Content about Pennsylvania

May 10, 2013
Former Gap exec to head David’s Bridal

Former Gap executive Pamela B. Wallack has been named CEO of David’s Bridal, a U.S.-based specialty retailer of bridal gown and wedding-related apparel and accessories.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Former Gap executive Pamela B. Wallack has been named CEO of David’s Bridal, a U.S.-based specialty retailer of bridal gown and wedding-related apparel and accessories.

The specialty retailer is looking to leverage Wallack’s abilities to grow and improve well-known consumer brands to help drive the strategic initiatives underway at the company, including expanding the store base, bolstering the e-sommerce platform, enhancing customer experience and adding to the portfolio of high-fashion brands.

May 7, 2013
Twizzlers flies with the Man of Steel

Twizzers candy is getting in on the Man of Steel hype and teaming up with Warner Bros. to offer fans a chance to remake themselves as the invincible one and win prizes.

HERSHEY, Pa. — Twizzlers candy is getting in on the Man of Steel hype and teaming up with Warner Bros. to offer fans a chance to remake themselves as the invincible one and win prizes.

Between now and July 6, participants can visit www.Facebook.com/Twizzlers to create and star in a personalized Man of Steel- inspired video. The custom video application called Create the Invincible You takes Facebook fans through a two-minute transformation that they can then share on social media sites.

May 2, 2013
Easter bunny, new generics affect Rite Aid comps

Rite Aid's same-store sales decreased 4% in April compared with April 2012 due to an earlier Easter and introductions of new generic drugs, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's same-store sales decreased 4% in April compared with April 2012 due to an earlier Easter and introductions of new generic drugs, the retail pharmacy chain said.

The numbers released Thursday included a 3.5% decrease in sales on the front end and a 4% decrease in pharmacy sales, but the pharmacy figure included a 4.5% negative effect due to new generics. Same-store prescription count decreased by 0.2%.

Total sales for the month were $1.9 billion, a 4.6% decrease over April 2012's $2 billion.

April 25, 2013
Hershey’s posts sweet results in Q1

The Hershey reported a net sales increase of nearly 6%, driven by core brand volume. Consolidated net sales were $1.8 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, compared with $1.7 billion for the same period last year.

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey reported a net sales increase of nearly 6%, driven by core brand volume. Consolidated net sales were $1.8 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, compared with $1.7 billion for the same period last year. 
 
Reported net income for the first quarter of 2013 was $242 million compared with $199 million for the same period last year.
 

April 22, 2013
Snyder’s celebrates National Pretzel Day

Synder’s of Hanover is using the 30th anniversary of National Pretzel Day to create a series of nationwide events to engage with consumers.

HANOVER, Pa. — Synder’s of Hanover is using the 30th anniversary of National Pretzel Day to create a series of nationwide events to engage with consumers.

April 22, 2013
Walmart to help customers jumpstart weight loss

Walmart will exclusively offer the 5-Day Nutrisystem Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit at nearly 2,000 stores.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — Walmart will exclusively offer the 5-Day Nutrisystem Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit at nearly 2,000 stores.

The new 5-Day Nutrisystem Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit, including 15 entrees plus desserts, a free meal planner and program guide with access to free weight loss counseling, can be purchased in-store for $44.98. There is also a 5-Day Nutrisystem kit designed for people losing weight to help manage their diabetes available in the pharmacy section of select stores.

April 12, 2013
The Bon-Ton Stores to close Michigan furniture gallery

The Bon-Ton Stores will close its Younkers Furniture Gallery in the Lakeshore Marketplace in Muskegon, Michigan, in June. The closing will affect approximately 20 associates at the location.

YORK, Pa. — The Bon-Ton Stores will close its Younkers Furniture Gallery in the Lakeshore Marketplace in Muskegon, Michigan, in June. The closing will affect approximately 20 associates at the location.

The Bon-Ton acquired the leasehold interests in the Muskegon Furniture Gallery store when they acquired Elder-Beerman in 2003. Bon-Ton does not expect the furniture gallery’s close to affect operations at the Younkers department store located in The Lakes Mall.

