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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it is helping customers prepare for tax season by offering low-cost tax preparation preparation services and free in-store federal Form 1040EZ filing. In addition, the retailer provides $3 and $6 check-cashing services. 

Grapevine, Texas -- GameStop Corp. on Monday reported nearly flat sales for the nine-week holiday period that ended on Dec. 31. Total sales were $3.02 million, or about the same as last year. Same-store sales slipped 0.3%.

Online sales increased 15% to $35.3 billion from Nov. 1 through Dec. 25 compared with the same time period the prior year, according to the online measurement firm comScore.

Just when it looked like Walmart shares might be ready to make a run earlier this week after poking above $60 for the first time in more than three years, along came Target to spoil the party.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Momentum remains on the side of Family Dollar, as the company late Thursday reported another quarter of record sales and profits and the opening of 101 units, which included its first stores in California.

Minneapolis -- Best Buy Co. reported Friday that December sales were less than the company anticipated, as fewer-than-expected shoppers filled the retailer’s stores over the holiday selling month.

Same-store sales fell 1.2% in December, an improvement from the 4% drop in the same period last year.  Total revenue was flat at $8.4 billion. Its online division shone, recording a 26% rise in revenue for the month.

Despite the lackluster showing in December, Best Buy reaffirmed its annual guidance.

Just in time for the Consumer Electronics Show next week in Las Vegas, Market Research Solutions (MRS) is out with a new report that provides unconventional insights into the 2011 holiday season and outlook for 2012.

The Tampa, Fla.-based research firm surveyed 272 department managers in early December at such retailers as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, HhGregg and dominant regional players to gain a unique perspective on a category of business that is the most dynamic in retail. Among some of the key findings MRS provided exclusively to RetailingToday.com were:

Columbus, Ohio -- A slowing trend in retail same-store sales leveled out at 3.6% growth in December as shoppers' spending plans firmed up in time for the holidays while remaining value-focused, according to Kantar Retail.