News

NEW YORK — Consumers are spending more, but doing so in fewer transactions, according to American Express Business Insights’ most recent Business Insights Spend Sights report.

The study, which examines spending patterns across several key categories, U.S. cities and demographic groups, finds that while economic uncertainty continues to dampen overall consumer confidence, a new pattern of less frequent but measurable splurging has become evident among a range of customer groups in several categories.

Ankeny, Iowa -- Casey's General Stores said that its net income climbed 6% to $39.3 million in the most recent quarter, fueled by new stores. But rising costs for some commodities cut into its profit margins and its results fell shy Wall Street expectations.

The company's overall profit margin fell to 14.2% from 17.2%.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that former UPS executive Raj Penkar is joining the company as SVP and president of the company's supply chain.

In his new role, Penkar will be accountable for all aspects of the company's supply chain, including logistics, warehousing, inventory management and distribution. Prior to joining Sears, Penkar worked at UPS for 24 years and most recently served as president of UPS' customer solutions division.

The prospect of learning how RFID can improve supply chain performance and the bottom line is the focus of the fourth annual RFID Forum to be held Oct. 25 to 26 in Fayetteville, Ark. The event is a creation of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the University of Arkansas RFID Research Centers and the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions (VICS) Association.

NEW YORK — The third annual Fashion’s Night Out -- created by Vogue editor Anna Wintour -- kicked off on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. Although the shopping extravaganza has spread to more than 100 U.S. cities as well as select cities abroad, its nexus remains in New York City. More than 1,000 Big Apple merchants and designers are participating in the event, which is the kickoff to the city’s Fashion Week industry gathering.

New York — Consumers are spending more, but doing so in fewer transactions, according to American Express Business Insights’ most recent Business Insights Spend Sights report.

The study, which examines spending patterns across several key categories, U.S. cities and demographic groups, finds that while economic uncertainty continues to dampen overall consumer confidence, a new pattern of less frequent but measurable splurging has become evident among a range of customer groups in several categories.

SAN FRANCISCO — Staples charitable arm, Staples Foundation, has partnered with The Hispanic Scholarship Fund to expand educational outreach and scholarship opportunities for Hispanic students and their families. As part of this partnership, Staples Foundation is awarding a $100,000 grant to fund community outreach programming and 22 Staples scholarships for Latino college students majoring in business, according to the company. This is the first partnership between HSF and Staples

New York City -- The third annual Fashion’s Night Out -- created by Vogue editor Anna Wintour -- is set to kick off on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. Although the shopping extravaganza has spread to more than 100 U.S. cities as well as select cities abroad, its nexus remains in New York City. More than 1,000 Big Apple merchants and designers are participating in the event, which is the kickoff to the city’s Fashion Week industry gathering.