News

Indianapolis – Hhgregg Inc. cited extreme weather as a major factor in preliminary sales declines it reported for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The retailer estimates net sales to be approximately $538.3 million, a decrease of approximately 9.9% as compared to net sales of $597.6 million reported for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013.

Old Saybrook, Conn. -- Eve's Addiction has redesigned its e-commerce site. With more 6,000 items on the site, the Eve's Addiction team studied Web data from the past year to figure out how to best present their product offerings for the optimal online store experience.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Safeway Inc. has completed the distribution to its stockholders of 37.8 million shares of Class B common stock of Blackhawk Networks Holdings Inc. owned by Safeway. After the completion of the distribution, Safeway no longer owns any shares of Class B common stock of Blackhawk.

Digital savings provider RetailMeNot will put the geo-fencing capabilities of its mobile coupon app to the test this Saturday at the University of Texas.

Pep Boys is looking to accelerate a range of digital and physical offerings as part of a strategy called, “Road Ahead,” after the omnichannel efforts resulted in 152% growth.

Pep Boys operates 800 locations in 35 states with 7,500 service bays which differentiates the company from parts-only players such as AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts who perform basic services in their parking lots such as changing batteries or wiper blades.

Ahold USA has appointed Amy Hahn to the newly created position of SVP marketing effective April 28. In this role, Hahn will lead and drive critical initiatives of strategic marketing, market insights and analytics, advertising, promotion, brand development, corporate communications, innovation, digital strategy and execution.

She will also be responsible for developing digital retailing and loyalty plans.

Extreme weather hurt Hhgregg’s sales performance in the fourth quarter ended March 31. During the quarter the company also exited the contract-based mobile phone business.

Net sales are estimated to be $538.3 million, a decrease of approximately 9.9% as compared to net sales of $597.6 million reported for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013. Fourth fiscal quarter comparable store sales are estimated to have decreased approximately 9.9%.

99 Cents Only recently changed its fiscal year from the Saturday closest to the end of March, to the Friday closest to the end of January, to be in line with its retail industry peers. But during the shortened fiscal year consisting of 44 weeks, from March 31, 2013 to Jan. 31, the company widened its net loss.

Total net sales were $1.53 billion, down 8% from $1.66 billion. Same-store sales rose 3.7%.

Social sharing, editorial commerce and improved targeting are said to be among the technological upgrades leading footwear brand and retailer Steve Madden has made to its Web site.

Pacific World Cosmetics has tapped Neutrogena executive Jim Colleran to serve as its new CEO. Colleran will lead all efforts for the corporation’s multiple beauty and health brands, which include SensatioNail, Nailene, Trim, Dr. G’s and Fing’rs.

Colleran succeeds Joe Fracassi, who has left to pursue other opportunities.