Big Lots Stores, Inc.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has signed a 42,000-sq.-ft. lease to open a Neighborhood Market at Nor-Dan Shopping Center in Danville, Virginia. The store is planned to open in 2016 and will employ approximately 95 people.

Nor-Dan Shopping Center is a 161,428-sq.-ft. community center anchored by Big Lots and It's Fashion Metro, operated by Phillips Edison & Co.

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.