News

Regional grocer Weis Markets is pressing forward with a $101 million capital expenditure program this year as it looks to restore top line growth at its Northeast operations.

The operator of 166 stores, 122 of which are located in Pennsylvania, confirmed a previously disclosed capital expenditure budget of $101 million would be used to fund 16 projects. Those projects consist of two new stores under construction in Selinsgrove and Enola, Pa., 13 remodels and expansion of a 1.1 million-sq.-ft. distribution center in Milton, Pa.

San Francisco - Although 77% of top online retailers have published a mobile app and 62% of them prompt users to opt into push notifications, many of them are missing a significant opportunity to perform push communications. According to new data from mobile analytics provider Other Levels, only 31% of the top 100 online retailers actually sent a message through push notification.

However, Other Levels data shows that 70% of consumers are open to receiving mobile push notifications. Additional findings include:

Space Ninety 8, a new concept from Urban Outfitters, has opened in the uber-hip Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York. Big and spacious, the multi-level space is located in a renovated warehouse. It has an industrial look, complete with exposed ceilings and brick wall, with lots of boho-chic accents.  

The basement level houses a pop-up, with Adidas originals serving as the inaugural tenant. The space is colorful, with bold, crazy prints (the work of a local artist) accenting the walls and displays.

Whirlpool Corporation reaffirmed its full-year guidance following first quarter results.

Net sales in the quarter were $4.4 billion compared to $4.2 billion during the same prior-year period. Excluding the impact of foreign currency in addition to Brazilian (BEFIEX) tax credits, sales increased approximately 6%.

Atlanta – Severe weather had a negative impact on financial performance at Aaron’s Inc. during the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Compared to the same period a year earlier, Aaron’s net earnings declined 25% to $38.3 million from $51 million.

Revenues dropped 1% to $585.4 million compared to $593.0 million for the first quarter in 2013. Same-store sales shrank 2.1%.

Ale or Lager? Stout? Lambic? Pilsner? These are the questions candy makers at Jelly Belly Candy Company asked themselves before creating what they say is the world’s first beer flavored jelly bean.

In the end, the company opted to pay homage to its German ancestry with a Hefeweizen-inspired ale flavor, and Draft Beer Jelly Belly jelly beans took shape. The new flavor is now available in bulk and a single-flavor 3.5-oz Grab & Go bag.

Miami – Consolidated net income at Burger King Worldwide Inc. grew 68.7% year-over-year during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, rising to $60.4 million from $35.8 million. In the same period, total revenues fell 26.5% to $240.9 million from $327.7 million.

Systemwide same-store sales grew 2%. Burger King cited severe weather as negatively affecting North American sales, as well as the net refranchising of 327 company-owned stores during the quarter. The retailer attributed its net income growth to improvement in overseas EBITDA performance.

Kellogg Company's board of directors has elected president and CEO John A. Bryant as chairman, effective July 1. Current Chairman James M. Jenness will remain on the board as a non-executive director.

Bryant has been a member of the company's board of directors since July 2010. He has been president and CEO since January 2011. Bryant joined Kellogg in 1998. Prior to becoming CEO, he held a variety of key senior leadership roles including CFO, president of Kellogg North America, president of Kellogg International and COO.