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Hingham, Mass. — Talbots Inc. posted a bigger-than-expected second-quarter loss on Wednesday, largely due to increased markdowns. The retailer also said that chief creative officer Michael Smaldone has departed the company, effective immediately.

Talbots reported a net loss of $37.3 million for the period ended July 30, compared with a profit of $941,000 a year earlier. Revenue fell 10% to $271.1 million from $300.7 million. Same-stores sales fell 10.4%.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Eastman Kodak Company announced that it had entered into an exclusive offering with HSN to sell the Kodak Easyshare Touch M5370 Digital Camera on Sept. 4 to celebrate 100 Million cameras sold over the last fifteen years.  The camera was available at a special price on HSN for $149.95 including free shipping through Sunday, Sept. 4.  

SAN ANTONIO — H-E-B announced that it has launched an early childhood literacy initiative to help educate Texas parents and caregivers about the importance of reading to children a minimum of three times per week and to provide families with the tools and resources they need to prepare their early learners for school.

Armonk, N.Y. -- Apparel sales are expected to post year-over-year gains during the fall shopping season (August, September and October), with especially big increases in children's apparel, according to an analytics-based forecast by IBM.

Sales in children's apparel this fall are expected to total $2.6 billion, an 11.1% increase over the prior-year period. Women's apparel sales are projected to total $9.2 billion, up 3.1% over last year.

NEW YORK — Macy’s reported that its same-store sales rose 5% in August, beating estimates. The retailer said sales would have been higher by 1.5% points without the impact of Hurricane Irene. Industry analysts had warned that the storm would impact department stores and specialty retailers the most as consumers focused on buying generators and other emergency and recovery items versus back-to-school and discretionary products.

NEW YORK — Sears and Kmart stores announced that they are supporting emergency relief efforts in a dozen states to help residents recover from Hurricane Irene’s damaging winds and floodwaters.

Sears and Kmart stores will offer discounts on recovery items in stores throughout Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Key discounts include:

Kmart:

New York City -- Whole Foods Market is testing membership-only Wellness Clubs in select locations, with the initial site in the chain’s store in Dedham, Mass., USA Today reported. Four additional sites are expected to open this fall.

The company is charging a one-time fee of $199, with monthly membership dues of $45, according to the report, for which members will receive lifestyle evaluations, classes in nutrition, cooking and health and 10% off on 1,000 “better-for-you” foods sold in Whole Foods.

Target failed to crack a ranking of the top 10 most effective back-to-school ads compiled by Ace Metrix that was dominated by retail competitors and technology companies.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Cost Plus reported that net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 were $197.9 million, a 3.2% increase compared with $191.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010. Same-store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 increased 2.8% compared with a 6.5% increase for the second quarter last year. The increase in same-store sales for the second quarter was due to an increase in customer count of 5.5% offset by a 2.5% reduction in the average ticket per customer, the company reported.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings turned in disappointing sales and earnings for its second quarter as the company strives to turn around its performance in a weaker consumer spending environment.

Sears Holdings reported a net loss of $146 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, for the second quarter compared with a net loss of $39 million, or 35 cents per diluted share for the same period last year.