Target, Inc.

Arlington, Va. -- In letters sent to President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, the Retail Industry Leaders Association urged both to consider the retail industry’s prominent role in the U.S. economy as they advance their visions for the future.

The letter was signed by Gregg Steinhafel, Target chairman, president and CEO and Sandra L. Kennedy, RILA president. Steinhafel serves as chairman of the RILA board of directors. 

MINNEAPOLIS — "Hunger Game" fans will hope the "odds be ever in their favor" to get their hands on special collection keepsakes and an exclusive three-disc version of the blockbuster film. These premium items range from $349 to $999 – Target’s first-ever licensed product offering at this price point – and will be introduced one per day beginning on Aug. 18 to coincide with the DVD release.

To understand what makes Target cool look no further than the Olympics.

Target doesn’t have any stores in London, the United Kingdom or Europe. Its first international stores won’t open until next year and those are located in Canada.

MINNEAPOLIS — July same-store sales at Target increased 3.1%, in line with the company’s guidance.

Target credited an increase in average transaction size as the primary driver of a 3.1% same-store sales increase during the July reporting period. An increase in the number of transactions also contributed to a 3.1% gain that was in-line with the company’s guidance for a low to mid single digit increase on top of a July 2011 increase of 4.1%.

NEW YORK — Many retailers reported better-than-expected results in July as warm weather and clearance sales drew shoppers into stores. Thomson Reuters reported that three-quarters of retailers reported results beat expectations. Costco Wholesale Corp., Target Corp., Limited Brands and Gap Inc. all reported gains above expectations.

No company gave more money and products to charity in 2011 than Walmart, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual ranking.

The publication put Walmart at the top of its list of the 10 most charitable companies, indicating that the company donated $342 million in cash and $616 million in products last year. That is the equivalent of 4.1% of the company’s 2010 pretax profits.

Online shopper engagement firm Jingit named former Walmart head merchant John Fleming to their board of advisors this week and offered a view of his career and accomplishments at Walmart that isn’t likely to jive with the recollection of suppliers.

“John pioneered countless initiatives throughout his stellar career at Walmart that took that brand to new heights in the market,” Jingit co-founder Joe Rogness said of Fleming.

Glen Burnie, Md. -- Jones Lang LaSalle said that it has been awarded the leasing and management of Centre at Glen Burnie, a 419,858-sq.-ft. retail center located in Glen Burnie, Md.

Developed in 1963, the Centre at Glen Burnie is 85% leased and anchored by Target, Hhgregg, Office Depot, Dick's Sporting Goods and Toys R Us.  Other tenants include Chick-fil-A, FootLocker, GNC, Payless ShoeSource, Radio Shack, Five Guys, Famous Footwear and Dots.
 

New York -- Many retailers reported better-than-expected results in July as warm weather and clearance sales drew shoppers into stores. Thomson Reuters reported that three-quarters of retailers reported results beat expectations. Costco Wholesale Corp., Target Corp., Limited Brands and Gap Inc. all reported gains above expectations.

New York -- Costco Wholesale Corp. set the July same-store sales pace when it reported Wednesday a better-than-expected gain of 5%, and other discounters answered Thursday with similar positive results.