Discount Store

As other retailers make headlines for store closings, Ross Stores’ 2014 expansion plans remain on track. The off-price retailer has already opened 30 Ross Dress for Less and seven dd's Discounts stores in 14 different states, and there's more to come.

Dublin, Calif. -- Ross Stores recently opened a total of 30 Ross Dress for Less and seven DD’s Discounts stores in 14 different states. These openings are part of the off-price retailer's 2014 expansion plans for about 95 new stores, which will include continuing to build presence in existing markets and grow in the newer markets initially entered in 2011.

Ross believes that long-term expansion opportunities include 2,000 Ross Dress for Less stores and 500 DD’s Discounts stores.

Big Lots has elevated CFO Timothy A. Johnson’s to EVP, CFO. Johnson has served as financial chief since 2012 with primary responsibility for all financial disciplines within the company including financial reporting and controls, treasury, risk management, tax, internal audit, financial planning and analysis and investor relations.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores Inc. has joined EPA’s Energy Star program as an Energy Star partner. Through its voluntary partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program, Family Dollar will work to improve energy efficiency and sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a strategic, corporate energy management program that will help preserve the environment for future generations.

Columbus, Ohio – Net income and sales declined at Big Lots Inc. during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 as compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year. Net income declined 30% to $84.3 million from $120.3 million, while net sales dropped 6% to $1.64 billion from $1.74 billion.

Columbus, Ohio - Big Lots Inc. has promoted Timothy A. Johnson to executive VP, CFO. Johnson has served as CFO since 2012 with primary responsibility for all financial disciplines within the company including financial reporting and controls, treasury, risk management, tax, internal audit, financial planning and analysis, and investor relations.

Los Angeles — A private buyer has acquired Huntington Plaza, a 57,148-sq.-ft. shopping center in Monrovia, Calif., in the San Gabriel Valley. Anchored by Sprouts Farmers Market and Walgreens, the center was 96% leased at the time of the sale. The tenant roster includes McDonald’s, Jersey Mikes, Flame Broiler, Great Clips and Pacific Dental.

The owner engaged Studley and Colliers International to offer the property for sale. The two companies have jointly handled the leasing of Huntington Plaza for more than six years.

New York – Following a bitterly cold and stormy January that left many retailers with disappointing monthly sales figures, February’s sales results were generally s bit more encouraging. Chain store sales posted a gain of 2.7% for the fiscal month of February on a year-over-year basis, according to a tally of comparable-store sales compiled by the International Council of Shopping Centers.