News

By Matthew Talbot, [email protected]

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Dillard’s net income for the quarter ended April 28 rose to $95 million, from $76.7 million in the year-ago period, setting a company record for profit increases.

Sales rose to $1.55 billion, from $1.47 billion. Same-store sales climbed 5%, the department store retailer’s seventh consecutive quarter of comp increases.

Dillard’s said it saw its greatest strength in the first quarter from the central region of the United States, followed by the eastern and the western regions.
 

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods is rewarding customer that live a green lifestyle through its new app it created with Whole Planet Foundation and BlueAvocado.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — HSN is launching an exclusive collection of fashion jewelry inspired by some of Universal Pictures' most iconic films. In celebration of the legendary studio's centennial anniversary, The Universal Vault Jewelry Collection—consisting of necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and pins—is designed to bring to life the romance, adventure and prestige of the past 100 years in film, HSN said. In 2012, Universal will be restoring and re-releasing 13 of its most well-known films.

RESTON, Va. — ComScore reported that online retail spending reached $44.3 billion for first quarter 2012, up 17% from the year-ago period.

ComScore said retail e-commerce sale estimates represented the tenth consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Additional findings included:

• 48.8% of e-commerce transactions included free shipping, the highest percentage for a quarter on record outside of the holiday season;

 

See what happens when a company develops a reputation as a fair-minded employer and a leader in hiring practice. Labor rights groups want more, and to get their way they march on Target’s headquarters this week. Read more.
 

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. reported Thursday that first-quarter profit fell 23% on aggressive price cuts, falling to $154 million from $201 million in the year-ago period. Results met internal expectations and goals, but missed Wall Street estimates.

Sales for the quarter ended April 28 edged up 1.9% to $4.2 billion, meeting analysts’ estimates.  Same-store sales inched up 0.2%.

NEW YORK — Gap has launched a new global marketing campaign focused on its new t-shirt collection. The line will include three categories—The Now Tees, The Essential Tees, and The G Tees— as well as other t-shirt-inspired styles including dresses, skirts, tanks and rompers.