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While rumors of Barneys imminent restructuring began swirling in early February, it's not the first time such chatter has made the rounds in recent years. When thinking about restructuring strategies and tactics in retail businesses, start with the following question: Does the customer still care about this business model?

Walmart reported fourth quarter diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (EPS) of $1.51, which included net benefits of approximately $0.07 from certain tax matters and real estate transactions. The company’s EPS guidance for the quarter of $1.42 to $1.48 did not include these net benefits. This EPS compared to $1.41 last year, which included net tax benefits of approximately $0.07. Consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter were $122.3 billion, an increase of 5.8 percent from last year. Walmart U.S. reported positive comparable traffic, and comparable store sales rose 1.5 percent in the 13-week period ended Jan. 27,

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. announced the promotion of Kevin S. Measel to senior VP store operations for the company’s West division. Measel replaces Jim Frasso, who retired from Lowe’s following a 17-year career with the company. Measel has more than 28 years of retail experience in both store operations and merchandising, having served most recently as merchandising VP nursery.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has reported net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 of $122.3 billion, an increase of 5.8 percent from $115.6 billion in last year’s fourth quarter. Net sales included about $1.0 billion of negative impact from currency exchange rates. Before acquisitions, and on a constant-currency basis, net sales rose 4.5 percent to $120.9 billion. Income from continuing operations attributable to Walmart for the quarter was $5.2 billion, a 3.4 percent increase from the $5.0 billion posted last year. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations attributable to Walmart for the fourth quarter were $1.51.

Say hello to Anna, a virtual greeter who offers a glimpse into the future of retailing. Anna is a digital image projected in a glass tower at the heart of the Bay's flagship downtown Toronto store, welcoming passersby and explaining its new interactive display.

The Collective Brands' Performance + Lifestyle Group, which owns globally recognized brands such as Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Keds and Stride Rite, announced that it's signed new agreements with partners in 10 countries to continue the rapid international expansion of several of its brands.

Sam's Club was the top-rated company across all industries and only one of eight organizations with an "excellent" rating in the 2012 Temkin Experience ratings. Five other retailers were in the top 20 positions in the overall rankings: Amazon.com, Target, Walgreens, BJ's Wholesale Club and Lowe's.

Dallas -- Zale Corp. posted a higher second quarter profit helped by a surge in holiday sales. Net profit rose to $28.8 million, from $27.2 million a year ago. Overall revenue rose 6% to $663.8 million. Same-store sales rose 5.8%.

UPS and FedEx simultaneously increased their rates earlier this year. As a shipper it's absolutely vital to your organization to truly understand the rate increases and the influence they have on your bottom line.

eBay has agreed to buy WHI Solutions, which provides software and digital catalog solutions for auto parts distributors and retailers. Financial terms weren’t announced.