News

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Dillard's posted an impressive 97% increase in earnings per share for its second quarter ended July 28. Net income for the quarter was $31 million, or 63 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $17.6 million, or 32 cents per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Net sales for the quarter were $1.5 billion compared with net sales for the prior year period of $1.442 billion. Sales in comparable stores increased 3%.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is responding to changing trends affecting the "back-to-school" experience with a number initiatives designed to meet the needs of its consumers.

According to Kmart, more public schools are requiring uniforms and others are now adopting a year-round school calendar. In response, Kmart has adjusted its approach to back-to-school by increasing the number of stores that sell uniforms and aligning its back-to-school sales periods by region to match that of the local school districts.

Cincinnati -- Macy's reported a nearly 16% increase in net income for its second quarter as the chain benefited from cost controls and its ongoing strategy of tailoring its fashions to local markets. The company said it was raising its full-year profit forecast.

Macy's net income rose to $279 million for the three-month period ended July 28, up from $241 million in the year-ago period.

NEW YORK — Supermodel Heidi Klum will serve as the face of Jordache's latest ad campaign. 

Atlanta -- First Data Corp. announced that Bank of America Merchant Services will offer the First Data OfferWise solution to all eligible merchants’ 650,000 U.S. locations through 2Go Media’s iDeals Marketing Platform.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — The men’s grooming market continues to grow at a rapid pace as research shows that men’s grooming tools, such as electric shavers, men’s trimmers and home hair clippers, are among the largest dollar growth drivers in the overall personal care industry. Meanwhile, such product categories as men’s facial skin care continue to flourish.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores has partnered with Elle magazine to offer a new line of apparel and accessories designed to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Lucky's Q took home the Midwest regional title in the Sam's Club National BBQ tour.

Based in Denver, Iowa, Lucky Q's competed with teams from Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota at the Aug. 4 regional event in Rockford, Ill.