News

Following up on last week’s article (One area where Amazon.com doesn’t have an advantage), the extent of that advantage in the U.S. was on display in the nation’s capitol this week.

Former Walmart senior vice chairman Don Soderquist is the featured speaker at a Doing Business in Bentonville speakers series breakfast presentation scheduled for May 16. Plenty of folks in Northwest Arkansas have heard Soderquist speak before, however his upcoming remarks will take place amid swirling accusations of corruption that event organizers and few others in Bentonville could have envisioned months ago when his participation was confirmed.

First quarter sales at the leading online retailer surged 34% to $13.2 billion during the first quarter ended March 31, as the company continues to enjoy a huge competitive advantage by allowing customers to avoid paying sales tax.

Despite surging sales, net income at the company declined 35% to $130 million or 28 cents a share, compared with $201 million or 44 cents a share the prior years. Operating income also declined considerably, dropping to $192 million in the first quarter compared with $322 million in first quarter 2011.

New York -- Liz Claiborne Inc. reported Thursday that it narrowed its loss in the first quarter to $60.6 million, compared with a $96.3 million loss in the year-ago period. Strong sales of the company’s Kate Spade and Lucky Brands goods strengthened the results.

Revenue for the period fell 4% to $317.1 million from $330.7 million, but beat Wall Street’s estimated $307.4 million in revenue.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s Inc. reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter rose a record 62% to $28.8 million, from $17.8 million last year.

Revenue increased 6.3% to $623.5 million, and same-store sales increased 4.2%.

"This strong performance gives us confidence our growth strategy is working and working well," said Tommy Millner, Cabela's CEO.

By Sam Khalilieh, [email protected]

Study after study has concluded that adding doors to medium temperature coolers (MTC) is a great solution for a variety of issues that plague grocery retailers. Whether looking at energy use, operational costs, product safety, or consumer comfort, there is no down side to adding doors. So why do so many overlook this very basic approach? This question has been puzzling me for a long time.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter 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.

“We continue to believe sales will grow as our new marketing initiatives take hold," said Steve Burd, chairman and CEO.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart said Thursday it has launched a “Pay with Cash” service that offers cash payment options for online orders at Walmart.com in the United States.

Walmart is the first major retailer to offer online purchases without the need for banking services or a credit, debit or prepaid card.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Supermarket-pharmacy chain Hy-Vee is launching two initiatives designed to promote sustainability, in recognition of Earth Day.

HOUSTON — Mid-price apparel retailer Stage Stores has named Steven Lawrence as chief merchandising officer, effective April 30. Lawrence will be responsible for all of the merchandising, planning and allocation functions of the company.

Prior to joining Stage Stores, Lawrence spent 11 years with JCPenney, where he was most recently co-chief merchant EVP GMM men’s, kids and home.