Anthropologie makes three leadership appointments (chainstoreage.com)

Second Quarter Financial Highlights: - Sales of $2.8 billion with significant share gain in the U.S. - Generated reported operating earnings of $205 million; adjusted operating earnings of $315 million - Over $75 million in sequential SG&A cost savings - Generated $232 million in operating cash flow and returned $86 million to shareholders through dividends

HMH reported net sales of $220 million for the first quarter of 2018, down $2 million compared to $222 million in the same quarter of 2017. The net sales decrease was driven by a $2 million decrease in our Education segment, partially offset by a slight increase in our Trade Publishing segment. Net loss of $101 million in the first quarter of 2018 was $19 million, or 16%, lower compared to a net loss of $121 million in the same quarter of 2017, due primarily to the same factors impacting operating loss and a favorable change in our tax provision of $9 million, from an expense of $14 million for the same period in 2017 to an expense of $5 million in 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op today announced its Opt Outside movement will be permanent for all employees. For this Black Friday, and every Black Friday in the future, the co-op will forgo profits and sales at all locations, and instead pay its more than 16,000 employees to enjoy time outside. Since 2015, REI has closed its doors on Black Friday—inviting employees and members to spend time outside rather than shopping. Over the years, Opt Outside has evolved from a response against consumerism to a movement that has advocated for causes important to the co-op, including environmental welfare, inclusivity in the outdoor industry and responsible recreation. This year will mark the shift of Opt Outside to an ongoing, permanent, employee benefit.