News

Cabela's beats Street with revenue and profit surges, 13 new stores planned for 2015
Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela's Inc. saw profit rise 6.9% to $27.5 million in the first quarter, topping Wall Street expectations. Revenue of $827.1 million, a 14% increase, also exceeded Street forecasts.

By segment, retail store revenue increased 18.9% to $524.4 million; direct revenue decreased 3.3% to $173.5 million; and Financial Services revenue increased 24.7% to $122.9 million.

During the period, consolidated same-store sales decreased 1.3%.
O'Reilly expansion stays on track
O’Reilly Automotive says it plans to build a new distribution center in Texas to help support its 205 new stores 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.

Amazon.com product sales slow, but not services

Amazon.com’s sales growth in the first quarter continued to outpace the overall e-commerce growth rate, especially Web services, but expenses related to interest and currency exchange caused the online leader to report a $57 million net loss.

Total sales for the quarter ended March 31 increased 15% to $22.72 billion but a strengthening of the U.S. Dollar caused a $1.3 billion currency exchange headwind. On a constant currency basis, which is how global retailers like to analyze their business, sales increased 22%.
Bonuses for Wal-Mart top execs now tied to sales growth

Bentonville, Ark. -- As the world’s largest retailer has been challenged to grow sales, the Wal-Mart Stores Inc. revealed in its proxy statement filed with security regulators that executive cash bonuses are now being tied to sales performance – in addition to operating income – in the fiscal year.
Publix pharmacy marks major milestone
Sears hires ex-Rouse COO to lead $2.5 billion real estate trust

Chicago -- Sears Holdings Corp. has tapped former Rouse Properties COO Benjamin Schall to lead new Sears REIT Seritage Growth Properties. The real estate investment trust was formed by Sears to buy some of its stores and generate $2.5 billion in cash.

Schall’s appointment is effective May 4. He spent three years as COO of publicly traded REIT Rouse, overseeing operations of 35 malls in 21 states.
Founder of TJX Cos. to retire from board

The TJX Cos. Inc. announced Wednesday that Chairman Bernard Cammarata will retire following the company’s annual shareholder meeting scheduled for June 11.
Kohl's launches yoga wear line from Gaiam

The new focus on health and wellness merchandise at Kohl’s gets a big boost this week with the addition of an exclusive Gaiam women’s apparel collection.

The retailer has been greatly expanding its assortment of active lifestyle and wellness offerings through brand launches, partnerships and unique social integrations that further the company’s commitment to active and well lifestyles promoted under the Make Your Move initiative launched earlier this year.
Sears refreshing some Hometown, Outlet stores

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores is embracing its branding as “America’s Appliance Experts” with a refresh of seven stores in Arizona, among other states.

The store refresh includes a new product assortment, redesigned merchandising, new fixtures & signage, and comprehensive employee training, among other changes.
Marshalls survey: Most women confident about achieving goals

Framingham, Mass. -- American women are ambitious and confident when it comes to pursuing their goals, yet understand the hard work it takes to achieve them.

In a new survey from Marshalls, 85% of American women ages 22 – 54 who have goals feel confident that they will achieve them in the next year, which is no easy feat with women juggling four different goals on average. Even as master multi-taskers women know when to ask for help, with 91% reporting to need a little boost and support to help create a path toward success.