News

New York City -- Speaking at the Barclays Capital analyst conference in New York City on Tuesday, Kroger Co. chairman and CEO David Dillon said grocery prices are rising slightly. He also said the chain may benefit from rising fuel prices because the discounts it offers on gasoline could attract more shoppers.

Grocery prices have gone up approximately 2%, Dillon said, in what he called "the low side of moderate" inflation, since late last year as suppliers deal with higher commodity and energy costs, the Associated Press reported.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot reported a first quarter loss of $5.4 million, down from a profit of $29.5 million in the prior-year period, amid weaker sales and a higher tax rate.

Total company sales for the quarter were $2.97 billion, down 3% from last year.

New York City -- Coach's third-quarter net income increased 18% amid higher demand in North America, which helped offset an estimated $20 million hit to its revenue from Japan's tsunami and earthquake. Same-store sales in North America rose 10.3%. Analysts said Coach’s results offered further proof that spending by affluent shoppers is back on track and rising faster than other segments.

Net income rose to $186 million for the three months that ended April 2, up from $157.6 million a year earlier. Revenue rose nearly 15% to $950.7 million.

Dallas -- RadioShack Corp. said Monday that it plans to sell $300 million in debt that will come due in 2019.

The retailer said it plans to use the proceeds from the sale of the senior notes for general corporate purposes, which may include stock buybacks.

Minneapolis -- Grocery Shopping Network has announced the launch of newly enhanced consumer websites for Milwaukee based Roundy’s Supermarkets.

The launch includes the websites of Roundy’s five store banners: Pick ’n Save, Rainbow Foods, Copps Food Centers, Metro Market and Mariano’s Fresh Market.

By Jason Pierson

CINCINNATI -- Macy's Inc. has announced the planned locations for three new Bloomingdale's Outlet stores to open in fall 2011. They will join the first four Bloomingdale's Outlet stores opened in fall 2010 as the concept was launched.

• Stores will open in the following shopping centers:

• Miromar Outlets, Estero, Fla. (25,000 sq. ft.t; opening planned for September 2011);

PHOENIX -- PetSmart announced that is introducing an exclusive line of pet apparel and accessories from Martha Stewart. 

“Dogs love their walks -- rain or shine. But the spring season can bring with it a few challenges for pets and their parents when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities,” said Gayle Franger, VP merchandise marketing for PetSmart. “With quality clothing options that protect dogs from the elements, PetSmart is helping pet parents keep their pets comfortable, regardless of the weather forecast.”

FORT WORTH, Texas  -- A decline in T-Mobile postpaid wireless sales, television converter boxes, digital televisions and digital music players contributed to a first-quarter comps drop of 0.6% at RadioShack. However, strong sales in its kiosk division helped drive RadioShack's total first-quarter sales up 2.1% to $1.06 billion, compared with $1.04 billion for the 2010 first quarter. 

NEW YORK -- Three Stop & Shop stores in the Boston area will launch a software app from ModivMedia that allow customers with iPhones to scan grocery items and add them to an electronic shopping cart, The Boston Globe reported.