News

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot reported Tuesday that it lost $64.3 million in the second quarter, widened from a $29.3 million loss in the same period last year.

Weakened sales in North America and Europe, along with a $23.9 million impairment charge and other restructuring charges, contributed to the weakened performance.

Revenue dropped 7% to $2.51 billion, compared with $2.71 in the year-ago period and missing analysts’ expected $2.6 billion in revenue. Sales in North America fell 8%, and same-store sales dropped 4%.

Westlake, Ohio -- Truck-stop operator TravelCenters of America reported Tuesday that net income for the second quarter leaped 37% to $29.9 million, from $21.8 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue dipped nearly 3% to $2.04 billion from $2.09 billion.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — The Hillshire Brands Company announced that Sean Reid will become chief customer officer, effective Aug. 20. Reid will lead the external selling organization and build sustainable strategic relationships and strategies across all consumer-facing channels including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Costco and development networks. He will report to Sean Connolly, CEO.

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe announced that Stephen Bontempo has joined the company.

Bontempo, who previously served as SVP e-commerce and catalog for Fanatics Inc./GSI Commerce, has become VP e-commerce for the Vitamin Shoppe. He will report to chief marketing officer Lou Weiss.

"Having someone of Stephen's caliber is another way we continue to strengthen the leadership team," Vitamin Shoppe CEO Tony Truesdale said. "We're pleased to have him join The Vitamin Shoppe family."
 

LOS ANGELES — Sears is offering customers who want to save and donate to a good cause the chance to do both on Aug. 11, with its "Super Back-to-School Saturday" event. On this day only, Sears will donate up to $70,000 of all apparel, footwear and fine jewelry purchases made using a downloadable 15% off savings pass, both in-store and online. Donations will directly benefit charities affiliated with Sears' Team Up to Stop Bullying, an initiative designed to bring solutions quickly and effectively to victims, families, educators and communities.

New York -- J.C. Penney chairman and CEO Ron Johnson on Monday sent out an email to the chain’s customers  detailing how it is returning to the pricing policies its founder James Cash Penney intended.

"While you will see many changes, you can rest assured that we'll never lose sight of our founder's values," Johnson wrote. "When James Cash Penney built his first retail stores over a century ago, he called them 'The Golden Rule,' because treating customers with respect was his highest priority."

ATLANTA — Assurant Solutions, a provider of extended service contracts, is now offering Assurant Expert Services, a service delivery solution that enables their clients in the consumer electronics, major appliance and telecommunications sectors to sell, manage and deliver additional services and support to their customers.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — While new clothes and supplies may top most back-to-school lists, Sam's Club is reminding parents that a clean bill of health is also a must for the school year. On Aug. 11, all Sam's Clubs with a pharmacy will host free children's health screenings from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.