News

The retail industry and many of those who work at Walmart are going to get a double shot of Greg Foran next week. The former international executive assumes his new role as CEO of the Walmart U.S. division as the retailer prepares to release second quarter results and host a major U.S. manufacturing summit.

Stein Mart is marking its ninth consecutive quarter of positive sales. The company reported total sales of $75.3 million for July, a 0.9% increase from $74.6 in the prior year.

The company has generated $298.1 million in total sales for the second quarter so far, a 2.5% increase from $290.9 in the year-ago period. Comparable-store sales have increased 1.3%.

Costco saw a boost in net sales and same-store sales during the month of July.

Net sales totaled $8.55 billion for the four weeks ended Aug. 3, an increase of 9% from $7.87 billion during the similar four-week period last year.

Same-store sales increased 5%, while U.S. same-store sales also increased 5% during the period.

For the 48 weeks ended Aug. 3 net sales were $101.43 billion, an increase of 7%. During the 48 weeks, same-store sales increased 4%. In the United States, same-store sales rose 5%.

The summer has brought with it a flurry of new store openings, from both established players and emerging online-offline stars. Check out the five below … and don’t miss the bonus at the end!

Indianapolis - Lids Sports Group has acquired wholesale team sports company Nashville Sporting Goods and its production affiliate National Team Embellishment, both headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. The purchase includes Nashville Sporting Goods.

Wayne, N.J. – Toys “R” Us Inc. has named Chetan Bhandari senior VP, corporate finance and treasurer. In this capacity, Bhandari will be responsible for managing relationships with domestic and international lenders, depository banks, credit insurers and credit rating agencies, as well as overseeing the company’s global cash management, foreign exchange programs and capital markets activities.

New York – Macy’s is launching an online wedding promotion in partnership with TV host and fashion consultant Clinton Kelly. Known as “Weddings with Clinton Kelly,” the promotion will include an online wedding hub with a collection of articles and videos to help build the perfect registry, as well as advice from Kelly.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Belk Inc. has launched a digital back-to-school campaign with digital and social marketing platform provider HelloWorld. The campaign will run through Sept. 15.

London - Nook Media LLC, a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble Inc., has launched its new Nook GlowLight e-reader in the U.K. The new Nook GlowLight features perfectly-lit pages, sharper text and advanced display technology, and can hold up to 2,000 books.

The Nook GlowLight will be available starting Aug. 6 at Argos, Asda, Blackwells, Foyles, John Lewis, Sainsburys and Very.

Pasadena, Calif. - Mobile payments company Wipit Inc has developed a new omni-channel payment technology designed to allow in-app barcode payments at retail point-of-sale. This technology compliments Wipit's existing network branded GPR card, in-app services, and e-commerce payment options from a prepaid cash mobile wallet.