News

Little Rock, Ark. -- Dillard’s saw net income rise to $36.5 million in the quarter ended Aug. 3, compared with $31 million in the same period last year.

Revenue was flat at $1.48 billion and same-store sales edged up 1%, boosted by strength from ladies accessories and lingerie.

“Positive comparable store sales and gross margin expansion combined with continued expense control enabled us to report another quarter of year over year improvement,” said CEO William T. Dillard II.

Los Angeles -- Sporting goods retailer Sport Chalet generated a loss of $2.8 million in the first quarter, compared with a profit of $100,000 in the year-ago period.

Sales slipped 2.8% to $81.5 million from $83.8 million, and same-store sales fell 0.7%.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores lowered its full year profit forecast early Thursday after reporting weaker that expected second quarter U.S. same-store sales at its U.S. division and suggested global economic conditions remain challenging.

Walmart lowered its full year profit forecast early Thursday after reporting weaker that expected second quarter same store sales at its U.S. division and suggested global economic conditions remain challenging.

Total company net sales increased 2.8% to $116.7 billion on a constant currency basis and profits increased 1.3% to $4.1 billion while earnings per share grew 5.1% to $1.24. That was a penny below the consensus forecast of analysts, although earnings per share included a charge related to international operations that reduced earnings by a penny.

Flu shots and nine other immunizations will now be offered year round by Sam’s Club pharmacists at more than 560 U.S. locations as the retailer looks to enhance member value and attract new members.

Beginning this month, Sam’s will begin offering flu shots and immunizations for diseases such as pneumonia, shingles, whooping cough, chickenpox, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), meningitis, HPV (human papillomavirus) and hepatitis A and B.

What a difference 30, 20 or even 10 years make when it comes to consumer behavior. Thirty years ago, “24x7 shopping” meant mail-order catalogs. Smartphones, tablets and social media were barely part of the discussion 10 years ago. While observers attribute the rapid pace of change to technological advances, biology may play an equally important role. Scientists have observed that the human brain is incredibly plastic, even in adulthood, constantly adapting to trauma and environmental shifts.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s continues to focus on funding its e-commerce growth following results for the second quarter ended August 3. 

LOS ANGELES — Sporting goods retailer Sport Chalet swung to a loss in the first quarter, as it continues turnaround efforts that include a new store concept, closing under-performing stores and reducing staff. 

The company generated a loss of $2.8 million for the quarter, compared with a profit of $100,000 in the year-ago period. Sales dipped 2.8% to $81.5 million from $83.8 million, and same-store sales dropped 0.7%.

WASHINGTON — Walgreens president and CEO Gregory Wasson will be the keynote speaker on the second day of Shop.org’s annual summit, as will the company’s president of e-commerce, Sona Chawla. 

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Kid Brands, Inc. has appointed Jodie Simon Friedman as the company’s VP, general counsel and corporate secretary. She replaces Marc Goldfarb, who resigned his position as general counsel and corporate secretary to pursue other opportunities. 

Goldfarb has agreed to remain available to the company as a consultant providing legal services.