Seasonal

New York -- A report released Tuesday by Capital Business Credit found that, overall, importers and manufacturers who sell to America's major retailers are preparing for a surprisingly stronger winter shopping season than expected.

According to the quarterly "Global Retail Manufacturers and Importers Survey," 77% of importers of retail goods believe the fall/winter season will be the same or stronger than last year.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Lest anyone think Walmart would miss out on the opportunity to cash in on the "Hunger Games" phenomenon, the company has followed suit with Target and Toys"R"Us in offering a unique experience for fans.

CITY OF COMMERCE, Calif. — 99 Cents Only Stores is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1982, the chain has expanded to 302 extreme value stores in four states consisting of 220 stores in California, 37 in Texas, 29 in Arizona, and 15 in Nevada. As part of the celebration, the company is converting 40 semi-trucks from diesel to clean-burning compressed natural gas. Additionally, the company is offering a free reusable shopping bag to customers who visit the store this weekend and purchase at least $9.99 worth of merchandise.

LOS ANGELES — OPI Products has teamed up with multiple Grammy Award-winning and multiplatinum-selling recording artist Mariah Carey.

Carey will be the inspiration for a line of OPI limited-edition nail lacquers that will launch in January 2013.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot is sponsoring the 2012 Do Something Awards, which will air Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 9:00pm ET on VH1.

Hosted by "New Girl" stars Jake Johnson, Emmy-nominated Max Greenfield and Lamorne Morris, the ceremony will honor and celebrate the nation’s best young world-changers who represent the pivotal “do-ers” in their field, cause or issue.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. reported a better-than-expected second-quarter profit amid efforts to control costs. Sales, however, disappointed.

The retailer posted a second-quarter profit of $240 million, down from $299 million in the year-ago period.

Net sales were $4.2 billion, down 1.0% from last year. Same-store sales decreased 2.7% for the quarter.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg's is honoring the gold-medal-winning U.S. women's gymnastic team by featuring them on their Corn Flakes cereal box.

Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross and Jordyn Wieber of the "Fierce Five" will be featured on special-edition boxes of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, which will be on shelves this fall. 

CINCINNATI — After delivering a 22% increase over the prior year in diluted per share for it second quarter (from 55 cents to 67 cents), Macy's Inc. has raised its full-year earnings guidance for 2012.

The company now expects earnings per diluted share to range from $3.30 to $3.35, compared with previous guidance for earnings per diluted share of $3.25 to $3.30. Guidance for same-store sales in fiscal 2012 remains unchanged at an increase of approximately 3.7%.