News

Armonk, N.Y. - IBM is betting big on the cloud. The enterprise technology giant is releasing new hybrid cloud technology and services designed to extend clients' control, visibility, security and governance in a hybrid cloud environment similar to what they have in their private cloud and traditional IT systems.

In doing so, IBM aims to increase data portability across environments and make it easier for developers to work across cloud and non-cloud environments.  

Irving, Texas – Paris has inspired great works of art, film and literature, and now the City of Light is inspiring an omnichannel contest at The Michaels Companies Inc. The specialty arts and crafts retailer is preparing for “Springtime in Paris,” a contest where customers will create Parisian-inspired art, or a floral, baking or paper craft project, take a photo and upload it or share on social media.

Norcross, Ga. - Waffle House Inc. is partnering with mobile app-based shipping platform to become the first official “Roadie Roadhouse.” Roadie connects people with items to send with drivers who are already heading in the right direction.

Waffle House will offer Roadie drivers free food and beverages at its more than 1,750 restaurants in 25 states, and provide a meeting location for drivers and senders. Roadies get a free waffle upon downloading the app and a free beverage when they're making a delivery.

New York -- Atlanta-based The Home Depot reported a strong fourth quarter performance, with sales up 8.3% to $19.2 billion, and fourth quarter net earnings up 36.1% to $1.38 billion.

Comp-store sales for the quarter were positive 7.9%, and positive 8.9% for U.S. stores. Home Depot CEO Craig Menear pointed to a number of factors responsible for the growth.

“We had a strong finish to the year, as strength across the store, the recovering U.S. housing market and solid execution aided our business in 2014,” he said.

Home Depot posted a better-than-expected fourth quarter performance, but warned that a strong dollar could hurt its results for the year.

The retailer posted an 8.3% increase in sales to $19.2 billion, and fourth quarter net earnings were up 36.1% to $1.38 billion. Same store sales for the quarter were positive 7.9%, and positive 8.9% for U.S. stores.

Office Depot posted a larger profit in the fourth quarter, but the retailer says currency pressures, market challenges and its tentative merger with Staples could negatively affect sales in 2015.

Office Depot reported a profit of 7 cents a share, compared with a year-earlier loss of 5 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had projected earnings of four cents a share on revenue of $3.91 billion.

Dillard’s CEO credited an improved assortment and top-notch service with the company’s best sales performance of 2014 in the fourth quarter.

The company reported fourth-quarter net income of $130.5 million, up 9.5% from $119.1 million. Same-store sales rose 3% to $2.136 billion. Dillard's took in $2.18 billion in revenue during the fourth quarter, up from $2.08 billion during the same period last year.

Michaels is trying to drive digital engagement with customers by giving away the springtime trip of a lifetime. 

The retailer will be offering up a free trip for two to Paris for those who create art and upload it to Michaels' website or social media venues.

American Apparel is bolstering its omnichannel effort with two new hires in marketing and digital engagement.

The company announced two leadership appointments: Thoryn Stephens has been named chief digital officer, a newly created position, and Cynthia Erland has been named SVP of marketing.

Expense from a pension settlement and higher selling, general and administrative costs drove Havertys into the red for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.