News

Profits up at Toys 'R' Us amid restructuring
Cost-cutting efforts ongoing at Toys “R” Us Inc. helped the retailer report a profit in the fourth quarter.

Overall, for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31, Toys “R” Us reported a profit of $265 million, compared with a year-earlier loss of $210 million.
Report: Retailers missing out on big opportunities with Baby Boomers
New York -- Retailers in the United States are taking a huge risk by underestimating the buying power of the over-50 generation, according to a new report by the Fung Business Intelligence Centre.

The study, “A Booming Opportunity: Profiling from a Graying America,” finds that the aging Baby Boomers will continue to be a growing consumer market for the next 20 years.

Big Lots gives back in a big way

Big Lots hopes to give back to the communities it serves with a new charity focused on hunger, housing, health care and education.

Big Lots has announced that it has launched a nonprofit foundation to guide its charitable endeavors into the future.

The Big Lots Foundation will help strengthen the Company's philanthropic initiatives and support its commitment to making a difference in the communities where it operates.
Best Buy looks to thrive in e-commerce era

Wasn’t Best Buy supposed to be out of business by now? Instead, the company has shown itself to be one of the retail industry’s most resilient operators, achieving growth in the face of intense competition and deteriorating demand for once hot product categories like tablets.

Not that long ago Best Buy was at risk of becoming irrelevant, a victim of showrooming and competitive forces, headed for a fate similar to RadioShack. Instead, as evidenced by its fourth quarter results, Best Buy is practically thriving against some still challenging circumstances.
Whole Foods expands traveling grocer program in Portland

Austin, Texas – Whole Foods Market is bringing fresh food to the people of Portland, Oregon, through its My Street Grocery program. Operating from a refurbished classic trolley car, My Street Grocery is a mobile grocer that travels to neighborhoods throughout the Portland metro area and is focused on improving fresh food access and building community.
Tiffany swings to Q4 profit: will open 12-15 stores

New York – The elimination of a one-time adverse legal ruling helped Tiffany & Co. swing from loss to profit in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, but a strengthening dollar hurt overall sales. Tiffany reported net earnings of $196 million, compared to a net loss of $104 million the same period a year earlier.

However, worldwide net sales of $1.28 billion were down 1% from $1.3 billion, with the stronger U.S. dollar negatively impacting foreign sales results. Same-store sales dropped 4%.
Build-A-Bear wants shoppers to build a bunny this Easter

Build-A-Bear Workshop is hoping that its new Easter Collection will persuade shoppers to hop right in for a chance to buy one of the retailer’s new customizable holiday toys.

Build-A-Bear’s new Easter line features an assortment of customizable furry friends with unique personalization options, from sounds to accessories.
Amazon wins FAA approval to test delivery drones outdoors — with conditions

New York -- Amazon.com has received preliminary approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to test drone delivery. Although consumers should not expect packages to be dropped on their porches by buzzing unmanned aircraft anytime soon, just getting the OK to test the devices is regarded as a big win for the online retail giant.
Amazon is a giant step closer to drone delivery

A few months ago it seemed as though drone delivery was not going to happen for Amazon.com. Now the retailer's dreams of Amazon packages flying through the sky are a lot closer to reality, thanks to the FAA.

Amazon.com has received preliminary approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to research, develop and test drone delivery -- but that doesn't mean customers can expect their orders to arrive by drone anytime soon.
Tiffany not so sparkling in fourth quarter

A strengthening dollar hurt Tiffany & Co. a lot more than Wall Street was expecting in the fourth quarter, as the upscale jeweler reported a surprising sales decline.