News

Delinquency rates creep up at Conn's
Despite posting a sales increase in July, Conn's says nearly 10% of its customers are not paying their bills.

"Greater than 60-day delinquency was 9.2% as of July 31, 2015 compared to 8.7% as of July 31, 2014. Greater than 60-day delinquency as of July 31, 2015 increased seasonally compared to the June 30, 2015 rate of 8.9%," said Theodore M. Wright, Conn’s chairman and chief executive officer.
New content engine helps retailers market on Instagram
New York -- A fast-growing start-up wants to help retailers and other brands market their goods on Instagram.

Olapic, a visual marketing content engine that helps turn consumer-generated photos and videos into brand assets, will be helping to integrate the recently announced Instagram Ads API for brands and retailers to start rolling out campaigns inside the app.

Lands' End looks to be the place for school uniforms

Lands' End is targeting all the shoppers who put "new uniforms" on their back-to-school lists this year with a brand new and improved uniform assortment.
Robot army to power new same-day delivery service

New York -- The founder of the now defunct same-day delivery service Webvan is back — this time with a robot-powered would-be competitor to Amazon Prime, reports ReCode.

Louis Borders is developing a $99 shopping club that plans to offer same-day delivery of groceries and other merchandise from participating retailers. But it’s the back-end of the operation that is so interesting.
New tenants announced at mixed-use center near Las Vegas Strip

Henderson, Nev. -- Vestar recently completed a $120 million buyout from its joint venture partner, Rockwood Capital, to take full ownership and operations including property management, leasing and marketing of The District at Green Valley Ranch, a 37-acre, 384,107-sq.-ft. mixed-use center in Henderson, Nevada.
Fred's benefits from pharmacy expansion strategy

The CEO of Fred's says its stellar sales for July reflect the success of the company's expanded pharmacy business.
Stein Mart sales sail in Q2, July

Jacksonville, Fla. – Stein Mart Inc. reported rising total sales in both the second quarter and July 2015. Total sales for the quarter rose 4% to $311.6 million, from $298.1 million.
Home Depot board adds big name member

The former CEO of American Airlines has been named to the board of directors of Home Depot Inc.
Second life for C. Wonder — with a celebrity stylist as pitchman

Photo via Getty Images
Breach knocks back profit at Sally Beauty

Sally Beauty Holdings is feeling the impact of its data breach.

Costs related to a data breach discovered in May, as well as higher selling, general and administrative expenses, helped reduce profit at Sally Beauty during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Net earnings fell 8% to $62.46 million, from $67.76 million the same period a year earlier.

Net sales rose 2% to $967.89 million, from $949.27 million. Same-store sales increased 2% in the Sally Beauty Supply division and 5.6% in the Beauty Systems division.