News

BOULDER, Colo.— Kohl’s is the nation’s favorite fashion retail chain, according to an annual consumer survey conducted by Market Force Information, a worldwide leader in customer intelligence solutions. This is the third year in a row that Kohl’s has earned the top spot. Nordstrom ranked as consumers’ second favorite, followed by Macy’s, Dillard’s and JCPenney. Rounding out the top ten were Coldwater Creek (6), Ann Taylor Loft (7), T.J. Maxx (8), Old Navy (9) and Marshalls (10).

MINNEAPOLIS — Target shoppers have a new incentive for joining the retailer's REDcard Rewards loyalty program: free shipping on Target.com. In addition, for the first time Target Debit Cards can be used on Target.com, the company said.

Houston -- Cardtronics announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Cardtronics Canada acquired Mr. Cash ATM Network, Lethbridge, Alberta.

The acquisition expands Cardtronics’ international presence into Canada. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax Friday announced that Ryan Vero, EVP and chief merchandising officer will be leaving the company effective Dec. 2. The company, which did not specify the reason for Vero's departure, said it has already started its search for a replacement. Michael Lewis, EVP and president of retail, will continue to provide oversight to the marketing and merchandising teams.

MONTVALE, N.J. — A&P will be able to emerge from chapter 11 next year, thanks to an agreement to receive $490 million of debt and equity financing from private investors comprised of The Yucaipa Companies LLC, Mount Kellett Capital Management LP and investment funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P., the company announced Friday. The agreement is subject to approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

Walmart EVP merchandising Duncan Mac Naughton spoke at two events this week in Northwest Arkansas, and he said essentially the same thing on both occasions. Two weeks earlier during a supplier summit event at the retailer’s home office, he said basically the same thing, according to those in attendance. And the comments at the supplier summit were essentially the same as those shared with members of the financial community during a mid-October analysts’ meeting or back in August.

Seattle -- Starbucks Corp.’s fiscal fourth-quarter profit jumped nearly 29%, beating Wall Street estimates on strong sales around the globe. The company earned $358.5 million in the quarter, up from $278.9 million last year. Revenue rose 7% to $3 billion, with some benefit from foreign exchange rates. Same-store sales increased 9%, with a 10% rise in the United States.

Columbus, Ohio -- Big Lots reported that U.S. comparable-store sales for the fiscal third quarter ended Oct. 29 rose 1.7%. Total sales for the period rose 6% to $1.1 billion, from $1.04 billion.