Consumer Affairs & Relations

San Francisco -- Gap said its third-quarter net income fell 1% to  $303 million for the period that ended Oct. 30. That compares with $307 million a year earlier.

Revenue rose 2% to $3.65 billion, boosted by increases in online and international sales. Same-store sales were flat.

Natick, Mass. -- BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to raise its annual membership fees by $5, to $50, and invest the increased revenues in store remodels.

The fee increase, which will start in January, is the company’s first since 2006. BJ’s said it would generate about $20 million in new revenue, including an expectation that renewals would decrease 1% to 1.5% as a result of the hike.
 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Thursday it will open its first four stores in Washington, D.C., as part of the retailer’s effort to increase its urban expansion stride.

Wal-Mart said it plans to open the smaller-format urban stores in Washington, D.C. in late 2012, and said it has met little resistance from the area. The retailer said its poll of 800 locals found nearly three-quarters of Washingtonians favored Wal-Mart coming to the city.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma reported Thursday that net income for the third quarter rose to $36.5 million, up from $7.3 million.

The company, which runs Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn, also recorded a 12% revenue rise to $816 million, beating Wall Street expectations of $799.5 million.

Columbus, Ohio -- Limited Brands reported Wednesday that net income for the quarter ended Oct. 30 soared to $61.3 million, compared with $6.1 million a year earlier. The company also said it would repurchase $200 million in shares.

Same-store sales increase 10%, and net sales were $1.99 billion compared with $1.78 billion last year.