News

No company gave more money and products to charity in 2011 than Walmart, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual ranking.

The publication put Walmart at the top of its list of the 10 most charitable companies, indicating that the company donated $342 million in cash and $616 million in products last year. That is the equivalent of 4.1% of the company’s 2010 pretax profits.

Walmart and mom-and-pop retailers are usually at odds with one another, but the issue of credit card swipe fees has Walmart sharing common ground with independent pharmacists.

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), an organization representing 23,000 independent pharmacies, announced this week that it was rejecting a proposed settlement in the antitrust lawsuit involving Visa, MasterCard and several big name banks.

Online shopper engagement firm Jingit named former Walmart head merchant John Fleming to their board of advisors this week and offered a view of his career and accomplishments at Walmart that isn’t likely to jive with the recollection of suppliers.

“John pioneered countless initiatives throughout his stellar career at Walmart that took that brand to new heights in the market,” Jingit co-founder Joe Rogness said of Fleming.

Bloomberg reports this week that Walmart is becoming more sophisticated in its dealings with the government, and the company is employing an interesting tactic to gain political insights.

Earlier this week, 10 Walmart moms from the Denver area were assembled for the company's latest focus group, according to the Bloomberg report, and they were asked about their top issues and impressions of presidential candidates.

PHILADELPHIA — The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack have appointed Thomas Carey to the newly created position of SVP, chief customer officer. In this new position, Carey will be responsible for guiding the company’s customer experience strategies and tactics, as well as leading the development and execution of its marketing strategies. Carey is expected to start with Pep Boys on Aug. 6.

New York -- An affiliate of Manhattan-based real estate company Jemb Realty Corp. has agreed to purchase the leases and certain intellectual assets of Daffy’s Inc. for $43 million, Bloomberg reported. The deal is subject to bankruptcy court approval.

Daffy’s filed for Chapter 11 protection listing assets of $60.2 million and debt of $70.5 million as of July 1. The chain operates 19 stores, with the majority in the New York City metro area.

New York -- Helped by hot weather and clearance sales, many retailers reported solid results in July, a month that can be a tepid lead-up to the back-to-school shopping season.

Some of the strongest showings in the month were in the department store category, as those reporting all showed July gains.

Macy’s led the pack with a 4.1% same-store sales rise. Total sales increased 5.1% to $1.7 billion over the four-week period.

Indianapolis -- Hhgregg reported Thursday a loss of $5.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, compared with a loss of $0.8 million in the year-ago period. The electronics and appliances retailer cited higher expenses coupled with same-store sales declines for the poor performance.

Net sales increased 13.5% to $489.9 million from $431.5 million, and same-store sales decreased 5.1%.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Body Central Corp., which operates 258 stores under the Body Shop and Body Central banners, reported Thursday that net income for the second quarter dropped to $3.4 million, from $5.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenues climbed 6.3% to $79.4 million, and same-store sales decreased 7.6%.

The company opened 15 new stores and closed one during the second quarter.
 

South Jersey’s first Henri Bendel has opened at Cherry Hill Mall, located in Cherry Hill, N.J.

The PREIT-owned property now features a 2,300-sq.-ft. Henry Bendel designer fashion boutique, joining Nordstrom, True Religion, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Guess by Marciano, and more.

“As South Jersey’s fashion destination, Cherry Hill Mall continues to welcome venerable style icons to the property,” said Lisa Wolstromer, Cherry Hill Mall senior marketing director.