News

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM announced that S&S Worldwide grew recommendation sales 75% in just three months with IBM Smarter Commerce software in the cloud.  S&S is a national distributor of sporting goods products for recreation, health care, and education professionals and is using IBM software to drive personalized product recommendation sales via its Web sites.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Strong private brand performance and smarter expense management helped Kohl's deliver a hefty earnings increase and respectable sales growth for its second quarter.

The company reported second quarter diluted earnings per share increased 30% to $1.09. Net income for the quarter was $303 million, compared with $260 million (84 cents per diluted share) a year ago. Net sales were $4.2 billion, an increase of 3.6% over the comparable prior year quarter. Comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 1.9%.

ST. LOUIS — Save-A-Lot, the hard-discount, limited-assortment grocery chain owned by Supervalu, on Tuesday dispatched two "brand ambassadors" on the Save-A-Lot Fuel Your Family Road Trip. The "Road Scholars" will make pitstops at Save-A-Lot locations in 10 cities between Aug. 7 and Aug. 28 to help raise awareness that Save-A-Lot can be the go-to source for affordable, high-quality food.

ST. LOUIS — Brown Shoe Company announced that it has made four strategic additions to the leadership team within its American Sporting Goods division, appointing James Hoff as VP sales across all ASG brands, Alan Vickers as VP international, Brad Little as VP and brand manager Avia and Nevados, and Jorge Cabrera as VP athletic product development.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl's announced that its board of directors has elected John Schlifske as a new board member, effective immediately. He has been elected to a term expiring at Kohl's 2012 annual shareholders meeting and will be eligible for re-election by Kohl's shareholders at that time. He will initially serve on the board of directors' governance and nominating committee.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kenmore's new Elite Signature Trio refrigerator model boasts extra capacity, smart features and a fresh design that consumers have come to expect from kitchen appliances, the company said.

NEW YORK — Launched online at Target.com on Aug. 1 is the new Spa Sonic Skin Care System face & body polisher.

The seven-piece, at-home spa set works to deeply cleanse the entire face and body. Its dermal penetrating action is designed to promote rapid absorption of skin care products and leaves skin toned and smooth.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings continues its efforts to reach more Hispanic consumers with the announcement that its Kmart brand has launched a Spanish-language miniseries on YouTube.