News

New York -- O’Reilly Automotive posted a strong first quarter, laying the foundation for continued growth in 2015. America’s second largest retailer in the automotive aftermarket industry said its expansion plans are on track after profit rose in the first quarter on higher sales and better margins, continuing a trend of 15% or greater profit growth for the past six years. The company said it plans to build a new distribution center in Texas to help support its 205 new stores in 2015.

New York -- Expansion plans are under way at surging Tractor Supply Co., which had a 5.7% increase in same store sales and a 19% increase in earnings in the first quarter.

The Tennessee-based retailer said it plans to open 110 to 115 new stores in 2015, as well as build a new distribution center in Casa Grande, Ariz. For the first quarter, same store transaction count increased 4.8% and average ticket increased 0.8%. Pet and heating consumables, fencing, truck accessories and tools all performed well, the company said.

Staples and Office Depot are celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week with big savings for educators.

Secaucus, N.J. – Three days after an activist investor group filed a presentation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urging the election of new board members and claiming poor performance, The Children's Place Inc. has its own investor presentation with the SEC.

The presentation endorses the re-election of three board candidates at the May 22 annual meeting: Norman Matthews (chairman of the board), Kenneth Reiss (chair of the audit committee) and Stanley W. Reynolds (member of the audit committee).

Operational changes keep coming at Walmart with another round of senior executive moves – and several retirements – announced late Friday that involve some familiar leaders in new roles focused on supercenters, small format and the rollout of grocery home shopping.

Frank & Oak, the online membership-based menswear retailer,  is also  expanding in the physical space, with both permanent locations and pop-ups. The company's Toronto flagship  features the brand’s monthly menswear collections and special capsule collections. The spacious, contemporary space reflects the brand’s lifestyle approach to retailing with a café and full-service barbershop.

Specialty retailer Christopher & Banks has come up with an innovative celebration of women to drive traffic this Mother’s Day.

The retailer will solicit nominations for, and select, Amazing Women to be recognized for their selfless giving and positive impact on the lives of those around them. The first search this year will be launched in celebration of Mother's Day with nominations open through May 10.

Seattle – Curbside pickup is easy, and so is texting. Combine them, and you have the supreme convenience of a new service Nordstrom is reportedly piloting in several U.S. stores, including its flagship in downtown Seattle.

According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, the service allows customers to text or call ahead of time so a store associate is already waiting on the curb when the customer arrives. Nordstrom, which has allowed in-store pickup of online items since 2008, also plans to pilot the service for men’s alterations.