News

New York City -- Clarity and ease of use are sticky points for retailers when it comes to implementing business intelligence, according to a recent survey on BI in retail by Chain Store Age.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Higher fuel sales and a slight increase in identical-store sales helped Safeway meet its expectations for the first quarter of 2011.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- First quarter revenue at eBay rose 16% to $2.5 billion, compared with the same period of 2010. The company recorded first quarter net income on a GAAP basis of $475.9 million, or 36 cents per diluted share, and non-GAAP net income of $619 million, or 47 cents per diluted share, representing a 12% increase for each compared with the same period of 2010. The first quarter increase in non-GAAP earnings per diluted share was due primarily to solid top line growth and a lower effective tax rate.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores announced that, with the sale of its Deep South beverage manufacturing facility, it has completed its program to sell all non-core manufacturing operations.

Polar Beverages of Worcester, Mass., will own the Fitzgerald, Ga.-base facility effective April 29. 

PHILADELPHIA -- Urban Outfitters announced that its Leifsdottir brand will now be sold exclusively at Anthropologie stores and through its direct-to-consumer business, and will no longer be available for wholesale distribution with the conclusion of spring deliveries. Johanna Uurasjarvi, creative director Leifsdottir, will return to the Anthropologie brand as executive creative director Anthropologie product design.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- OfficeMax started fiscal 2011 off with sales declines and lower earnings. The company announced that total sales were $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2011, a decrease of 2.8% from the first quarter of 2010.  For the first quarter of 2011, OfficeMax reported net income available to OfficeMax common shareholders of $11.4 million, or 13 cents per diluted share. For the first quarter of 2010, OfficeMax reported net income of $24.8 million, or 29 cents per diluted share.

PLANO, Texas -- JCPenney's big-and-tall concept will debut next month, and from the company's description, it seems as much a sports bar as it is a clothing store -- without beers on tap. The 5,000 sq.-ft. Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. stores will feature flat screen TVs tuned to sports, an oversized poker table and comfortable seating, where, according to the company "[customers] can relax, enjoy themselves and shop some of the biggest names in menswear --  in sizes that fit. " 

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. -- Kohl's announced that it will be the exclusive U.S. provider and marketer of VF Corp.'s Rock & Republic brand.  Beginning spring 2012, Rock & Republic apparel, accessories and all other merchandise will be available in Kohl’s stores nationwide and www.Kohls.com.

NEW YORK -- Wal-Mart Stores CEO Mike Duke said rising gas prices are hurting the chain’s main customers, who are having an even harder time stretching their dollars to the next payday than they did a year ago.

"There's no doubt that rising fuel prices are having an impact on our customers," said Duke at an event that was part of The Wall Street Journal's executive breakfast series, according to the Associated Press. "There's more pressure."

Mother’s Day may be considered a “Hallmark Holiday,” but that won’t stop consumers from showering mom with gifts on May 8. According to NRF’s 2011 Mother’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by BIGresearch, the average person celebrating the holiday is expected to spend $140.73 on gifts, up from $126.90 last year, and a return to 2008 spending levels. Total spending is expected to reach $16.3 billion.