News

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has appointed a new VP communications.

Effective Apr. 9, Katie Wilson will be responsible for overseeing NRF’s industry efforts, a multitude of communication vehicles and advancing NRF advocacy priorities on issues important to the retail community, NRF said. She will assume many of the responsibilities of Ellen Davis, who was recently named NRF SVP and executive director of the NRF Foundation.

New York --  Lululemon Athletica Inc.’s income rose 34.2% to $73.5 million for the three months ended Jan. 29, from $54.8 million in the year ago period.

Revenue in the fourth quarter was up 51.4% to $371.5 million, from $245.4 million. Same-store sales increased 26%.

For the year, sales rose 40.6% to $1 billion. Profits were up 51.1% to $184.1 million.
 

SEATTLE — REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) announced that retail and outdoor industry veteran Eric Artz will join the company as chief financial officer in May. Artz comes to REI from Urban Outfitters.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Jan. 28 rose to $39.5 million, from $21 million in the year-ago period.

Sales edged up 3.1% to $434.9 million, compared with $422 million last year. Same-store sales rose 0.9%, consisting of a 3.4% increase in North America and a 3.6% decrease in Europe.
 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Former Sony Electronics executive, Steve Haber, is joining Sears Holdings as SVP and president, home appliances. 

In his new role with Sears Holdings, Haber will lead the company's effort to continue driving profitable growth in its industry-leading appliance business.

Bentonville, Ark. -- A state attorney for California said Wednesday that Wal-Mart has agreed to pay a $2.1 million penalty for overcharging customers in the state.

Wal-Mart is being penalized for charging prices higher than those posted, violating a 2008 judgment for it to halt the overcharging.

Seattle -- REI revealed on Thursday that Urban Outfitters CFO Eric Artz has been named finance chief for the outdoor retailer, effective May 2012.

Urban Outfitters announced Artz’s departure earlier on Thursday.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Food Marketing Institute on Thursday named Hannah Walker director of government relations to represent food retailers on Capitol Hill.