News

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Company has announced that, effective Feb. 15, Gregory Sandfort assumed the title of COO in addition to his role as president. As planned, Stanley Ruta, who previously served as EVP and COO, retired from Tractor Supply Company effective Feb.  As part of this transition, Ruta served in the role of VP special projects since July 2011.     

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems announced it has signed a multi-year renewal agreement to continue providing private label credit card services to The Buckle, Kearney, Neb., which operates more than 430 stores in 43 states, as well as a robust e-commerce business.

Buckle cardholders will continue to earn "B-Reward" points with every purchase. Exclusive to cardholders, the B-Rewards points-based loyalty program allows cardholders to accumulate points that can be redeemed for dollars-off certificates for in-store or online purchases.

NEW YORK — The growing popularity of its Nook devices once again helped drive up sales at Barnes & Noble. The company reported that total sales for the third quarter increased 5% to $2.4 billion from $2.3 billion for the same period last year. Barnes & Noble store sales increased 2% from $1.46 billion to $1.49 billion. Comparable-store sales increased 2.8%, on top of a 7.3% increase a year ago.  Retail core comparable-store sales, which exclude sales of devices, accessories and warranties, increased 4.2% over last year.

New York City -- Belk plans to remodel almost 30 stores this year as the department store company focuses on upgrading its existing space, the Charlotteobserver.com reported.

Last year, Belk spent about $70 million on store remodels and renovations. In 2012, the chain plans to increase that slightly, to $75 million, and then spend up to $130 million a year in 2013 and 2014, according to the report.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart’s U.S. stores division regained customer traffic during the fourth quarter to post a 1.5% same-store sales increase and continues gather momentum as familiar strategies and effective marketing are resonating with customers, the company said Tuesday morning in conjunction with the release of quarterly results.

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. reported a steep decline in fourth quarter profit this morning. Its results, however, were in line with its January warning to investors.

The chain posted a profit of $11.9 million, compared to a profit of $57 million in the prior year. Total fourth-quarter sales rose 5.9% to $1.39 billion. Same-store sales fell 1.4%. 
 

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — Newegg Inc., the electronics-focused e-retailer, has promoted Bob Bellack, the current president and CFO of Newegg North America, to CEO of Newegg North America. Dr. S.C. Lee has assumed the role of vice chairman of Newegg North America.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Publix Super Markets and Nordstrom are the highest ranked bricks-and-mortar retailers in a report released Tuesday by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). While supermarkets overall are up 1.3% to 76, Publix remains the grocer to beat, with a score of 84.

The best of the best among all retailers — traditional or online — is Amazon, with a score of 86, followed by online retailer Newegg at 85. Next in line are two more websites: Overstock at 83 and eBay at 81.