News

Los Angeles -- Survey results released Thursday by PriceGrabber revealed that 16% of consumers will shop using a mobile device during the holiday season, compared with 13% last year. Nearly all respondents indicated that they will do some online shopping from a computer.

The number of consumers who plan to visit brick-and-mortar stores dropped by two percentage points to 46% compared with last year.

New York -- The TJX Cos. turned in the strongest performance among the discounters in October, reporting a 7% comp sales increase on Thursday.

According to TJX CEO Carol Meyrowitz, the above-plan performance has prompted the retailer to raise its outlook for the third quarter and full year. “We believe the momentum we are seeing in all of our businesses … bode well for the holiday selling season,” she said.

TJX sales for the period advanced 11% to $2.1 billion.

New York -- As the holidays approach and retailers are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, October same-store sales results showcased consistent strength in the department store category.

Nordstrom led the pack with a 9.8% rise in same-store sales for the month, and Macy’s Inc. had a solid showing as well.

New York -- With retail books closed prior to Hurricane Sandy’s arrival in the Northeast, most retailers experienced same-store sales gains for the month of October, some with stronger showings than others.

The 17 retail chains tracked by Thomson Reuters are predicted to report 4.3% growth in October same-store sales, up slightly over the 4.1% advance reported in the year-ago period and a significant gain over September’s 0.8% rise.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot's board of directors have approved a rights agreement and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right for each outstanding share of company common stock. Each right initially represents the right to purchase 1/5,000th of a share of company preferred stock at $11.50. Also, initially, these purchase rights will not be exercisable and will trade with the shares of the company’s common stock. The rights agreement will expire on Oct. 23, 2013.

FORT WORTH, Texas — RadioShack has donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. The donation will help cover costs of shelter, food, recovery and other assistance to families affected by the storm.

"Hurricane Sandy has been a storm of historic magnitude," said Dorvin Lively, CEO of RadioShack Corp. "RadioShack wants to support Red Cross in its efforts to help the communities and families we serve get back to normal as quickly as possible."

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — HSN Inc. reported that net sales for the third quarter increased 5% to $537.4 million, including 10% growth in digital sales. Cornerstone's net sales increased 13% to $241.4 million, including 22% growth in digital sales.

Adjusted EPS increased 32% to 66 cents compared with 50 cents in the prior year. GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations decreased 26% to 31 cents compared with 42 cents in the prior year.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — LeapFrog Enterprises and Walt Disney Records have come together to bring Disney music to LeapFrog's learning platforms.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg has elected Mary Laschinger, SVP International Paper (IP) and president of IP's xpedx distribution business, to its board of directors effective Oct. 26.

"Mary's more than 30 years of experience leading operating units of some of the world's most well-respected companies will be a real asset to Kellogg," said chairman Jim Jenness. "We are excited that Mary has agreed to join our board."

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell Soup Company has appointed Michael Senackerib to the newly created role of chief marketing officer, reporting directly to Campbell’s president and CEO Denise Morrison.

Senackerib will lead Campbell’s marketing function, including marketing services, global advertising, design, media, digital marketing and consumer and customer insights.