News

Gymboree shrinks net loss in Q4; will close 30-40 stores
San Francisco – The Gymboree Corp. shrank its net loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 to $7.4 million, from $167.2 million in the same quarter a year earlier. The elimination of a non-recurring $157.2 million non-cash impairment charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 contributed to the reduction in net loss.

Net sales rose 7% to $375.6 million, from $351 million. Same-store sales rose 5%. In fiscal 2015, Gymboree plans to close 30-40 stores and open about 12 stores.
Hibbett Sports hits a home run in Texas
Hibbett Sports’s expansion plan hit an important milestone in Texas this month.

The retailer announced the opening of its 1,000th store in Sealy, Texas, at 2290 Highway 36 South in Brazos Village.

OfficeMax veteran is new True Value CFO

True Value Company has selected a specialty retail veteran as its next chief financial officer.
Macy's, Rite Aid now offer Plenti more rewards

Macy’s and Rite Aid are joining the other major retailers and companies that have partnered with Plenti, the first U.S.-based loyalty coalition that allows shoppers to earn rewards points through a variety of purchases, from paying a phone bill to filling up at the pump.
Same store sales increase at Hancock Fabrics

Hancock Fabrics’s CEO says the company is “heading in the right direction” after reporting an increase in same store sales for the fourth quarter.

The financial news comes just a few weeks after the retailer announced the refinancing of the company’s existing senior debt under a new credit agreement with Wells Fargo Capital Finance and Great American Capital Partners.
Ex-PetSmart CEO is At Home on new board

The At Home chain of home décor superstores continues to acquire senior leadership talent with public company experience which suggest a public stock offering could be in the company’s future.

The most recent addition involves the appointment of former PetSmart CEO and Chairman Phil Francis. who has selected as an independent member of the At Home board of directors.
Study: Confidence in chip and pin cards lacking

Only 53% of executives believe the EMV chip and pin will protect against a data breach, despite claims that it is more secure, according to a new study.
Warehouse food fomat opens 100th location

WinCo Foods LLC is marking its 100th store opening with a huge celebration in Texas on May 7.

The newest WinCo Foods store is located at 1288 W. Main St. in Lewisville and is the fifth WinCo Foods store to open in Texas. Occupying approximately 83,000 square feet the store will initially employ approximately 150 individuals, about 140 of whom have been hired locally.
Survey: Consumer confidence surged in Q1

Shopper sentiment surged in the first quarter of 2015 amid optimism over the labor market, job stability, personal finances and gas prices, according to a new survey.
Weis Markets sales jump on in-store efforts

Weis Markets says its customer experience strategy is paying off, as the grocery chain credited the effort with its increase in same store sales in the first quarter.
CVS kicks off lung cancer awareness campaign

For the second year in a row, CVS Health is teaming up with the American Lung Association to help beat lung cancer with a national in-store fundraising campaign to support Lung Force — an initiative that encourages people to stand together against lung cancer, the No.
ChannelAdvisor names new CEO

ChannelAdvisor Corp. has promoted its current chief operating officer to CEO.

The provider of cloud-based e-commerce solutions announced that its board of directors has appointed David Spitz as CEO and a director. Spitz, who currently serves as president and COO, succeeds Scot Wingo, who has been appointed executive chairman.