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Los Angeles  — Privately held real estate development company Caruso Affiliated, has named Chris Baccus to senior VP, digital marketing. Baccus will lead digital strategy for various Caruso brands across all digital platforms, including SEO/CRM, digital advertising, social media and the entire company’s Web and mobile assets, reporting to chief marketing and communications officer Judy Johnson.
 

Commerce, Calif. -- Smart & Final Stores Inc. reported earnings of $4.9 million in its first quarter, compared with a profit of $2.5 million last year. Revenue for the period ended March 22 rose 11.9% to $822.2 million. Same-store sales climbed 6.1%.

"The year is off to a strong start, with Smart & Final Stores delivering against our business plans and financial objectives," said Dave Hirz, president and CEO.

Sam’s Club is celebrating National Small Business Week in a very big way.

The retailer is launching the Small Business Economic Mobility initiative (SBEM), a five-year investment in small business growth through increased access to capital and borrower education, with grants totaling $13.6 million to eight national nonprofits.

In the South, it’s never too early to talk about football, which is why N.C.-based department store Belk made a big college football announcement this week.

The chain says it will be the title sponsor of the 2015 Belk College Kickoff Game, featuring the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. The game is set to take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sept. 3 with a 6 p.m. kickoff.

Kohl’s is showing its customers that it cares about the recent earthquake in Nepal by making a large donation through its Kohl's Cares program.

The retailer is awarding a $50,000 cash grant toward earthquake relief efforts in Nepal. Kohl’s is providing this donation to the American Red Cross, which is delivering much-needed emergency supplies and services in the impacted areas.

Sam’s Club is toasting the grand opening of its newest club in Oklahoma with thousands of dollars in community grants and special appearances by politicians and celebrities.

The new Sam’s Club at 1705 S. Broadway Ave. in Moore, Okla., opens May 7 following an 8 a.m. grand opening ceremony. The company says the grand opening celebration will focus on the company’s commitment to the local community. “We’re so happy to be part of the community and look forward to giving back whenever we can,” said Club Manager Farrokh Moinian.

Staples is donating the tools and resources necessary to make graduation happen for thousands of students across the country -- and throwing in a little Taylor Swift to boot.

Guitar Center has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning musician-DJ-producer superstar Zedd on an innovative omnichannel promotion to give aspiring musicians the chance to take their careers to the next level.

Wayfair is leveraging the popularity of HGTV’s hit series “Fixer Upper” by partnering with the stars of the show on upcoming marketing campaign.

The Internet home furnishings retailer says it will feature design tips from Joanna Gaines and Chip Gaines in Wayfair promotions.

Macy’s will finally unveil its off-price business model in the fall by opening four new stores in the New York City area under a name that might not be so unfamiliar to loyal customers.