April 11, 2013
Profits up at Rite Aid

Rite Aid's profits grew in fourth quarter and fiscal year 2013 amid stronger front-end sales and prescription count, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's profits grew in fourth quarter and fiscal year 2013 amid stronger front-end sales and prescription count, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

April 4, 2013
Weis Markets names marketing director

Weis Markets announced that Gretchen Suydan has joined the company as director of marketing.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets announced that Gretchen Suydan has joined the company as director of marketing. The company announced the promotions of Brian Bosworth to sales director and Maria Panko to private brands manager.

March 29, 2013
Ahold names new CIO

Ahold USA has appointed Paul Scorza as its chief information officer, the supermarket operator said Friday.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA has named Paul Scorza as its chief information officer, the supermarket operator said Friday.

Ahold USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Netherlands-based Royal Ahold, said Scorza would assume the new position on Monday, based in Quincy, Mass., overseeing all Ahold USA information management functions, with a focus on systems and business processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, controls and operations, reporting to EVP finance and CFO Paula Price.

March 28, 2013
Weis Markets names VP/corporate controller

Weis Markets has promoted Paul Stombaugh to VP/corporate controller.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets has promoted Paul Stombaugh to VP/corporate controller. 

Stombaugh will take on an expanded role in the company’s decision support and its strategic development. He also will continue to oversee its financial accounting and reporting functions, internal controls, treasury and budgets, Weis reported. He will continue to report to Scott Frost, SVP and CFO.

March 22, 2013
Rue21 opens 900th store

Teen apparel retailer Rue21, opened its 900th store on March 21 in the Southern Hills Shopping Center of West Plains, Mo.

WARRENDALE, Pa. — Teen apparel retailer Rue21, opened its 900th store on March 21 in the Southern Hills Shopping Center of West Plains, Mo. The 5,000 sq. ft. store is the company's 21st location in that state.

March 21, 2013
Long-time retail exec named to Bon-Ton board

The Bon-Ton Stores has elected Jeffrey Sherman to its board, effective immediately.

YORK, Pa. — The Bon-Ton Stores has elected Jeffrey Sherman to its board, effective immediately. Sherman will serve on the human resources and compensation committee.

March 19, 2013
Rite Aid expands Easter assortment

Rite Aid has expanded its Easter and spring supplies at its stores in anticipation of the holiday and season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has expanded its Easter and spring supplies at its stores in anticipation of the holiday and season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

The 4,623-store chain said items at its stores included chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, SweeTarts, Ducks & Bunnies, Cadbury Eggs and other candy brands, as well as baskets and other accessories.

In addition, the company is selling such gardening supplies as planters, figurines, bird feeders, wind chimes and outdoor fountains and lighting, including solar-powered devices.

March 13, 2013
Dick's hunts for growth with new outdoor concept

Dick’s Sporting Goods first Field & Stream outdoor specialty store is scheduled to open this fall in the Pittsburgh suburb of Cranberry Township.

Dick’s Sporting Goods first Field & Stream outdoor specialty store is scheduled to open this fall in the Pittsburgh suburb of Cranberry Township.

March 12, 2013
Bon-Ton Q4 income beats expectations

The Bon-Ton Stores reported that its net income for the fourth quarter was a better-than-expected $74.4 million, compared with $78.2 million in the year-ago period.

YORK, Pa. — The Bon-Ton Stores reported that its net income for the fourth quarter was a better-than-expected $74.4 million, compared with $78.2 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue for the three months ended Feb. 2 increased 3.2% to $1.02 billion, missing the Street’s view of $1.04 billion. Same-store sales increased 1%. (Results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2012 are impacted by the inclusion of an additional week in each period, resulting in a 14-week and 53-week reporting period.)

March 7, 2013
Rue21 legal head takes on additional responsibilities

Specialty apparel retailer Rue21has announced that Stacy Siegal, the company's current VP, general counsel and corporate secretary, has been promoted to the additional position of chief administrative officer.

WARRENDALE, Pa. — Specialty apparel retailer Rue21has announced that Stacy Siegal, the company's current VP, general counsel and corporate secretary, has been promoted to the additional position of chief administrative officer. Siegal will continue to report directly to Bob Fisch, the company's president and CEO.

