News

Lakeland, Fla. -- Publix Super Markets turned in another great quarter, a 7.4% increase in profits and a 6.9% increase in sales in the fourth quarter.

The reported a profit of $453.3 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $422 million in the year ago period. Net sales totaled $7.9 billion; same store sales increased 6.4%.

Publix continues to be a blockbuster in its industry, as the grocery chain posted a 7.4% increase in profits in the fourth quarter.

The Florida-based retailer reported a profit of $453.3 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $422 million in 2013. Earnings per share for the fourth quarter increased to $0.58 for 2014, up from $0.54 per share in 2013. Publix reported net sales of $7.9 billion; same store sales increased 6.4%.

Denver -- The Running Specialty Group (RSG), a division of The Finish Line, has expanded its presence in the New York City area with the addition of JackRabbit Sports, consisting of four locations. Additionally, JackRabbit owner and founder, Lee Silverman, will join RSG’s leadership team in Denver as senior VP of brand strategy.

Regional discount retailer Shopko will experience its most dramatic growth in many years later this month when its Hometown stores division takes over locations from the now defunct Alco Stores chain.

Conshohocken, Pa. – It may not be quite as cool as a shoe phone or a “Cone of Silence,” but Ikea is getting smart with furniture. Specifically, the retailer is releasing a line of “Smart Home” bedroom tables and lamps that will include built-in wireless charging spots for mobile devices.

New York – A state appeals court in New York has revived two claims Macy’s Inc. made against J.C. Penney Co. Inc. in a long-running dispute between the two department store chains about who has the right to sell Martha Stewart Living home products.   

 According to Reuters, in a unanimous decision, judges in the Manhattan Appellate Division ruled that Penney breached confidentiality provisions of Macy’s contract with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Penney’s actions amounted to unfair competition.

A new e-commerce startup is aiming to shift the paradigm in the world of online shopping with the release of a customizable deal dashboard.   Mytotefish.com offers a dashboard for users to organize their favorite stores (including coupons, sales and shipping deals) in one centralized location.   

The recently merged Albertsons and Safeway organization has appointed Justin Dye as chief administrative officer of the combined company.   Lee Wilson, who previously held this position with the company, has elected to stay in his role as consultant and not go forward as an officer with the newly combined organization.