Retail

Big Lots plans to close down its wholesale operations, Big Lots Wholesale, Consolidated International and Wisconsin Toy, by the end of the current fiscal year. The move is the latest in the company’s strategy to refine its business model and focus on its retail stores.

As things wind down for the wholesale business its inventory will be liquidated. The company says that it will assimilate employees into its retail operations wherever and whenever possible throughout the next 90 days.

Naperville, Ill. -- The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has approved the merger of Office Max Inc. and Office Depot, the retailers said in a joint statement on Friday. The companies anticipate completing the transaction after market close on November 5, 2013.  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has given Office Max and Office Depot clearance to proceed with their proposed merger. The companies anticipate completing the transaction after market close on Nov. 5, subject to the satisfaction of remaining closing conditions.

Columbus, Ohio -- Big Lots will close down its wholesale operations — Big Lots Wholesale, Consolidated International and Wisconsin Toy — by the end of its current fiscal year as it concentrates its focus on its retail stores. The shuttering will result in the liquidation of the wholesale unit's inventory.

Bank holding company Green Dot and Walmart have expanded the line of MoneyCard branded reloadable prepaid debit cards to include six new card types.

Prior to the latest agreement, Green Dot offered three version of prepaid debit products at 4,100 Walmart stores.

Redlands, Calif. — Start-up Fresh Thyme Farmers Market plans to open 50 new stores across 12 Midwestern states over the next six years. To find the right locations, Fresh Thyme is using Esri technology and data to prioritize markets and rate, rank and compare potential sites based on geographic and demographi9c analyses.

Lay's will be introducing Lay's Wavy Potato Chips Dipped in Milk Chocolate next week, according to a report from USA Today.

The chips, priced at $3.49 for a 5-oz. bag, will only be sold at Target for a limited time through the holidays. If the product is successful it could become a permanent fixture on store shelves, according to Ram Krishnan, VP marketing at Frito-Lay.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods will open three new stores and one remodeled store on Nov. 8. The new stores will be located at Newport Pavilion in Newport, Ky., Bartonsville Square in Stroudsburg, Pa., and South County Mall in South County, Mo.

Dick’s will also open its newly remodeled store in Saratoga Springs, NY on Sunday, Nov. 10.

The new stores will mark Dick’s 10th store in Kentucky, 37th store in Pennsylvania, and 13th store in Missouri. Dick’s will operate 555 stores in the U.S. as of Nov. 10.