Retail

Chicago -- Retailers still have time to capitalize on what is turning out to be a late back-to-school shopping, according to a just-released study.

Little Rock, Ark. -- Dillard’s Inc. profit declined 13.3% in the second quarter, but it still came in better than analysts had expected.

Growth in shoes and some apparel categories helped Dillard’s post a feeble second quarter same-store sale increase, but it was too little for the department store retailer to avoid the sharp decline in profitability. The retailer’s profit for the quarter ending Aug. 1 was $29.9 million, down from $34.5 million in the year-ago period.

New York -- A report suggests that U.S. consumers aren’t letting the summer doldrums or world unrest get in the way of shopping — although not all retailers are benefiting.

Retail sales rose 0.6% in July month, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Excluding sales of automobiles, sales were up 0.4%. Eleven of 13 major categories showed increases.

The Commerce Department also revised June's 0.3% decline in retail sales to an unchanged reading.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. is reaching out to fashionistas with a splashly — and digital-savvy — insert in the most important issue of the world’s most influential fashion magazine.

New York -- Kroger is partnering with Liberty Mutual on a new loyalty card program for shoppers, Loyalty360 reported Thursday.

Kroger will reward loyalty program members with fuel points for purchasing insurance, according to the agreement.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Off-price retailer Stein Mart continues to pursue the accelerated store growth strategy that it began in 2014.

The off-price retailer announced it will open nine stores this fall, and at least 12 new locations in 2016.

The news follows the company's recent release of first half 2015 total sales growth of 6.1% and comparable store-sales growth of 4.0%.

Seattle — A new report from MSLGROUP and the Hartman Group is underscoring grocers’ need to appeal to millennial shoppers in unique ways. The report, Food Shopping in America found that one of the youngest and constantly connected consumer groups is also a tough nut to crack — simultaneously impulsive, thrifty and wary of inauthentic marketing.  
 

San Diego, Calif. -- Sports Authority is making good on its promise to make its online site more robust and engaging.

The retailer announced it is renewing its relationship with personalization solutions provider Certona for the fifth consecutive year. By creating rich online experiences for customers, Certona has been a critical component of Sports Authority’s personalization strategy since 2010.