategic visions of Bestbuy.ca and Futureshop.ca. Wilson previously managed several other units within Best Buy Canada, including merchandising, operations and marketing.
 

New York -- Despite rumors to the contrary, Publix is not interested in acquiring Harris Teeter, according to The Ledger.

Publix is in the midst of its first expansion into North Carolina, with plans to open two stores in the Charlotte area in 2014.

Officials with Harris Teeter recently confirmed that the 208-store chain will consider offers from potential buyers.

Denton, Texas -- Sally Beauty Holdings announced that its board has approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the company to repurchase up to $700 million of its common stock. The announcement is the first repurchase authorized by the company in 2013, but the third in the last 12 months.