Content about Cultural history

Matthews, N.C. – Family Dollar presented its annual Strategic IT Partner of the Year award to Trade Area Systems at its IT Strategic Partner last month. In September 2012, Family Dollar implemented the Trade Area Systems TAS Unity solution to give real estate managers mobile access to a database of real estate photos, comments and other relevant data.

New York -- In its annual report filed Tuesday, Abercrombie & Fitch revealed that it plans to open Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Seoul and Shanghai in 2013, as well as 20 international Hollister stores. The news sent the teen retailer’s shares rising on Wednesday.

The company also said in the report that it is maintaining its focus on boosting profitability by simplifying processes, eliminating less-profitable parts of its business, shoring up efficiencies and cutting expenses.

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s net income rose to $157.2 million for the fourth quarter, compared with $45.8 million a year earlier for a 13-week period. The chain said its net income was calculated using a new system for valuing inventory
 
Sales rose 11% to $1.47 billion for the 14 weeks ended Feb. 2, led by a 34% rise in international sales. (The period, however, includes an extra week compared to year earlier.)

Same-store sales were flat for the namesake chain, down 2% at Hollister and down 3% abroad.

New York -- J.C. Penney Co. has hired Brandon Tonniges, a former Abercrombie & Fitch Co. executive, as director of visual merchandising, Bloomberg reported.

Tonniges was a VP in Abercrombie’s “brand senses” division, described on the chain’s website as the “creative force” behind its store experience, according to the report.

Tonniges will report to a VP under Michael Fisher, who was named SVP visual presentation in March.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said that St. Louis Premium Outlets, located in Chesterfield, Mo., has moved up its opening date to Aug. 22, 2013, and will be joined by Nike, Cole Haan, Converse, Gymboree, Adidas, Wilsons Leather and Claire's Accessories.

Other previously announced tenants include anchor Saks Fifth Avenue Off5TH, Ann Taylor, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Brooks Brothers, Elie Tahari, J.Crew, Jones New York, Loft Outlet, Max Studio, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen and Vera Bradley.

Columbus, Ohio -- Abercrombie and Fitch reported Wednesday net income of $71.5 million for the third quarter, compared with $50.9 million in the year-ago period and beating Wall Street expectations. The retailer is forecasting annual earnings above analysts’ estimates.

Revenue rose 9% to $1.17 billion, boosted by a 37% rise in international sales. Same-store sales dipped 3%.

PORTLAND, Maine -- The Body Shop launched a new earth-friendly eGift Card service powered by CashStar, a digital gifting and incentives company. Customers can now  purchase and send personalized eGift Cards to family and friends for redemption online or at any of the thousands of The Body Shop stores across the United States and Canada.
 

New York -- More and more retailers are using digital technology to enhance the physical store experience and engage customers. In the latest example, Adidas has taken window shopping to a new level with an interactive digital window concept that connects with consumers’ smartphones, making it easy to shop at any time without an app or scanning various QR codes. Consumers shopping for the latest fashion items are using time during a six-week pilot test at the Adidas NEO Label store-front in Nürnberg, Germany.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market said Friday that it has launched two new eco-friendly gift cards, with plans to replace the  recycled plastic cards that will be phased out over time.

The new cards – one made of paper and the other of responsibly harvested wood— are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and have a lower carbon footprint, are reusable, recyclable, compostable and require less energy to be produced.