News

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Friday announced that Hal Rosenbluth will retire as president of its health-and-wellness division in April, but will continue with the company as a senior consultant to the CEO for healthcare services.

Rosenbluth was a co-founder of Take Care Health Systems, which was acquired by Walgreens in 2007. Prior to that, he led Rosenbluth International, a global travel management company, which he sold to American Express in 2003.

New York City -- A Thursday report by the New York Times said that teen retailer Delia’s has put itself up for sale.

According to the report, the company has been soliciting interest from buyers including private equity firms. Delia’s has not confirmed the report, and it is currently unknown what, if any, other options the retailer is considering.

Pittsburgh -- General Nutrition Centers reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 surged 56.3% to $19.8 million, compared with $12.7 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue for the quarter rose 7.9% to $435.7 million, from $403.9 million a year earlier. Same-store sales improved 5.8% in domestic company-owned stores (including e-commerce sales).
 

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- The Collegiate Retail Alliance, a coalition of more than 50 independent college stores, and social e-reading platform Copia Interactive announced Friday a partnership to provide Copia's social bookstore experience to the students, faculty and staff of universities served by CRA members.

San Fransciso -- Gap credited rising sales abroad, online and at its Banana Republic and Old Navy chains for helping to boost its fourth-quarter net income rise 3.7%, beating analysts expectations. However, the chain issued an annual profit forecast that fell short of expectations, saying its operating profits would be squeezed as it grapples with soaring costs of cotton and other raw materials.

Gap also announced that it plans to buy back $2 billion in shares, on top of recent repurchases totaling $2.6 billion.

New York City -- Target Corp. said its annual sales may top $100 billion within the next seven years, with revenue boosted by its first expansion outside the United States, Bloomberg reported.

The chain also may double earnings per share over that period, CFO Douglas Scovanner said Thursday on a conference call after fourth-quarter results. Net income in the period ended Jan. 29 rose 11% to $1.04 billion.

New York City -- Dunkin’ Brands plans to open 500 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in India over the next 15 years through a partnership with restaurant chain operator Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd.

Dunkin’ Donuts signed a franchise agreement with Jubilant, according to a statement distributed by PR Newswire today. The first Dunkin’ Donuts shop will open early next year, and will feature the company’s signature coffee and bakery products as well as food developed specifically for the Indian market.

Dallas -- J.C. Penney Co. said that its fourth quarter profit rose 36% to $271 million, helped by cost controls and improving sales in such areas as men's apparel, women's accessories and beauty products from in-store Sephora boutiques. The retailer also announced plans to buy back $900 million of its shares, starting next month.

Revenue in the three-month period ended Jan. 29 rose 2.8% to $5.7 billion. Same-store sales were up 4.5%.

NEW YORK -- Macy's has launched a new service to bring exclusive video content to users' mobile phones. Using QR code and SMS technology, Macy's Backstage Pass will provide consumers with essential tips, information on the latest trends, advice and inspiration straight from their favorite style icons, the company reported.

Sears Holdings named Lou D’Ambrosio its new CEO in conjunction with the release of fourth-quarter results that sales and profits decline, as a 2.5% same-store sales increase at Kmart was not enough to offset a 4.5% comp decline at Sear’s flagship stores.