News

New York City -- A report released Tuesday by payment system provider ACI Worldwide found that many retail loyalty programs leave consumers feeling underappreciated and many consumers are enrolled in a program they don’t completely understand.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma announced that net revenues for fourth quarter 2010 increased 9.7% to $1.195 billion versus $1.09 billion in fourth quarter 2010, including Internet net revenue growth of 27.2% and a comparable-store sales increase of 5.2%.

Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis were $1.05 for the quarter, compared with 81 cents for the same period last year.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW has announced net income of $18.5 million on net sales of $468.5 million for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 29, compared with net income of $13.4 million on net sales of $402.6 million for the quarter ended Jan. 30, 2010. Same-store sales increased 14.9% for the comparable period versus an increase of 12.9% last year. 

Diluted earnings per share were 41 cents for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with diluted earnings per share of 30 cents last year.

Arlington, Va. -- In response to legislation introduced on Tuesday by Montana senator Jon Tester to reopen critical reforms of the debit payments market, the Retail Industry Leaders Association issued the following statement:

“Despite the American people’s repeated disapproval of bank bailouts, the Tester bill is just that, this time at the expense of retailers and their consumers,” said Katherine Lugar, executive VP for public affairs, RILA.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The economic downturn has been especially tough on the Midwestern region of the United States, but now Meijer is bringing some renewed hope to the area with news it will invest more than $75 million in a major remodel project for stores in Michigan and Ohio, with eight Michigan stores benefiting from this new initiative. The announcement was made by Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of the company.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Hasbro announced that it has signed a strategic development agreement with Jagex Limited to jointly create a new online game based on the Transformers brand. Under the agreement, the two companies are slated to launch the Transformers online game in 2012 in North America, Latin America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Family Dollar today showed why dollar stores are such a hot commodity right now by reporting a comparable-store sales increase of 5.1% for the second quarter ended Feb. 26. Net sales for the quarter increased 8.3% to $2.26 billion from $2.09 billion last year. According to the company warmer weathr earlier in the year as well as strong performance in its consumable and seasonal categories helped drive sales. 

NEW YORK — Seventh Generation has developed an ultra-concentrated liquid laundry detergent that is available in a 100% compostable bottle.

The company said the entire packaging system (fiber bottle, pouch, spout, cap) for its Natural 4x laundry detergent uses 66% less plastic than a typical 100-oz. 2x laundry bottle. Seventh Generation's Natural 4x laundry detergent, a nontoxic, biodegradable formula, is available in a 50-oz. (66 loads) size and two scents: Free and Clear, and Geranium Blossoms and Vanilla.

NEW YORK -- Macy’s announced Matthew Williamson as the second acclaimed fashion designer to take part in the designer capsule collection series for the retailer’s contemporary fashion Impulse department. Sold in approximately 225 Macy’s stores nationwide and on macys.com beginning April 13, Williamson’s collection will include dresses, tops, scarves and unique leather and suede pieces.

Price points for the collection will range from $50 to $120, with specialty pieces selling up to $300. 

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. -- Sleep Innovations, manufacturer of advanced foam sleep solutions, announced that it has hired Robert West as COO to implement lean manufacturing practices across the enterprise.