News

The Home Depot shrugged off bad weather, and thanks, in part, to a recovering housing market, the company reported first quarter sales of $19.1 billion, up 7.4% from last year's quarter, which had one less week. 

On a like-for-like basis, comparable store sales for the first quarter were positive 4.3%. U.S. stores comps were positive 4.8%, also on a like-for-like basis.

LENEXA, Kan. — Balance Innovations, a provider of reconciliation and cash office management solutions for the retail industry in the United States and Canada, has named former Safeway executive Steve Rempel president and CEO. 

In this role, Rempel will lead the company as it further develops its core products and evolves to the next generation of cash office reconciliation solutions for the retail industry.

Washington, D.C. – The National Retail Federation (NRF) is formally opposing the proposed settlement of a federal antitrust lawsuit brought by 19 trade associations and six retailers in 2005. The lawsuit involves “swipe fees” charged for credit card transactions by Visa and Mastercard. Retailers that agree to settlement terms are eligible for a share of a $7.25 billion settlement.

Originally developed by Midwest Glove to grow gardening category sales, the "Head-to-Toe" spinner has just received a Gold Merchandising Award at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas for merchandising distinction. 

The innovative floor stand allows retailers to offer a customized mix of hats, gloves and footwear manufactured by Midwest Gloves. In addition to the customizable assortment capabilities, a small 1.25-sq.-ft. footprint means the display can be strategically located to maximize sales without disrupting customer traffic.

Menlo Park, Calif. - Google will close down its Google Checkout online payment service for good in November of this year. The online service and technology provider says the move is part of a broader transition to its Google Wallet multichannel commerce platform.

PITTSBURGH — Although Dick’s Sporting Goods reported a year-over-year increase in revenues for first quarter 2013, performance still fell short of Wall Street expectations.

The sporting goods retailer reported first quarter revenues of $1.33 billion, a 4% increase from $1.28 billion. However, analysts expected revenues for the quarter to total $1.36 billion.

Net income grew 13%, from $57.2 million to $64.8 million.

Philadelphia – Urban Outfitters, Inc. reported stronger than expected net sales, which drove a 39% increase in net earnings. The specialty retailer reported record total net sales of $648 million during first quarter fiscal 2014, up 14% from $568 million in the same quarter last year. Net earnings for the quarter were $47 million, higher than analyst expectations and up 39% from first quarter fiscal 2013.

MINNEAPOLIS — Store closures and a shift in this year’s Super Bowl affected Best Buy’s results for the 13-week period ended May 4.