News

New York City -- The Jones Group has acquired Kurt Geiger, Europe's largest luxury shoe retailer from Graphite Capital, a leading United Kingdom mid-market private equity firm, for approximately $350 million in cash, inclusive of debt acquired.

The acquisition further extends Jones' reach into the designer footwear business through Kurt Geiger's portfolio of high-end brands and presence in leading department stores, such as Harrods and Selfridges.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. and WESTBOROUGH, Mass.  — Costco Wholesale and BJ’s Wholesale reported strong sales growth and produced impressive comps even without the benefit of fuel sales.

Costco reported that net sales for the month of May increased 17% to $7.14 billion from $6.09 billion last year. This year’s May results period included sales from the company's Mexico joint venture. If these sales are excluded, Costco’s net sales increase would have been 14%.

Greensboro, N.C. -- The Fresh Market reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended May 1 rose to $13.5 million, compared with $12.2 million in the year-ago quarter.

Sales increased 10% to $264.5 million and same-store sales increased 4.1%.

During the first quarter, the retailer opened one new store in Peachtree City, Ga., bringing the current store count to 101. Fresh Market said it expects to open 12 to 14 new stores during fiscal 2011.
 

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's on Thursday reported sales of $143.5 million for the four weeks ended May 28, up 1%. Comparable-store sales for the month rose 0.2%, compared with an increase of 3.5% in the same period last year.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — To celebrate Men's Health Month, Sam's Club is offering free men's health screening tests this weekend at select stores, which will be sponsored by Unilever brands, including Dove Men's deodorant and body wash.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that it has reached a license agreement with Dorcy International, which will allow Dorcy to sell DieHard-branded alkaline/rechargeable batteries and flashlights to retailers in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes said Thursday that its first-quarter net income more than quintupled, but its revenue was flat and the profit rise was driven largely by cost cutting.

The CEO sounded a cautious tone for the future, saying the company needs to reignite store traffic and cope with rising cotton costs.

The company, which operates Lane Bryant, Catherines and Fashion Bug stores, said its net income for February through April was $26 million, up from $3.9 million in the same period last year.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target reported a 2.8% same-store sales increase for May, falling short of Wall Street's expectation for a 3.5% increase, as consumers remained cautious. The retailer reported that net sales for the four-week period were $4.8 billion, an increase of 3.8%t from $4.6 billion for the four weeks ended May 29, 2010.