News

Seattle – Starbucks Coffee Company reported generally strong performance in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to the same period a year earlier. Earnings per share rose 10% to $0.56, from $0.51.

Consolidated net revenues grew 9% to $3.87 billion from $3.55 billion, while consolidated same-store sales increased 6%.

The retailer cited its Teavana business, partnership with Oprah Winfrey, and new payment and loyalty technology as all contributing to overall fiscal growth.

The National Retail Federation’s ongoing effort to highlight the industry’s value and career opportunities have been expanded with two new initiatives.

Jelly Belly Candy Co. will celebrate its American heritage with the introduction of two new patriotic bags of Jelly Belly jelly beans.

The All American mix, which consists of Very Cherry (red), Coconut (white) and Blueberry (blue), is now available in a 3.5-oz. bag that features Mr. Jelly Belly waving the American flag. The 3.5-oz bag of Very Cherry — the top-selling jelly bean flavor, according to the company — now features an updated design with a white gingham pattern and a graphic of ripe cherries that bring to mind summer picnics.

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity Corp. reported that net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 dipped to $3.2 million, compared to $5.9 million in the same period last year.

Revenue fell 6.5% to $126.1 million from $134.9 million, and same-store sales decreased 5.1%. CEO Ed Krell blamed the disappointing results on inclement weather.

Rakuten Marketing experienced strong results for the first quarter of 2014 across all of its digital marketing channels.

The company especially highlighted the double-digit growth that advertisers realized through its affiliate, mobile and search marketing technology and services. Additionally, the company signed several new advertisers throughout the quarter that were either new to Rakuten Marketing, or have expanded their existing investments with the company to include additional marketing channels.

Innovation can take many forms and in the case of Reynolds Bakeware that form is a new oval pan designed specifically for baking fish.

Not that fish couldn’t be baked in one of the brand’s various other square or rectangular shaped disposable pans, but the new oval model is purpose built for fish and part of the new Bakeware line introduced last year.

Waban, Mass. - The percentage of large organizations that have reached the two highest levels of customer experience maturity has grown from 6% in 2013 to 10% this year. During the same period, the percentage of companies in the lowest level of maturity has dropped from 40% to 31%, according to a new report from Temkin Group, “The State of Customer Experience Management 2014.”

Other findings include:

Television show host, actress and fashion designer Kelly Osbourne is spotting trends for PetSmart and its new line of creative grooming services, Pet Expressions and joining the specialty retailer’s omnichannel campaign.

The PetSmart salon touts its temporary, pet-safe chalking, stenciling and feathering services to dogs of all shapes and sizes.