Libbey Inc.'s CEO, Stephanie Streeter, was presented with a Gold Stevie Award in the "Executive of the Year" category at The 11th Annual American Business Awards held recently at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park Hotel.

For the first quarter ended May 4, Burlington Coat Factory posted a net loss of $702,000 versus a net loss of $3.9 million in the year-earlier period. However, adjusted net income, which excludes one-time charges, was $11.1 million up $10.3 million from the year-ago first quarter, according to the company.

With a new location in Fayetteville, NC, BJ's Membership Club is celebrating the opening of its 200th warehouse. In addition to groceries and general merchandise, including premium consumer electronics and brand-name appliances, the club features a fresh bakery, cafe, deli, optical services center, rotisserie chicken, tire center, gas station and Verizon Wireless Kiosk, BJ’s noted.

Ikea plans to expand the solar array atop its Denver-area store, one that opened just two years ago in Centennial, CO. Installation of new solar panels on the roof’s remaining space should begin next month with completion expected by fall, the retailer reported.

A 40-year home furnishings industry veteran, Dave Palmer, past president of the San Francisco Mart and past general manager of the World Market Center in Las Vegas, is presenting a new seminar program dubbed Active Listening, he has announced. Palmer is offering the program with Joe Skillin, a marketing and motivation consultant, to help companies benefit from what their employees know.

Lifetime Brands, Inc. announced today that its board of directors has appointed Daniel Siegel president of the company. Lifetime also detailed the membership of its latest board, elected at the company's annual shareholders meeting last week.

Hampton Forge has announced that Michael Karyo has joined the company as chief operating officer. He will oversee sales, marketing and product development in his new role.

The Container Store has launched an upgraded mobile web service with support from Usablenet, the mobile and multichannel technology provider. The upgrade provides consumers with a seamless, innovative next-generation mobile shopping experience, Usablenet announced.

For the first quarter ended May 5, ALCO Stores, Inc., posted a net loss of $1.7 million, or 51 cents per diluted share, versus a net loss of $1.3 million, or 34 cents per diluted share, in last year’s period. Loss from continuing operations, net of tax, was $1.7 million, or 51 cents per diluted share, versus a loss of $1.1 million, or 29 cents per diluted share, for the year-ago period, the retailer reported.

Lord & Taylor parent Hudson's Bay Co., which also operates broadline and specialty retailers in Canada, has reported that its first quarter consolidated comparable store sales gained 4% or 3.2% on a constant currency basis. The company pointed out that a low single digit comp decline at Lord & Taylor partially offset gains in much of the operation.

Restoration Hardware Holdings has announced the appointment of former Williams-Sonoma brand president Richard Harvey to the position of chief merchandising officer, RH Kitchen and Tableware. At the same time, it posted a GAAP net loss of $200,000 in the first quarter versus a GAAP net loss of $3.7 million for the same period last year but an adjusted net income increase to $2.3 million from a net loss of $1.3 million in last-year’s quarter.

At the company’s annual meeting, Target Corp. shareholders rejected a proposal to adopt a policy for an independent chairman. The shareholder proposal would have split the job currently held by president, chairman and CEO Gregg Steinhafel and put an independent director in the chair, as related at the company’s annual meeting.

For the first quarter ended May 4, Five Below, Inc. posted GAAP net income of $1.6 million versus a net loss of $1.2 million in the fiscal 2012 period, and adjusted net income of $2.5 million versus $2.6 million year over year. GAAP diluted income per common share was three cents compared to a loss of 32 cents per share in the fiscal 2012 first quarter, while adjusted diluted income per common share came in at five cents in both the fiscal 2013 and 2012 period, it announced.

Building on plans to expand its market share in North America, Marimekko has announced a series of new shop-in-shop locations in some of the region's notable department and specialty home stores. The new destinations feature curated collections of ceramics, glassware and home textiles, highlighted with a selection of the brand's vibrant bags and accessories.

To demonstrate that smaller can be better, Shopko has announced plans to open five new Hometown format stores, one each in Afton, WY, St. Peter, MN and Winneconne, Ellsworth and Tomahawk, WI. Developed to augment the company’s larger store model, Shopko Hometown units serve smaller rural communities by combining retail health services with a broad offering of strong national brands and high-value private labels, the company stated.

OGGI Corporation will unveil its new PRO Series of kitchen tools and gadgets at this summer’s trade shows, adding an extensive range of quality, value-priced skus to its existing kitchenware categories, the company said. Designed with a more up-scale customer in mind, the new PRO Series assortment encompasses gadgets, steamers, colanders, strainers and more.

