Department Store

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes reported a smaller loss for its third fiscal quarter on Wednesday, helped by lower operating expenses and competitive promotions that attracted customers. The chain posted a net loss of $18.8 million for the period ended Oct. 30, compared with a loss of $48.4 million, in the prior-year period.

Revenue increased 1% to $463.6 million from $460.2 million, with online sales up 40%. Same-store sales rose 3%.
 

Pleasant Hill, Calif. -- X Team International said Tuesday that Walnut Creek, Calif.-based partner John Cumbelich & Associates arranged the sale of Downtown Pleasant Hill, a 345,687-sq.-ft. community shopping center in Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Downtown Pleasant Hill is anchored by Century Theatres, Lucky Supermarket, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross Dress For Less, Michaels and Borders.

The buyer was Walnut Creek-based Loja Group, and the seller was a joint venture between Prudential and Developers Diversified Realty.

Chicago -- General Growth Properties announced Wednesday it is implementing its EcoStance of environmental responsibility to the malls’ kiosks, located throughout all the shopping centers’ common areas.

Over the last few months, GGP converted over 50,000 incandescent lights to energy-efficient LED lights in over 135 malls. The new LED lamps produce brighter light levels, last longer, lower carbon emissions, and reduce energy consumption by at least 85%, according to the mall owner.

Hampstead, Md. -- Jos. A. Banks posted a profit of $12.6 million during the fiscal 2010 third quarter ended Oct. 30, compared with a profit of $11.7 million in the year age period. It was the 36th quarter out of the past 37 with earnings growth compared with prior year periods.

Revenue increased 7.4% to $173.3 million from $161.3 million a year ago. Same-store sales increased 3% in the quarter.

Both earnings and sales trailed analysts’ estimates.

New York - Barnes & Noble Inc. reported Tuesday that it narrowed its loss to $12.6 million in its fiscal second quarter, compared with a loss of $24 million in the year-ago period. Results missed Wall Street expectations, and the book seller has issued a weak outlook for the third quarter and the full year.

Revenue surged 64% to $1.91 billion, attributed to the company’s acquisition of its college book unit. Without the acquisition, sales rose 1%.

Same-store sales fell 3.3%.

New York City - West Hampstead, N.Y.-based construction firm Corcon and J.A. Stowell Construction, Inc. of California said Tuesday they have completed UGG Australia’s Madison Avenue flagship store in New York City.

The 4,613-sq.-ft. store was completed on October 28. J.A. Stowell Construction was the construction manager and owner representative for UGG Australia, Corcon served as general contractor, and Anthony Donnelly of VisualWorks, U.K. designed the new location.

New York City - According to the Brand Keys Holiday Survey, released Tuesday, Amazon topped the marketing research consultancy’s list of the top 10 retailers based on customer visits.

Walmart and Apple tied for second, followed by Target, Zappos, Best Buy and Dell, Kohls, Overstock and QVC, Lands End and L.L. Bean, J.C. Penney, and Macy’s.