March 6, 2013
Kohl's store openings roll on

Kohl’s simultaneously opened nine new stores in seven states, bringing the retailer’s total store count to 1,155.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. -- Kohl’s simultaneously opened nine new stores in seven states, bringing the retailer’s total store count to 1,155.

Stores open Wednesday in Decatur, Ala., Danville, Ill., Ames, Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Minot, N.D., Sherwood, Ore., Hermitage, Pa., Spring Township, Pa. and Denton, Texas.

“As Kohl’s continues to grow, investing in our stores remains a priority,” said Kevin Mansell, president and CEO.

Mansell added that the chain will also remodel 30 locations in 2013.

March 5, 2013
PetSmart fetches for omnichannel growth with GSI

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. — GSI Commerce, an eBay Inc. company, said it has extended its contract with PetSmart to support the retailer’s omnichannel strategy with webstore, fulfillment and customer service solutions. GSI has worked with PetSmart since 2007, and this contract will extend the relationship for three years.

March 5, 2013
Weis Markets adjusted net income up 13.9% for fiscal 2012

Weis Markets on Tuesday reported net income of $82.5 million for the 52-week period ended Dec. 29.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Tuesday reported net income of $82.5 million for the 52-week period ended Dec. 29. Even with one less week of sales, that's up 9.2% versus fiscal 2011, which was a 53-week period, the grocer noted. Sales were down slightly by 1.9% to $2.7 billion compared with the week-longer year-ago period. Comparable sales were down 2%. 

Adjusting for the 52-week to 53-week comparison, the grocer's 2012 net income increased 13.9% while sales and comparable store sales were flat.

March 4, 2013
Retail consultant joins Nutrisystem board

Nutrisystem has announced that Andrea Weiss has joined the company’s board of directors, effective immediately.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — Nutrisystem has announced that Andrea Weiss has joined the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. She replaces Michael Devine, who has resigned from the board.

February 25, 2013
Rite Aid to present N.J. first lady with nearly $280,000 in hurricane-relief money

New Jersey first lady and chairwoman of the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund Mary Pat Christie will visit a Point Pleasant, N.J., Rite Aid store on Friday at 11:30 a.m. with Rite Aid executives to receive money for the fund, Rite Aid said Thursday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — New Jersey first lady and chairwoman of the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund Mary Pat Christie will visit a Point Pleasant, N.J., Rite Aid store on Friday at 11:30 a.m. with Rite Aid executives to receive money for the fund, Rite Aid said Thursday.

February 5, 2013
Ahold U.S. names e-commerce, supply chain head

Ahold has appointed the former head of one of its European supermarket chains to an executive position in its U.S. division.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold has appointed the former head of one of its European supermarket chains to an executive position in its U.S. division.

Ahold USA said it appointed Jan van Dam as EVP supply chain and e-commerce, in which he will focus on supply chain for the company's four U.S. divisions, Stop & Shop in the New York area and New England, Giant-Landover and Giant-Carlisle. He will also be responsible for the company's e-commerce business with Andrew Parkinson, president and general manager of online grocery company Peapod, reporting to him.

January 30, 2013
Ahold names head merchant

Ahold USA has named Mark McGowan as EVP merchandising. He will lead a merchandising team that supports Ahold USA and its four divisions: Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle.

NEW YORK — Ahold USA has named Mark McGowan as EVP merchandising. He will lead a merchandising team that supports Ahold USA and its four divisions: Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle.

McGowan had previously served as EVP supply chain for Ahold USA and previously led the Boston division of Stop & Shop.

January 30, 2013
New grocery concept offers relief to Pa. food desert

Limited access to healthy, affordable food choices, is an oft-cited reason for poor food habits among the nation's less fortunate.

NEW YORK — Limited access to healthy, affordable food choices, is an oft-cited reason for poor food habits among the nation's less fortunate. In order to address this issue, hunger relief organization Philabundance has teamed up with retail design consultancy CBX to create a prototype for a not-for-profit grocery store.