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Small format countdown begins
The retail industry is abuzz these days with talk of small format stores; whether it is Best Buy Mobile, CityTarget or now Walmart Express. Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., added more fuel to the fire this week with comments about several 15,000-sq.-ft. test stores that would open during the second quarter in rural and urban locations. Simon also introduced the prospect of rapid organic growth and potential acquisitions even though the first stores have yet to open.
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February retail sales show biggest gain in four months
New York — U.S. retail sales rose 1% in February, boosted by job gains, the tax cut and more seasonable temperatures, the Commerce Department reported Friday. It was the highest gain in four months. Sales excluding autos increased 0.7%.
The 1% increase followed a revised 0.7% rise in January that was more than double the previous estimate, according to Commerce Department figures.