News

Chicago -- The retail industry is poised for another year of heavy deal flow. Nearly all retail CFOs (94%) expect merger and acquisition will increase or remain steady in 2013, according to a new survey from BDO USA.

The bullish forecasts follow $324.6 billion in global retail and consumer M&A activity in 2012, which was up 33% over 2011 and the busiest year since 2007, according to Dealogic. A majority of CFOs (68%) expect the U.S. markets to see a majority of deal volume, followed by the Asia-Pacific market (20%) and Latin America market (7%).

Insight Beverages has named Sharon Porter as director of national sales effective Feb. 25, 2013. 

“As director of national sales, Sharon will lead our organization in its efforts to expand our core convenience store business, distribution and national accounts.  We are very excited to have a person of Sharon’s caliber at our company as we continue to expand our business in convenience stores and other foodservice channels,” said Bill Flack, VP sales for Insight Beverages.

BARCELONA — At Mobile World Congress, MasterCard introduced MasterPass, a digital service that allows consumers to use any payment card or enabled device to discover enhanced shopping experiences that are as simple as a click, tap or touch – online, in-store or anywhere.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — New Jersey first lady and chairwoman of the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund Mary Pat Christie will visit a Point Pleasant, N.J., Rite Aid store on Friday at 11:30 a.m. with Rite Aid executives to receive money for the fund, Rite Aid said Thursday.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble founder and chairman, Leonard Riggio, has notified the company's board of directors of his intentions to purchase the company's retail business. 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s reported net earnings of $288 million and diluted earnings per share of 26 cents for the fourth quarter of 2012. As a result of the extra week in 2011, net earnings for the fourth quarter declined 10.6% and diluted earnings per share were flat from the fourth quarter of 2011. 

GERMANTOWN, Md. — Hughes Network Systems, a provider of broadband satellite solutions and a leading provider of managed network services, announced that it will unveil at Digital Signage Expo the latest additions to its digital media solutions lineup designed to increase employee and customer satisfaction through high-impact video.

Hughes Digital Associate enables customers to easily browse products and services on a touchscreen display and drill down into the details using engaging videos, graphics and photos. 

Dillard’s posted its 10th consecutive quarter of same store sales growth with a 3% gain in the fourth quarter.

The operator of 284 department stores said merchandise sales for the 14 week fourth quarter ended February 2 increased 7% to $2.087 billion compared to $1.947 billion during the 13 week period ended January 28, 2012. Based on comparable weeks, merchandise sales increased 2%. Profits for the 14 week period increased to $161.4 million, or $3.36 a share, compared to $141.5 million or $2.77 during the 13 week period the prior year.

Specialty apparel retailer Body Central has transformed its merchandising organization with four high level hires and the departure of former chief merchant Beth Angelo.

SPRINGFIELD, N.J. — Watch maker TAG Heuer has launched its first online shopping boutique.  Paying homage to the brand's eight avant-garde retail boutiques nationwide, the new online boutique will mimic TAG Heuer's "lifestyle lounge," which allows consumers to fully immerse themselves in the TAG Heuer brand from any location.