News

Office Depot, Staples and Target were among the companies honored as America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises. Produced by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), this award recognizes corporations for world class programs that level the playing field for women's business enterprises (WBEs) to compete for corporate business, according to the council. 

Other companies honored include:

• Accenture

• Alcatel-Lucent

• Avis Budget Group

NEW YORK — Former Walmart.com CEO, Raul Vazquez has joined the advisory board of OrderGroove, a subscription commerce program that helps brands identify and interact with their most valuable customers. 

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. reported Monday that profit for the quarter ended Feb. 3 rose 13% to $322 million, compared with $285 million a year earlier. Results topped Wall Street expectations and demonstrated an upward consumer swing in home-improvement projects.

Quarterly sales increased 11% to $11.6 billion from $10.5 billion, beating analysts’ expectations of $11.35 billion in revenue. Same-store sales rose 3.4%.

585 Boardriders, a new retail concept from Quiksilver Inc., is designed as the ultimate destination for surfers and those who aspire to the surf-inspired lifestyle. Housing clothes and accessories from the company’s various brands, including Roxy and DC, the 10,000-sq.-ft. store also stocks an extensive selection of boards and wetsuits.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — After stepping into the role on an interim basis, Safeway has named Brian Baer president of its Dominick's Finer Foods banner.

Baer, who has served as acting president of Dominick's since July 2011 after the exit of Don Keprta, has been part of Dominick's parent Safeway since 2001. Prior to his role as president, Baer served as Dominick's CFO and VP finance.

WABAN, Mass. — Publix earned top marks for customer service in a new survey by Temkin Group. The firm rated the customer experience of 206 large companies across 18 industries. 

In the grocery industry, Publix earned the top spot and is the second overall company across all 206 companies in the study. Aldi, H.E.B., and Winn-Dixie also scored very well. These four grocery chains received "excellent" customer experience ratings, a level that was only earned by eight companies across all 18 industries, Temkin Group reported.

New York City -- Kenneth Cole Productions' board of directors has formed a special committee of independent directors to consider a non-binding proposal from Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer, that would take the company private.

NEW YORK — Kenneth Cole Productions' board of directors has formed a special committee of independent directors to consider a non-binding proposal from Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer, that would take the company private.