The Companion Group has announced that they are expanding the marketing department with the addition of two new positions, adding Danielle Peterson as culinary communications manager and Niki Gross as marketing communications manager.

UK-based Robert Welch Designs has won the Vendor of the Year 2013 award from Williams-Sonoma, its second international award presented by the retailer. The Vendor of the Year award is part of the Williams-Sonoma Vendor Appreciation award program and takes into consideration product design, overall sales, product quality, delivery efficiency and customer service. Robert Welch scored highly in all of these categories, a requisite for the award.

Frieling USA is debuting the Cilio Orange Press in seven fashionable colors this summer. The Cilio Orange Press is designed to facilitate extracting fresh squeezed juice from oranges, grapefruits, limes and lemons with minimal effort and clean up, according to the company.

CDN has published “Great for Grilling,” an informative new product brochure that showcases the company’s line of grilling, smoking and roasting thermometers. It also provides helpful information on grilling.

At a press event in New York last night, J.C. Penney Co. gave the media a look at the changes emerging in its home department, including a range of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia-developed products delivered under its founder’s name and otherwise. As permitted in the ongoing legal dispute with Macy’s involving MSLO, J.C. Penney may carry some Martha label products and offer others developed under her auspices but without using her brand name.

For the month of May, Costco Wholesale Corp. has reported that, excluding the effect of gasoline price volatility, foreign exchange rate movement and one-time charges, comparable store sales gained 5% in the United States, 7% internationally and 6% for the total company. With the gas, exchange and one-time charges included, May comps increased 5% in the U.S., 6% internationally and 5% in total for the company.

NY NOW Lifestyle, one of four new product collections to debut at the summer edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home & Lifestyle, formerly NYIGF, will showcase approximately 1,100 exhibitors representing a wide range of resources on Level 1 of New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the organizer stated. The Lifestyle collection will showcase product categories including gifts, juvenile products, personal accessories and personal care and wellness.

Dexas International Ltd. announced that it has a new manufacturer’s showroom in Dallas Market Center, which will debut at the Total Housewares & Gourmet Market June 19-25. The showroom will be active year-round.

In the four-week fiscal month of May, which ended June 1, Fred's Inc. saw comparable store sales decrease 0.5%. Total sales for the month increased 0.2% to $152.4 million, the company stated.

For the 13-week period ended June 1, Rite Aid Corp. today announced that comparable store sales decreased 2.5% versus the prior-year period. Front-end comps, including those for general merchandise, increased 0.4% while pharmacy comps decreased 3.8%, the company reported.

Today, Stein Mart, Inc. reported that for the four-week period ended June 1, comparable store sales increased 8.2%. Total sales increased 3.6% to $107.3 million, the company related.

In proof that cooking utensils and sophisticated electronics can mix harmoniously, Umbra has introduced the iSpoon, part utensil, part stylus. The new product combines a beech wood spoon on one end and a silicone stylus on the other.

For its fiscal 2013 first quarter ended May 3, Dollar General Corp. posted net income of $220 million, or 67 cents per diluted share, versus $213 million, or 63 cents per diluted share, in the 2012 period. Adjusted net income, excluding one-time charges, increased to $232 million versus $215 million in the 2012 first quarter, the company noted, while adjusted diluted EPS was 71 cents versus 63 cents in the year-earlier period.

Forty One Madison in New York City is readying for the New York Gift Show, Saturday, August 17 through Wednesday, August 21. Buyers will find more than 40 of the tabletop building’s showrooms open for business, many offering product assortments and opening minimums that work for specialty and independent retailers, according to building management.

For the three-month period ended March 31, hhgregg, Inc. reported net income of $9.9 million, or 31 cents per diluted share, versus $53.6 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, for the prior-year period. Fourth quarter 2012 results included $39.6 million of net income related to life insurance proceeds net of severance paid to the estate of the company’s former executive board chairman as well as a $500,000 after-tax charge related to impairment of two store locations.

To enhance its recently launched loyalty program, Ikea is working with 89 Degrees, a marketing analytics firm, that will help it build a closer relationship with best customers in the United States. As the retailer evaluates its customer relationship management systems, 89 Degrees will provide end-to-end management of the loyalty program, the firm stated.

The 68th annual National Hardware Show recently came to a close at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show operator has reported that attendance was up more than 16% from last year's show.

For the first quarter ended May 4, Gordmans Stores, Inc. posted net income of $3.2 million, or 17 cents per diluted share, versus $8.1 million, or 41 cents per diluted share, in the year-prior period. Comparable store sales for the first quarter decreased 10.5%, according to the company.

