News

Vienna, Va. -- Business listings identity management provider Localeze said Tuesday that casual dining restaurant Texas Roadhouse is using its local search solutions.

Since launching the local search business listings identity management, Texas Roadhouse said it has experienced a 40% increase in website traffic directly from online listings found on local search, mobile and social platforms like Google, Yahoo, Bing, YP.com and Facebook.

Chain Store Age has launched the third edition of its New Product Digest, which is designed to provide retailers with the latest news regarding new products and services, and to help suppliers promote their companies while influencing buying decisions. The companies featured in this volume include Cowan + Associates, Tarrant Lighting and Academy Fire Protection. Check out this month's edition.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores reported Tuesday that it lost $24 million in the quarter ended Jan. 12, compared with a profit of $2.1 million in the year-ago period.

Sales were flat at $2.1 billion, and same-store sales fell 0.3%.

Analysts expected sales of $2.05 billion, according to FactSet.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Tuesday by the U.S. Commerce Department said sales at U.S. retailers edged up 0.3% in January, less than the expected 0.5% to 0.6% increase, but still the seventh straight month of gains. A series of snow storms that hit much of the country throughout the month was cited as one of the factors for the weaker showing.

CINCINNATI — The former president and CEO of Ebay has returned to Procter & Gamble's board of directors, effective immediately.

Meg Whitman, who worked as a brand assistant for P&G after graduating from Harvard Business School, served on P&G's board from 2003 to 2008. During her career, Whitman served as president and CEO of eBay from 1998 until 2008. Whitman also ran for governor of California in the 2010 elections.

IRVING, Texas -- Michaels announced that it has updated its wedding section with hundreds of products including guestbooks, flower girl baskets, place cards, cake toppers and tabletop decor.

"DIY is the best way for a couple to create a ceremony and reception that expresses their unique style on any budget," said Michaels chief marketing officer Paula Puleo. "Michaels offers inspiration, ideas and one-stop shopping for everything needed to create a personalized, affordable wedding celebration unlike any other."

BURBANK, Calif. — Gearing up for the summer release of superhero flick Green Lantern, Warner Bros. Consumer Products is teaming up with licensee Mattel to help fans fight evil through a new branded toy line.

WBCP said Mattel will bring "Green Lantern" to life by producing the lineup, which includes:

• The Green Lantern Ring Blast jet figure and vehicle;

• The Green Lantern Battle Shifters figures;

• The Green Lantern Movie Masters figures; and

NEW YORK -- BrandSpark International, along with Better Homes and Gardens, released the top shopper trends from the third annual Best New Product Award (BNPA) American Shopper Study, which surveyed more than 63,000 Americans.

MONTVALE, N.J. — Bankrupt grocer A&P reported in a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that Brenda Galgano, SVP, CFO and treasurer, will resign, effective March 27.

According to the filing, Galgano gave her notice on Feb. 10. No additional details on her departure were disclosed.

Wells Fargo retail analyst Matt Nemer put several leading retailers to the test this week with an innovative approach to research. According to Barron’s, he went on a $5,000 shopping spree on the websites of some of the largest Internet-only and traditional retailers. He said Amazon.com offered the best shopping experience, and he rated the retailer at outperform. Walmart.com was said to have higher prices than Amazon’s, but had strong customer service and didn’t showed up as well in searches.