Barnes & Noble’s fiscal fourth quarter profits declined 9 percent, the chain reported today. Sales slipped to $1.85 billion for the three-month period ending Feb. 2, from $1.88 billion in the year-ago period. Same-store sales were also down for the quarter — by 0.5 percent. AP on The New York Times (Mar. 20, 2008)
Facing a near-term liquidity challenge, the nation’s second-largest bookseller considers selling all or part of its operations and, meanwhile, has secured up to $42.5 million in financing to help the chain continue operations. Borders has lost market shares both to online retailers and Wal-Mart in recent years. The New York Times (Mar. 20, 2008)
Strong economic growth in Asia and Latin America, plus new, “healthier” products, will help the confection category grow sales worldwide, according to report authors Global Industry Analysts (GIA). Here is one interesting quote from the report, “in the coming years, the global market for confectionery is likely to be driven by … strong marketing and [...]
Online magazine Slate.com suggests four reasons why. One of them is Wal-Mart’s strong growth internationally, as economic growth through much of the world continues unabated. International sales comprised 16.7 percent of overall revenues in 2003. In the 12 months that ending in January, that number had grown to 24.2 percent. And in the most recent quarter, internationl [...]
In response to rising costs, Hershey Co. is overhauling its supply chain — cutting jobs and outsourcing production of some products — and increasing its marketing efforts in emerging markets abroad. International sales now account for 13% of the company’s sales and are growing at 25% a year. That figure is even more impressive when compared with the annual [...]
Like-for-like sales for the six-week period ending January 5 were up 3.1% in the retailer’s UK home market, below estimates. The performance disappointed London analysts, leading one Tesco exec to fault them for adopting a “Little Englander” attitude. Although the retailer’s home market accounts for 75% of its annual sales, international sales have been growing [...]
Restaurateurs and retailers across store formats laud technologies that speed payments, reduce labor costs and — most importantly — meet consumer demand for ever-greater convenience. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for consumers. Some appreciate the increased security that comes from processing their own credit cards, tableside, after a restaurant meal, for instance, while others prefer waiting for [...]
Source Interlink Companies Chairman Mike Duckworth cited the consolidation plan as one of the company’s major initiatives in its magazine distribution business segment during a 3rd quarter earnings conference call, late yesterday. Third quarter revenue in the segment increased by 8.6% to $222.2 million, mostly because the company’s Anderson News acquisitions were only on its books [...]