Resources

September 12, 2014 Hudson’s Bay Company is reaping the rewards of its acquisition last year of Saks.  The company’s retail sales soared 86.6% to $1.8 billion, from $948 million in the prior year. Consolidated same-store sales increased by 1.9% on a local currency basis, with increases of 1.1% at HBC’s department store group (DSG), 2.2%... Read more »

September 12, 2014 The National Retail Federation calculates that August retail sales – excluding automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants – increased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 2.7 percent unadjusted year-over-year.  When combined with revisions to July, August sales indicate a consistent improvement in consumer confidence and spending but run contrary to August’s lackluster jobs... Read more »

September 12, 2014 Overall retail spending growth in August 2014 was the strongest in more than a year.  Retail dollar volume growth reached 2.8% in August – compared to 2.6% in July – as back-to-school shopping propelled spending growth in several retail categories. August’s overall average ticket growth remained positive at 1.2%, slipping slightly from... Read more »

September 11, 2014 Kroger reported total sales of $25.3 billion, representing an increase of 11.6% for its second quarter.  Total sales, excluding fuel, increased 12.4% in the second quarter over the same period last year. “We are winning with customers because we offer a full range of advantages including a great overall shopping experience, excellent... Read more »

September 11, 2014 In July, unemployment rates remained mixed in Europe, according to unemployment rates and employment growth data compiled and standardized by The Conference Board International Labor Comparisons (ILC) program. Unemployment decreased in Germany (from 5.0 to 4.9 percent), the Netherlands (from 6.8 to 6.7 percent) and Sweden (from 7.9 to 7.7 precent), but... Read more »

September 10, 2014 Since Family Dollar’s board of directors unanimously rejected Dollar General’s second and sweetened tender offer from September 2, Dollar General has decided to make the tender offer directly to the company’s shareholders. The company’s all-cash offer of $80 per share beats Dollar Tree’s offer of $74.50 per share cash/stock offer originally made... Read more »

September 8, 2014 CVS Health has completed the purchase of Miami-based Navarro Discount Pharmacy. The acquisition includes Navarro’s 33 retail locations and Navarro Health Services, a specialty pharmacy serving patients with complex or chronic diseases.  The retail pharmacies will retain the Navarro Discount Pharmacy name. “Navarro has a rich history and commitment to Hispanic consumers... Read more »

September 8, 2014 The Conference Board Employment Trends Index increased in August.  The index now stands at 121.29, up from 120.62 (an upward revision) in July.  This represents a 6.4 percent gain in the ETI compared to a year ago. “The strong increase in the Employment Trends Index in recent months signals robust job growth... Read more »

September 4, 2014 Costco said it plans to open nine new warehouse stores before the end of calendar year 2014, following a boost in net sales for August and the fourth quarter. During the month of August, net sales were $8.8 billion, an increase of 10% from $8 billion during the similar period last year.  Same-store... Read more »