Department Store

New York -- A new Nielsen survey found that nearly 20% of consumers have already started their back-to-school shopping, and 75% plan to start within the next few weeks.

More parents are starting their shopping earlier than in the past, as 18% of survey respondents had already started their back to school shopping as compared to 7% at the same time last year. On the flip side, 15% are choosing to wait longer, while 50% do not plan to do any back to school shopping this year.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place, Inc. reported a loss of $10.7 million in the quarter ended Aug. 2, compared to a loss of $23.6 million in the year-ago period. Sales edged up to $384.6 million, from $382.4 million for second quarter 2013.

Same-store sales increased 0.8%.

Miami -- Berkowitz Development Group announced the signing of a new long-term lease with PetSmart for 14,252 sq. ft. at Dadeland Station, a 330,000-sq.-ft. shopping center located at 8312 S Dixie Highway in Miami.

The new PetSmart store, which will include an on-site, full-service Banfield Pet Hospital, is slated to open during fourth quarter 2014.

Current tenants include Target, Michael’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, The Sport’s Authority and Best Buy.

Philadelphia -- Extreme-value retailer Five Below will open its first Brooklyn location on Aug. 29, at the Gateway Center.

The 7,500-sq.-ft. store location will feature the company's signature format, with all merchandise priced at $5 and below and grouped into one of eight store departments: Style, Room, Sports, Tech, Crafts, Party, Candy and Now.

Five Below plans to open additional stores in Brooklyn in the next few years.

Houston -- Stage Stores, Inc. reported net income of $11.2 million for the second quarter, compared with $9.6 million last year.

Total sales were $377 million. Same-store sales decreased 4.2%.

“We found the second quarter to be challenging, but we were encouraged that our sales trend improved towards the end of the quarter,” said Michael Glazer, CEO. “We expect improved second half results given our sales driving initiatives.”

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. on Thursday reported a bigger-than-expected loss in its second quarter – the retailer’s ninth consecutive quarterly loss – amid weak sales. The retailer also announced it may close additional stores on top of the 130 closures already underway this year.

Sears also said Thursday the company plans to explore options with lenders to achieve more long-term capital-structure flexibility in the coming six to 12 months.

By Michael Hirschfeld, senior VP of JLL’s National Retail Tenant Services

Charlotte, N.C. -- The Cato Corporation reported that net income rose 6% to $15.7 million for the second quarter ended Aug. 2, from $14.8 million last year.

Sales increased 6% to $243.8 million, from $229.4 million last year. Same-store sales increased 3%.

"Second quarter same-store sales were in line with our year-to-date trend," said John Cato, CEO. "However, we continue to expect the second half earnings per diluted share will be within our original guidance range.”