According to market research firm IBISWorld, dads can look forward to even more electric razors in paternal celebration this month but afternoons out and tools as well. The company estimates that Father’s Day spending will increase 2.1% this year to $13.2 billion versus the occasion in 2012.

Whitford has announced that it has made new colors available for QuanTanium and Eterna non-stick coatings. Nature and Pantone influenced the color choices.

For the first quarter ended May 4, Fred's, Inc. announced that net income increased 9.1% to $11.4 million while earnings per diluted share increased 10.7% to 31 cents from 28 cents for the same period last year. Comparable store sales for the quarter declined 1.3%.

A five-day schedule of activities– including more than 40 educational seminars, Only in New York special events, author appearances and book-signings, on-trend displays, and product innovation awards– will stand among the highlights of the NY NOW debut that begins on August 17 and continues through August 21. New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94 will house the inaugural NY NOW, the Market for Home & Lifestyle, formerly know as NYIGF.

In its fiscal third quarter, Costco generated net income of $459 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, versus $386 million, or 88 cents per diluted share, in the year-prior period. Comparable store sales, excluding the effects of gasoline prices and foreign exchange rates, were up 7% in the United States and 7% internationally for a 7% company comp.

For the first quarter ended May 4, Michaels Stores, Inc. announced that net income decreased 11.3% to $47 million. According to Michaels, comparable store sales declined 0.7% due to a 3% decrease in transactions partly offset by a 1.7% gain from a higher average ticket and a positive 0.6% impact from deferred custom framing revenue.

At its 91st annual meeting, the Cookware Manufacturers Association re-elected Bob Reichenbach president and Greg Cairo vp for 2013. Reichenbach is executive vp at Lifetime Brands, and Cairo is president of Groupe SEB US.

For the quarter ended May 4, Dollar Tree, Inc. reported net income of $133.5 million and earnings per diluted share of 59 cents versus net income of $116.1 million and earnings per diluted share of 50 cents in the 2012 period. Comparable store sales increased 2.1%, in the first quarter year over year.

Internet company Full Moon Enterprize LLC has announced the opening of a new online store, www.KitchenAndTableDecor.com, that offers cooking and dining products complemented by at-home entertainment ideas. The new online store sells an array of brand-name stoneware, dinnerware, flatware, table linens, custom glassware, cutlery sets and kitchen accessories.

Range Kleen and Berndes have teamed up in a charitable promotion designed to help tornado victims in Oklahoma. Through what the company is calling the Berndes 10/10 Special, 10% of net proceeds will be donated to Oklahoma Tornado victims via a special sale for the Berndes Pearl Wok.

The sixth annual Homewares Show Awards were presented by HOMEWORLD BUSINESS® and the National Hardware Show. The winners were announced during a recent ceremony at the NRHA Village Stage at the Las Vegas Convention Center with representatives of HomeWorld, the Hardware Show and awards judges on hand to recognize the best of the best in homewares product design and innovation.

Sasa Demarle has expanded its Silpat lineup with a new SilpatCookie Non-Stick Baking Mat. Designed to fit the popular 14 by 18-inch cookie sheet pan, the new cookie mat offers even heat distribution, easy release and cleanup, according to the company.

Kohl’s Department Stores has announced the appointment of Michelle Gass to the newly created position of chief customer officer. She reports to Kohl’s chairman, president and CEO, Kevin Mansell, the retailer stated.

Groupe SEB has announced a new reporting structure for its commercial operations in the United States as well as the departure of Don Turano, vp/sales and marketing for All-Clad Metalcrafters LLC. Effective June 1, sales and marketing for all U.S. business, which encompasses the AirBake, All-Clad, IMUSA, Krups, Lagostina, Mirro, Rowenta, T-fal and Wearever brands, will report to Greg Cairo, president of Groupe SEB USA. The company designed the new reporting structure to help it adapt to a continually evolving business environment, provide better service to its customers and prepare for future opportunities and growth by leveraging synergies, the company said.

For the first quarter ended May 4, Target Corp. posted net earnings of $498 million, or 77 cents per diluted share, versus $697 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, in the period a year ago. Comparable store sales declined by 0.6% with average transaction amount up 1.3% and units per transaction up 1.8% but number of transactions down 1.9% and selling price per unit down 0.6%.

Browne & Co. announced today that it named Jonathan Pearson national sales manager for the U.S.A. retail division. The company noted that Pearson brings 20 years of industry experience to Browne, having served in sales and marketing leadership roles at European companies including Alessi, Revol, Churchill China, Richard Ginori and most recently WMF.