NEW YORK >> U.S. prosecutors say a member of an Iranian-based hacking group tried to extort HBO out of $6 million in digital currency by stealing unaired episodes and scripts of hit shows such as “Game of Thrones.” An indictment filed Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan accuses Behzad Mesri of hacking into computer accounts of HBO employees in New York. It says he stole episodes of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Deuce” and scripts of “Game of Thrones.”
U.S. home sales increase in October
WASHINGTON >> Americans bought more homes last month as sales snapped back in hurricane-hit Texas and Florida. Yet the market is still suffering from a dwindling supply of available homes. The National Association of Realtors says sales rose 2 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.48 million.
Neiman sales recover, fueling comeback hopes
NEW YORK >> Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. sales rebounded last quarter after a two-year slump, adding to evidence that the department store industry is pulling back from the brink.
Same-store sales — a key measure — rose 4.2 percent in the period, the retailer said Tuesday. That was the first increase since the quarter that ended in August 2015.
The upbeat report follows optimistic signs from other chains, including Macy’s Inc. and J.C. Penney Co. Neiman Marcus, an upscale retailer based in Dallas, has credited its “digital first” strategy for fueling the comeback. The company’s goal is to use technology to better anticipate customer needs — whether they shop online or in stores.
Still, Neiman Marcus isn’t out of the woods yet. The closely held company is laboring under billions in debt — and its red ink continues to mount.
The company reported a net loss of $26.2 million during the period, slightly wider than the loss a year earlier. Sales rose 3.8 percent to $1.12 billion.
ON THE MOVE
First Hawaiian Bank has announced the following new hires and promotions:
>> Sandra Washek has been appointed as the new vice president and audit manager of the Audit Division. Washek has more than 30 years of financial services experience.
>> Jason Yamashiro is FHB’s new vice president and senior product manager of the Institutional Wealth Management Division. Yamashiro has 18 years of financial services industry experience.
>> Mason Yoshiyama has been promoted to vice president and Kona branch manager. Yoshiyama has 14 years of financial services experience and has an extensive background in business lending and banking.
