Big Lots Stores, Inc.

Big Lots is looking to get a piece of the $1 billion pet products pie with a new and exclusive partnership with the American Kennel Club.

The retailer has announced that it plans to launch AKC®Select, an exclusive line of pet products featuring the American Kennel Club brand. This new premium line of merchandise, along with Big Lots' current pet product offerings, will provide dog owners with an exceptional value, the company said.

St. Louis -- Build-A-Bear Workshop said its total revenue fell 5% in the first quarter amid harsh winter weather between Valentine’s Day and Easter in North America.  

The chain’s profit for the quarter, ended March 29, totaled a better-than-expected $8.3 million, compared with from $5.1 million in the year-ago period.

Total revenues were $93.4 million, less than expected, compared to $97.9 million in year-ago period. Revenue was also negatively impacted by fiscal 2014 having a 53rd week, the company said.

Plano, Texas – Rent-A-Center Inc. reported stable profit during the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The retailer’s net income totaled $27.3 million, up 1% from $27.26 million in the same quarter a year earlier.

Consolidated total revenues climbed 6% to $877.64 million, from $828.47 million. Same-store sales rose 8%.

Pittsburgh – As part of a wide-ranging fiscal update, Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. is updating its fiscal 2017 sales target to $8.7 billion to $9 billion. The retailer also expects to open 135-150 namesake stores during the next three years, up from the 603 stores it operated at the end of 2014, focusing on new and underserved markets.  

Big Lots is giving consumers a new budget-friendly option when it comes to baby supplies.

Big Lots has launched a new line called b*loved, which the company says gives customers premium brand baby products with everything moms and dads need to keep babies clean, comfortable and dry, at an affordable price.

Customers looking for a great value on products ranging from diapers and wipes to baby wash and shampoo can shop Big Lots first with b*loved.

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line Inc. on Friday reported a decline in its fourth-quarter profit and cautioned that profits in its current year may not hit expectations of a fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $40.8 million.

The retailer also authorized a new 5-million-share buyback program.

The Finish Line’s earnings in the fourth quarter fell 5% to $40.8 million.

Consolidated net sales for the quarter were $551.3 million, an increase of 6.3% over the prior year period. Same-store sales increased 2.6%.

Big Lots hopes to give back to the communities it serves with a new charity focused on hunger, housing, health care and education.

Big Lots has announced that it has launched a nonprofit foundation to guide its charitable endeavors into the future.

The Big Lots Foundation will help strengthen the Company's philanthropic initiatives and support its commitment to making a difference in the communities where it operates.

Big Lots is looking to drive springtime growth with a traffic generating campaign aimed at consumers looking for “shopping discoveries.”

The retailer is launching its “Shop Big Lots First” campaign to entice consumers to look to Big Lots for their outdoor entertaining needs. Customers will discover stylish, quality outdoor furniture at an incredible value, as well as the name brand grocery products needed to entertain family and friends outdoors, the company said in a statement.

Clayton, Mo. -- Increased sales at its Famous Footwear division and the sale of its shoes.com online site, helped boost Brown Shoe Company’ profit in the fourth quarter.  

The retailer reported net earnings of $16.2 million, which included adjustments related to the sale of Shoes.com, compared with $6.2 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted net earnings were $9 million.

Consolidated net sales in the quarter, ended Jan. 31, totaled $615.4 million, up 2.6% from year-ago period. Same-store sales increased 4%.

New York – Cost-cutting and margin improvement in the struggling Nook e-reader segment helped Barnes & Noble Inc. boost consolidated net earnings 14% to $72 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $63 million in the year-ago period.    

Consolidated revenue slipped 1% to $1.39 billion from $1.4 billion. Same store sales at Barnes & Noble Inc. (excluding Nook) increased 1.7%.