News

Target’s credit card portfolio is looking a whole lot more attractive to potential acquirers following improvements in the delinquency rates, risk profile and strong profit growth.

Fourth-quarter operating profit in the credit card segment increased 287% to $151 million compared with $39 million in the fourth quarter the prior year. For the full year, credit card segment profits advanced 169% to $541 million compared with $201 million the prior year.

New York City -- Target Corp. said its annual sales may top $100 billion within the next seven years, with revenue boosted by its first expansion outside the United States, Bloomberg reported.

The chain also may double earnings per share over that period, CFO Douglas Scovanner said Thursday on a conference call after fourth-quarter results. Net income in the period ended Jan. 29 rose 11% to $1.04 billion.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- The Collegiate Retail Alliance, a coalition of more than 50 independent college stores, and social e-reading platform Copia Interactive announced Friday a partnership to provide Copia's social bookstore experience to the students, faculty and staff of universities served by CRA members.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Friday announced that Hal Rosenbluth will retire as president of its health-and-wellness division in April, but will continue with the company as a senior consultant to the CEO for healthcare services.

Rosenbluth was a co-founder of Take Care Health Systems, which was acquired by Walgreens in 2007. Prior to that, he led Rosenbluth International, a global travel management company, which he sold to American Express in 2003.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Delivering its fourth consecutive year of double-digit earnings per share growth, Gap Inc. reported earnings per share for fiscal year 2010 increased 19% to $1.88 on a diluted basis compared with $1.58 on a diluted basis for fiscal year 2009. Net earnings grew by $102 million to $1.2 billion.

New York City -- Dunkin’ Brands plans to open 500 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in India over the next 15 years through a partnership with restaurant chain operator Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd.

Dunkin’ Donuts signed a franchise agreement with Jubilant, according to a statement distributed by PR Newswire today. The first Dunkin’ Donuts shop will open early next year, and will feature the company’s signature coffee and bakery products as well as food developed specifically for the Indian market.

New York City -- A Thursday report by the New York Times said that teen retailer Delia’s has put itself up for sale.

According to the report, the company has been soliciting interest from buyers including private equity firms. Delia’s has not confirmed the report, and it is currently unknown what, if any, other options the retailer is considering.

TOANO, Va.  -- Lumber Liquidators announced that William Schlegel has joined the company as its chief merchandising officer, effective March 14, 2011.  In this position, Schlegel will oversee the company's merchandising, replenishment and allocation and global sourcing activities, and will report directly to Robert Lynch, president and COO.