Winter Holidays

Atlanta -- A report released Tuesday by First Data Corp. found that, despite tough comps and a late Easter, March 2011 same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations showed a steady uptick.

WASHINGTON — While the calendar shift of Easter may have taken a toll on retailers' march performance, April sales should see a boost, as the National Retail Federation noted that consumers intend to spend more this year than in 2010.

MONTREAL – U.S. discount-store operators should keep an eye on their Northern neighbors, as Canadian dollar stores continue to thrive. Anticipating their growth potential, Virginia-based Dollar Tree acquired Canada’s Dollar Giant Store in November 2010, adding 86 more stores to its repertoire and marking its first expansion outside of the United States.

MONTVALE, N.J. — Grocer A&P has kicked off a new initiative to expand its Kosher product offerings in time for the Passover holiday season.

From now through April 28, Passover shoppers at select A&P, Pathmark, Waldbaum's and Food Emporium stores serving Jewish communities throughout the tri-state area will find new and improved Kosher grocery selections, the retailer stated. Enhanced offerings include Kosher prepared foods and deli meats.

BERLIN, N.J. -- A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts reported that sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 were $143.2 million, a decrease of 4.4% compared with sales of $149.7 million during the fourth quarter of last year. This decline was primarily attributable to a decrease in comparable-store sales of 4.3% during the quarter. Net loss was $4.8 million, or 20 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $0.5 million, or 2 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Berlin, N.J. -- A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts reported Tuesday that net loss for the quarter ended Jan. 1 was $4.8 million, widened from a loss of $500,000 in the year-ago period.

Sales for the fourth quarter decreased 4.4% $143.2 million, from $149.7 million. Same-store sales fell 4.3%.

CLEVELAND — American Greetings is making kids' birthday cards extra special with its Surprise Inside line.

Each Surprise Inside card features a surprise gift pouch inside that the child can open to reveal a small toy that coordinates with the card's theme, the company said. A sticker reveals to the sender what the secret gift will be.

New York City -- Almost 80% of respondents in a national survey of moms’ shopping habits said that the recession has permanently altered their shopping habits, inducing overall cuts in spending by purchasing items on sale and using coupons. The survey was conducted by the online shopping site Totsy.