Home Goods

A back-to-basics approach in Walmart’s apparel department has enabled the company to produce a modest degree of sales growth, but other value players are delivering high single digit comps.

Walmart reported its second consecutive quarter of positive same store sales in the apparel category during the second quarter when it produced a low single digit gain.

Ross Stores and The TJX companies both reported a better-than-expected 8% same store sales increase during August. Shoppers continued to beat a path to Ross and TJX stores during August where exceptionally strong sales suggest consumers are unrelenting in their search for value amid protracted economic weakness.

It may be back to basics in Walmart’s apparel department, but shoppers still crave discounted brands and fashion as evidenced by continued strength at some familiar retailers.

TJX and Ross Stores both posted same-store sales increases of 7% during June, and both companies used the occasion of the better-than-expected results to elevate their profits forecasts. TJX said June sales increase 9% to $2.3 billion, while Ross said its June sales increased 12% to $886 million.

Edgewater, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. announced that HomeGoods, a TJX Cos. banner, will anchor the 100,000-sq.-ft. retail component of Edgewater Harbor, a mixed-use waterfront redevelopment in Edgewater, N.J.

HomeGoods has leased 24,000 sq. ft. and will join newly opened CVS Pharmacy, Moe's Southwest Grill, AT&T, Beach Bum Tanning, Epique Massage and Edgewater Dry Cleaners.

While there still is not enough new shopping center construction to warrant a “Fastest-Growing Developers” ranking system — as Chain Store Age provided for 20 consecutive years, from 1989 to 2008 — progress continues to be made.

Simsbury, Conn. -- Charter Realty & Development said it has leased 23,500 sq. ft. to HomeGoods in Simsbury, Conn.

HomeGoods, a TJX banner, will be opening in Simsbury Commons Shopping Center in a former Borders location, joining Stop & Shop, Bed Bath & Beyond, Hoyt Cinema and Bob’s Store.

The 256,497-sq.-ft. center is owned by Columbia, S.C.-based EDENS.

Charter Realty & Development represents TJX Cos., including HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, throughout the eastern half of the United States.

Beachwood, Ohio -- Mall owner DDR Corp. announced Wednesday that it has acquired its joint-venture partner’s 50% ownership interest in two power centers located in Portland, Ore., and in Phoenix. The $70 million transaction gives DDR full ownership of the assets.

Tanasbourne Town Center, in Portland, is a large-format power center totaling 566,000 sq. ft. and anchored by Target, Nordstrom Rack, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross Dress For Less, Michaels, Old Navy and Petco.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — TJX Cos. is headed for a strong 2012, thanks to fourth-quarter sales and profit growth. The company reported that its fiscal fourth-quarter profit rose 42% to $475.3 million, from $334.4 million a year earlier. The owner of Marshalls, HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx also announced plans to repurchase up to $1.3 billion of stock this fiscal year.

For the quarter, sales rose 6% to $6.7 billion. Same-store sales increased 7%.