News

Papa John’s accepts Google Wallet Instant Buy
Louisville, Ky. – Payment just got faster for Papa John’s customers with Android phones. Papa John’s International Inc. will now begin accepting Google Wallet Instant Buy as a payment method for delivery and carry-out orders placed through the Android app. Customers can press the "Buy with Google" button at checkout to complete their order. Papa John’s also announced that for the first time, digital and mobile channels account for more than 50% of its total U.S. sales.
Civic50 list includes few retailers
Gap Inc., is the only retailer to appear on a flawed list called The Civic50 that presumes to recognize the nation’s most community-minded companies.

Now in its third year, the lack of retail representation on The Civic50 is highly curious considering retailers enjoy a high level of visibility within the communities where they operate and are typically quite generous in supporting local charities and national causes. The consumer packaged goods was also under-represented on The Civic50 although companies such as ConAgra, General Mills and Hershey were included.

Tech Guest Viewpoint - Loyalty programs: Time to sign up for retailers

By Shannon Warner, Cognizant Technology Solutions Talk about a gap: 62% of shoppers say loyalty program membership is beneficial, but only 26% consider retailers’ programs worth joining.
Amazon testing bike messengers and price haggling

New York - Amazon is testing new features, one for the way it delivers goods, and the other a new pricing option that enables shoppers to haggle directly with third-party marketplace sellers for lower prices. The online giant is testing bike messengers deliveries in New York City, according to various media reports.
Costco off to great start with Q1 beat

The holiday season started strong at Costco where U.S. same store sales advanced 7 percent during the company’s first quarter ended Nov. 23.

Total company sales during the period increased 7 percent to nearly $26.3 billion from $24.5 billion. Membership income grew slightly slower, advancing 6 percent to $582 million. Same stores sales excluding the effects of the strengthening U.S. dollar and fuel price deflation were 7 percent and U.S. and international locations.
Costco Q1 profit jumps 17%; tops estimates

Issaquah, Wash. – Costco Wholesale Corp. beat Wall Street expectations for net income and sales during the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income totaled $496 million, up 17% from $425 million the same period a year earlier. Lower opening expenses and higher interest income helped boost profits. Total revenue grew 7% to $26.87 million from $25.02 million. Total same-store sales rose 5%.
Burlington Stores Q3 loss grown

Florence, N.J. – Burlington Stores Inc. increased its net loss to $34.21 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 from $16.86 million in the same period a year earlier amid increased expenses net loss. By the end of fiscal 2014, Burlington Stores expects to have opened 24 new stores and closed two stores, for a total store count of 543.
Sales soar at Burlington Stores

Burlington Stores Inc. CEO Tom Kingsbury reported an unexpected sales spike in the third quarter, prompting the company to enthusiastically boost its outlook for the year.
Pantry beats Street with Q4 profit, misses on revenue

Cary, N.C. – The Pantry Inc. beat Wall Street expectations with net income but missed on revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. Net income dramatically shot up to $14.7 million from $1 million in the same period a year earlier, aided by costs and expenses that remained level or dropped. Revenue fell 3% to $1.95 billion from $2.02 billion, with declining fuel sales offsetting rising merchandising sales.
Saks boosts profits at Hudson’s Bay Co. in Q3

Higher same store sales and its purchase of Saks Inc. last year helped Hudson’s Bay Co. post a smaller quarterly loss in the third quarter.

The company had a $13 million net loss and profits of $116 million, both improvements from the same time last year. Same-store sales rose 1.7% in the third quarter.