Dollar Tree

Increases in traffic and average ticket resulted in record first-quarter sales growth at Dollar Tree.

Consolidated net sales for the quarter were a record $2 billion, a 7.2% increase compared to $1.87 billion reported for last year’s first quarter. Consolidated comparable store sales increased 2% on a constant currency basis. Adjusted for the impact of Canadian currency fluctuations, the comparable-store sales increase was 1.9%.

Canada no longer top priority for U.S. retail expansion

During the past few years, U.S. and international retailers have flocked to Canada in the hunt for top-line growth as store portfolios matured in the United States and there were fewer opportunities for expansion. In fact, many U.S. retailers considered Canada to be an extension of their domestic businesses due to the similarities and close proximity to their home offices.

New York —River Bay Plaza in Riverview, Fla., has sold for $5.8 million. Cohen Real Estate represented the buyer and seller, both private investment firms.

Located in Hillsborough County, the 79,288-sq.-ft. neighborhood shopping center is anchored by Winn Dixie, which recently exercised a lease option. Other recent developments include a new 10-year lease for Aaron’s and an option exercised by Dollar Tree.

About 163,000 people live within a five-mile radius of the center. Average annual household income is $70,000.

Charleston, S.C. -- Only two-thirds of Americans are all or almost finished with their holiday shopping as of Dec. 23. Of the 24 retailers surveyed by America’s Research Group and Inmar, only three retained 70% or more of their customer base, with Wal-Mart topping the list at 88.1%, followed closely by Dollar Tree at 80.4%, and Target at 72.1%.

Only two-thirds of Americans are all or almost finished with their holiday shopping as of Dec. 23. Of the 24 retailers surveyed by America’s Research Group and Inmar, only three retained 70% or more of their customer base, with Walmart topping the list at 88.1%, followed closely by Dollar Tree at 80.4%, and Target at 72.1%.

Chesapeake, Va. -- Dollar Tree Inc. reported that its net income in the third quarter fell 19%, impacted by a one -time gain a year related to selling its stake in the Ollie's Holdings chain. The company forecast results for the fourth quarter below Street expectations.

The company posted earnings of $125.4 million for the period ended Nov. 2, down from $155.4 million a year ago.

Revenue rose 9.5% to $1.88 billion. Analysts expected revenue of $1.91 billion.

Same-store sales were up 3%.

The Sembler Company completed two major redevelopments during 2013. The company redeveloped the Nokomis Village Shopping Center in Nokomis, Fla., and Park 66 in Pinellas Park, Fla.

Anchored by a redeveloped Publix, which re-opened in mid-November, and Anthony’s Ladies Apparel, improvements to the 143,697-sq.-ft. Nokomis Village include building façade upgrades and landscaping. Inline tenants include Saltwater Café, New China Restaurant, Hot Nails, Ophelia’s Pasta and Subway.

Chesapeake, Va. -- Dollar Tree Inc. reported that its fiscal second-quarter earnings rose 4.6% to $124.7 million on higher customer traffic and average ticket prices. The company raised the lower end of its sales and earnings forecasts for fiscal 2013
   

Specialty retailer Five Below is searching for a seasoned retail executive to fill the role of president to execute an aggressive growth strategy following the departure of chief operating officer David Johnston.