7-Eleven: expanding at a cost

7-Eleven has announced a Q4 net loss of $11.5 million compared to a gain of $17.1 million for Q4 2001. Despite this, the outlook for the company remains strong for 2003. As it continues to improve efficiency and expand, 7-Eleven must take care not to stretch resources too thinly.

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BPAmoco: out with the old, in with the new

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ChevronTexaco: shelling out businesses

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Conoco/Phillips: it's all about scale

The Conoco/Phillips merger continues the wave of consolidation in the oil sector. While both companies had based their growth plans on being small and nimble, scale is becoming increasingly vital for success in the industry - particularly in gaining access to new gas reserves now that they are steadily being depleted in North America.

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Crate & Barrel partners with smartphone app to drive footfall

US homeware retailer Crate & Barrel has partnered with Shopkick, a US smartphone app which incentivizes users to visit stores through discounts and a redeemable online currency known as "Kick" credits. By driving store footfall, the app complements Crate & Barrel's existing social media operations on Facebook and Twitter which promote products and address customer complaints and enquiries.

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Focus DIY: looks to CVA for survival

Focus DIY is reported to be attempting to set up a company voluntary arrangement with its creditors, which would allow the specialist retailer to cut its debts without going into administration. Such an arrangement would be sensible as it would relieve pressure on Focus, which is becoming a necessity given the downturn in the DIY market and the retailer's weakness compared to its major rivals.

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Home Depot: $210 million for a change of direction

On 2 January, 2007, Bob Nardelli, CEO of Home Depot, left the company to be succeeded by Frank Blake. Mr Nardelli is to receive a severance package of $210 million, signaling the board's desire for a change in management. While the reasons for his exit are domestic, the future direction of the giant could involve international takeover bids for European DIY retailers.

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Home Depot: activist investor demands change

Just a year ago Home Depot appeared in rude health, but since then investor sentiment has turned against the world's largest home improvement retailer. In its latest quarterly earnings release, Home Depot reported like-for-like sales down by 5.1% - a disappointing result that has prompted the stake building by Ralph Whitworth's Relational Investors vehicle.

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Home Depot: feeling the toll of US housing market woe

Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, is feeling the effects of the US housing market slump, reporting a 66% decline in first quarter profits. The poor start to the year will curb the group's expansion plans and lead to store closures and job losses. Furthermore, as the domestic situation worsens, for the time being, the retailer's recovery is out of the question.

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HRG: spreading the risk

The benefits of a multi-channel, multi-fascia retail business were shown when the UK's HRG reported contrasting fortunes for its two retail brands, Homebase and Argos, over the last quarter. While there is a certain amount of crossover between the two businesses, each one's different focus helps insulate the group from poorly performing markets.

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