News

New York -- Retail financial chiefs are increasingly optimistic about economic prospects over the next 12 months and plan to pivot toward expansion and adding jobs, according to a survey by American Express.

The fifth annual American Express/CFO Research Global Business & Spending Monitor, a survey of 541 senior finance executives from the United States, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia and Australia, revealed that investments in expanded operating capacity, research and development, and mergers and acquisitions are once again on the table.

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. reported Tuesday that profit for the quarter ended April 28 surged 53% to $57.2 million, compared with $37.5 million for the year-ago period. The sporting goods retailer raised its earnings outlook for the year.

“For 2012, we are raising our full year guidance as we continue to invest in new stores and our e-commerce business, as well as our margin accelerators including inventory management, private brands, and product mix shift,” said Edward W. Stack, CEO.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Outlet stores will offer all past and present, uniformed service members 10% off anything in store on Armed Forces Day, May 19. All Active Duty, Reservist, National Guard, retirees and dependents from the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), Uniformed Law Enforcement and Fire/Rescue Personnel, are encouraged to visit one of the 120 Sears Outlet stores throughout the United States to redeem this exclusive offer.

New York -- Saks Inc. reported Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended April 28 rose 13.2% to $32.1 million, from $28.4 million last year.

Revenue for the period climbed 3.8% to $753.6 million, missing Wall Street’s expected $762.6 million. Same-store sales rose 4.8%.

CINCINNATI — The International Association for Food Protection is honoring Kroger with the 2012 Black Pearl Award for advancing food safety and quality.

The  (IAFP) names one company annually for its efforts to advance food safety and quality through consumer programs, employee relations, educational activities, adherence to standards, and support of the goals and objectives of the IAFP.

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods has raised its full year and second quarter outlooks after reporting substantial growth in sales and earnings for the first quarter. The company reported that net income for the quarter was $57.2 million, or 45 cents per diluted share, exceeding the company's earnings expectations provided on March 6 of 36 cents to 38 cents per diluted share. For the first quarter ended April 30, 2011, the company reported consolidated net income of $37.5 million, or 30 cents per diluted share.

Dallas -- J. C. Penney Co. on Tuesday reported a loss of $163 million, or 75 cents a share, for its fiscal quarter ended April 28, 2012, compared with a year-earlier profit of $64 million.

Excluding markdowns to reduce inventory levels, restructuring costs and pension-plan expenses, the loss was $55 million or $0.25 per share, compared with a year-earlier profit of 36 cents.

As part of Chain Store Age’s lead-up coverage to RECon 2012, to be held May 20-23 in Las Vegas, we talked with Forest City’s Joseph Boehm about what his expectations are for the big real estate show. Visit Forest City’s booth at RECon, Central Hall, C10 Union Street.

What are your expectations for RECon 2012 in terms of activity, attitude, priorities?