News

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation saw a slight uptick in customer traffic and same-store sales improvement for each of its major product categories — apparel, footwear and hardgoods — which contributed to a 4.4% same-store sales increase for the second quarter ended June 30 compared to the prior-year period. 

Net sales for the quarter increased to $239.9 million from $226.6 million for the second quarter last year. 

A former editor used to tell me “A picture is worth a thousand words – a thousand words you don’t have to write.” For omnichannel retailers, the value of video is even greater than that of still photography to journalists. As the popularity of online video content continues to climb with consumers, retailers ignore its potential as a means of customer engagement at their own risk.

TORONTO -- MI9 announced that Samsonite Company Stores, the North American retail and ecommerce division of Samsonite, has selected MI9 to provide its omnichannel retail platform.

Armonk, N.Y. -- Online consumer spending rose a healthy 15% in the second quarter of this year compared to the second quarter of last year. The IBM Online Retail Sales Index shows that mobile sales reached 19.4% of total online sales, up 28% from last year. Online shopping growth substantially outpaced the 4.6% year-over-year increase of in-store sales during the second quarter.

ABILENE, Texas — Law firms Brodsky & Smith LLC and Levi & Korsinsky are investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Alco Stores Inc., in relation to a merger agreement between Argonne Capital Group, LLC and Alco. Under the terms of the transaction, announced July 25, Alco shareholders will receive $14 in cash for each share of Alco stock they own.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — In a letter to shareholders, the board of directors of Office Depot Inc. said it has made significant progress toward a successful closing of the planned merger with OfficeMax by the end of this year. The letter also urges shareholders to support the board’s 10 nominees for the company’s board of directors.

NEW YORK — Hudson’s Bay Company has reached a deal to buy Saks Inc. in a deal that is expected to bring the luxury department store company to Canada. The Canadian retail conglomerate, which which operates Lord & Taylor in the United States and Hudson Bay in Canada, will purchase Saks for a total of about $2.9 billion. Purchase price includes $16 per share of Saks as well as the assumption of Saks’ debt.

DALLAS — Zale Corporation has promoted Bridgett Zeterberg to the position of SVP, general counsel and secretary. Zeterberg joined Zale in September 2010 and became general counsel and secretary in February 2012.

She is responsible for all legal, compliance and contractual matters, as well as corporate and board governance. She will continue to report to Theo Killion, CEO.

CHICAGO — Grainger, a leading broad-line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products serving businesses and institutions, has appointed Dr. Michael Ali as the company’s SVP and CIO. He replaces Tim Ferrarell, who has assumed the new role of SVP, innovation and continuous improvement.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — 89 Degrees, a customer engagement agency that leverages data and analytically driven strategy for maximum ROI, has named Rosie Poultney VP, analytics.

“Rosie is a key hire in our evolution as a customer engagement agency, linking digital technology and analytics to drive omnichannel marketing in powerful new ways,” said Phil Hussey, president of 89 Degrees. “Adding Bill Pena recently as VP of technology services was another major step in this direction, as we bring world class talent to our technology solutions.”