News

Wilmington, Del. -- A survey released Wednesday by Chase Slate with Blueprint revealed that more back-to-school shoppers are carefully managing their spending and borrowing by creating a budget and sticking to it.

Thirty-eight percent report that they have a set budget for school-related expenses; in 2011, only 26% of people had created a budget for their back-to-school shopping. In addition, 32% anticipate their spending on back-to-school shopping this year to reflect pre-recession figures.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market said it continues its forward march, posting a profit of $116.8 million for the quarter ended July 1, a rise of 32% over last year’s quarterly results. Sales for the quarter surged 14% to $2.7 billion, and same-store sales increased 8%.

I make no political, ethical, religious or moral statement here. I am a journalist, and I have no right – or desire – to espouse my personal viewpoints in this forum.

That said, this is an interesting piece that fully illustrates how a chain’s – or its owner’s – personal beliefs can potentially hamper its ability to grow.

I can’t help but wonder if we’ll see more of these types of reports, especially as it appears that, in Chicago at least, some precedent could be set.

New York -- The Jones Group Inc. reported Wednesday that net income for the quarter ended June 30 soared 56% to $7.9 million, from $5 million in the year-ago period.

Sales for the parent to such brands as Nine West and Anne Klein dipped 4% to $854.8 million, missing Wall Street’s expected $865.5 million in revenue, but tightened inventory controls offset the sales decline.

If you’ve spent any time in Nordstrom over the past few years, you’ve probably noticed their efforts to integrate some younger, edgier product lines into their more conservative upscale fashion selections. It seems they’re taking these efforts one giant step forward with the announcement of their new partnership with Topshop.

LOS ANGELES — Sears is targeting young women with a new career-focused apparel line called Metaphor. The apparel collection, which is scheduled to hit stores in August, will include jackets, trousers, shirts and dresses at reasonable price points, according to the company. The line will be complemented by fashion footwear and jewelry.

Walmart added its sizable voice to the growing ranks of those opposed to a settlement regarding transaction fees charged by Visa and MasterCard.

Alain Poirier has joined Tompkins International as VP business development.

In his new role, Poirier will identify opportunities and develop solutions to ensure that clients achieve their business objectives, according to a Tompkins statement. Poirier previously held various executive and sales leadership positions for companies such as Aldata, Sterling Commerce (IBM), TrueDemand (Acosta), and Manhattan Associates.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot has revealed a new back-to-school advertising campaign featuring multi-faceted actor, comedian and host of "America’s Got Talent," Nick Cannon. The campaign showcases Office Depot’s technology and fashion assortment to help students “Be Ncredible” this school year.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General is showing its support for education with a new scholarship and education program for its 90,000 employees and their families.