Seasonal

DALLAS — Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are joining together to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with two large construction projects that will bring together Lowe’s Heroes, community organizations, schools and local VIPS to celebrate Hispanic heritage while building strong foundations for the future in partnership with Dallas and Houston families. The project includes building two new homes and completing critical repairs on three existing homes in partnership with low-income families.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General Corp. on Wednesday said it had earned a better-than-expected $214.1 million in the second quarter, ended on Aug. 3, up from $146 million a year earlier. The discounter also raised its earnings forecast for the year.

STILLWATER, Minn. — Supervalu banner Cub Foods, KSTP-TV, MOM Brands, Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Dean Foods on Tuesday announced a partnership to sponsor the Hunger Action Month food drive under the banner "Give a Little, Feed a Lot" during September at all Cub Foods stores in Minnesota.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Tuesday it has lowered its holiday layaway fee from $15 to $5, saying that the move is in response to customer feedback.

Customers may begin to open layaway accounts under the new fee arrangement on Sept. 15, and it runs through Dec. 14.

According to Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising and marketing officer, Walmart U.S., “this is a direct response to feedback we received since announcing this year's Holiday Layaway program. [It] makes Walmart more competitive in the marketplace.”

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us said Tuesday that it will waive upfront service fees for its holiday layaway program, kicking off immediately and running through Oct. 31.

The retailer will also remove its minimum purchase requirement, and customers have until Dec. 16 to pick up orders.

Year-round layaway programs will continue, but will have the customary $5 service fee attached.

Toys "R"Usenhanced its layaway program by dropping some fees and Walmart quickly responded.

Toys "R" Us dropped the $5 service fee and minimum purchase requirement from its layaway program in a bid to capture sales of those who begin their holiday shopping early.The company said it changed the rules for its layaway program, instituted in 2009, to waive the $5 upfront service fee and eliminate the minimum purchase requirement for all orders created in stores through October 31.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has donated $150,000 in cash and products to assist with Hurricane Isaac relief efforts. A $120,000 cash donation was given to the American Red Cross in support of response efforts. An additional $20,000 in product donations and $10,000 in Target gift cards will be given to other nonprofit organizations in affected areas for essentials such as water and food.

NEW YORK — Woolite is opening a branded pop-up boutique during New York Fashion Week. Located at 372 West Broadway in New York, the WooliteWashed boutique will open its doors to the public on Sept. 6 with a kick-off party during Fashion's Night Out, hosted by Cat Deeley from "So You Think You Can Dance" and celebrity style expert Jacqui Stafford.