Winter Holidays

Columbus, Ohio -- Big Lots on Friday posted a lower-than expected quarterly profit, and the company cut its outlook for the crucial holiday quarter, in the face of strong competition and aggressive promotions from rivals.

The chain said profit for the quarter ended Oct. 30 fell 42% to $17.7 million, from $30.3 million a year earlier, when the company's earnings included a 10-cents-a-share benefit from real estate transactions. Net sales in the latest quarter rose 2% to $1.06 billion as same-store sales rose 0.7%.

New York City -- The Labor Department’s November report indicated that retailers didn't hire as many new workers during the month as they traditionally do at this time of year, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The report showed retailers are extending hours of existing workers and some may have hired earlier this year than usual.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Sam's Club has launched a new service that offers delivery, installation, assembly or set-up of a number of items such as mattresses, televisions, computers, barbecue grills and more. The chain said it is offering the service for items purchased at more than 600 stores nationwide.

The service is provided by a third-party vendor that will work on both home and business installation. Delivery prices start at $59 and installation is provided at an additional cost.

New York City -- Retailers nearly across the board reported a strong start to the holiday season as their November sales were enhanced by aggressive discounting that started early in the month. Same-store sales rose 6% in November,  above the estimated growth of 3.6% and the year-ago gain of 0.6%, according to 27 retailers tracked by Thomson Reuters. 

New York City -- Department store retailers enjoyed a strong November, with nearly all the leading chains topping analysts  projections.

Macy’s reported Thursday that its same-store sales rose 6.1% in November, boosted by a strong Black Friday weekend. The company raised its earnings guidance.