Seasonal

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., and BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- The upcoming live action/CG-animated film Hopeasily lends itself to a variety of Easter-based retailing opportunities, and Walmart is getting in on the action with the announcement of a partnership with Universal Pictures that will include in-store events and excluisive licensed products.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. -- St. Patrick's Day is here, and QVC is celebrating with 24 hours of Irish programming that will feature an extensive assortment of authentic Irish goods, many of which were created especially for QVC.

During the event, which began at 12 a.m. EST March 17, QVC will offer jewelery, fashion, home decor and othe products from Ireland-based brands. The world-renowned singing group Celtic Thunder is also scheduled to perform several times throughout the broadcast, the company reported.  

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Pacific Sunwear of California announced that total sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 were $263 million, a decrease of 10% from total sales of $293 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Total company same-store sales decreased 7% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

The company reported a net loss of $35 million, or 53 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with a net loss of $36 million, or 56 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. 

PITTSBURGH -- National Runner's Month is back this May at Dick's Sporting Goods. As part of its celebration of runners, the company announced that it will be a major sponsor at ten premiere running events in metro cities across the country. In addition, the month-long running celebration will be surrounded by a comprehensive marketing program that includes the announcement of three widely respected running ambassadors, a major charity initiative, social and digital media elements along with running specials and promotions throughout May.

MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Family Dollar today showed why dollar stores are such a hot commodity right now by reporting a comparable-store sales increase of 5.1% for the second quarter ended Feb. 26. Net sales for the quarter increased 8.3% to $2.26 billion from $2.09 billion last year. According to the company warmer weathr earlier in the year as well as strong performance in its consumable and seasonal categories helped drive sales. 

Target recently filed its annual report on form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Here’s a look at some interesting facts and figures contained in the document:

• Target employed 355,000 “team members,” last year, a figure that swells to 400,000 during the holidays.

• The company operated 37 distribution centers, including four food distribution centers and maintains 27 international sourcing offices in 18 countries

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar today showed why dollar stores are such a hot commodity right now by reporting a comparable-store sales increase of 5.1% for the second quarter ended Feb. 26. Net sales for the quarter increased 8.3% to $2.26 billion, from $2.09 billion last year. According to the company warmer weathr earlier in the year as well as strong performance in its consumable and seasonal categories helped drive sales.

It promises to be a fashion forward spring at Target as this week began a first-of-its-kind designer event online and in stores. The company is celebrating five years of its GO International program by offering a collection of 34 dresses from 17 designers who participated in the program in the past. Ranging from $24.99 to $44.99, the GO International Designer Collective will be available March 13 through April 10.