News

Cary, N.C. -- The Pantry announced today that Mark R. Bierley, CFO, has resigned effective May 25, 2012. Bierley has accepted a position near his home in Michigan.

The convenience-store company will begin a search for a new CFO promptly. Berry L. Epley, VP and corporate controller, will assume Bierley’s responsibilities until a successor is named.
 

Seattle -- Starbucks Corp.’s net income surged a better-than-expected 18% in its fiscal second quarter, as its store traffic increased in most parts of the world. The coffee giant also raised its forecast for the year on the results and said it was accelerating its growth.

For the three months ended April 1, the company earned $309.9 million, compared with a profit of $261.6 million in the year-ago quarter. Revenue rose to $3.2 billion, up from $2.79 billion a year ago. Same-store sales increased 7%.

WAYNE, N.J. — Babies“R”Us is partnering with mom and fashion icon, Heidi Klum, for an exclusive collection of affordable luxuries for little ones, adding to its growing assortment of differentiated product offerings. This new collection, Truly Scrumptious by Heidi Klum, will be available at Babies“R”Us stores across North America and online at Babiesrus.com beginning this fall. 

The Brentwood, Tenn.-based farm and ranch retailer saw same-store sales increase 11.5% in the first quarter ended March 31. Net sales increased 22% to $1.02 billion.

Net income for the quarter was $40.3 million, compared to net income of $18.3 million in the same quarter last year.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Books-A-Million has named Todd Noden as Chief Financial Officer. In his new role, Noden will report to Terrance Finley, CEO and president of Books-A-Million. Noden will replace current CFO Brian White, who resigned to pursue other endeavors effective April 25.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is giving fans of Marvel's "The Avengers" exclusive access to the Super Hero Augmented Reality (AR) game featuring their favorite Avengers, including Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Hulk, Hawkeye and Black Widow. This new "Super Hero AR" app is available now for download at the iTunes App Store and Android Market.

SIDNEY, Neb. — Cabela's revenue for the first quarter increased 6.3% to $623.5 million and included a retail store revenue increase of 14.4% to $345.3 million and a direct revenue decrease of 8.3% to $190.2 million. For the quarter, comparable-store sales increased 4.2%.

The company reported that net income increased 62% to $28.8 million compared with $17.8 million in the year ago quarter, and earnings per diluted share were 40 cents compared with 25 cents in the year ago quarter.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway's first quarter net income rose to $81.6 million, from $25.1 million in the year-earlier period. Sales edged up 2.4% to $10 billion, from $9.8 billion last year. Same-store sales were flat.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is partnering with Norah Jones for a deluxe edition of her fifth studio album, “Little Broken Hearts.” The Target deluxe edition of “Little Broken Hearts” is available now for pre-order at Target.com/NorahJones and will be offered at Target stores nationwide beginning May 1.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney has made a number of key appointments in the areas of real estate, supply chain, communications, marketing and philanthropy.