News

Houston -- Stage Stores Inc. reported Tuesday that profit for the fourth quarter rose 2% to $32.7 million, from $32 million a year earlier.

Revenue increased 6% to $479.1 million from $453.7 million, beating Wall Street's $468.2 million forecast.

For the year, Stage Stores reported net income of $31 million, down from $37.6 million in the prior year. Annual revenue climbed 3% to $1.51 billion.
 

CARLISLE, Pa. — A supermarket chain in the Northeast is the latest to enter the mobile application game.

Giant Food Stores, based in Carlisle, Pa., announced the launch of a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices that it said syncs with a customer's BonusCard, provides access to an online account and allows customers to check point totals for Gas Extra Rewards and A+ School Rewards and view personalized savings offers.

Ankeny, Iowa -- Casey's General Stores Inc. reported Monday that profit for the third quarter rose 30% to $16.7 million, from $12.9 million a year earlier. Casey's revenue rose from $1.37 billion to $1.58 billion.

Both figures missed Wall Street estimates.

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. reported Tuesday that profit for the fourth quarter rose 27% to $111.1 million, compared with $87.5 million in the year-ago period. Revenue increased 6% to $1.61 billion from $1.52 billion, matching Wall Street expectations. Same-store sales inched up 0.1%.

By banner, Golf Galaxy posted a 9% increase in same-store sales for the quarter, but namesake stores slipped 2.5%.

PITTSBURGH — Forty new Dick’s Sporting Good stores are slated to open this year as the company remains undaunted by a weak fourth-quarter same-store sales performance at U.S. stores brought on by warmer than normal weather.

Paint manufacturer Valspar has announced that John Wardzel has joined the company as senior VP global operations, reporting to Steven Erdahl, EVP. In this role, Wardzel will provide executive leadership of Valspar’s global operations and becomes an officer of the company.

By Suzy Stewart, DHR International

It appears that 2010 was a real turning point for retailers going to the outside to find experienced and talented omnichannel executives.

Omaha, Neb. -- Nash Finch Co. announced Monday that it will acquire Omaha, Neb., supermarket chain Bag ‘N Save, which will grow its retail grocery store portfolio by about 25%.

Primarily a food wholesaler, Nash Finch will absorb 11 stores in Omaha and one on York, Neb., through the acquisition. Terms have not been disclosed.