Discount Store

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings raised its full-year outlook after shoppers flocked to its stores in search of its signature “good stuff cheap” during the holiday season.   For the nine-week period ended December 31, 2016, Ollie’s total sales increased 16.3%, with a same-store sales increase of 1.9%. The discounter said it now expects full-year net sales to total about $888 million, ahead of the FactSet consensus of $874 million. It expects same-store sales growth of about 3% and per-share earnings of about 93 cents.

Party City Holdco Inc. continues to acquire its franchised locations.   The company has entered into an agreement to acquire a master franchise group representing 18 franchise stores in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, and with estimated 2016 sales of approximately $34 million. The purchase price is estimated to be $14.5 million to $15.0 million.  

Sprouts Family Market is expanding its footprint.     The Phoenix-based grocer plans to open 35 stores in 2017, with 11 of the locations opening in the second quarter of the year.     The 11 stores opening in the second quarter include three in California, two in Georgia, two in Florida locations, two in Texas locations and two in Colorado, the Phoenix Business Journal reported.  

The ranks of female retail CEOs is losing one of its highest-profile members.   Rosalind G. Brewer, 54, has told Walmart she plans to retire as executive VP, president and CEO of Sam’s Club, effective Feb. 1, 2017. She will be succeeded by company veteran John Furner, 42, who joined Walmart as an hourly associate in 1993, effective Feb. 1. The news was announced in a filing by the chain.  

Dollar Tree has appointed Duncan Mac Naughton as president and COO of its Family Dollar subsidiary.   Mac Naughton, 54, most recently served as CEO of Mills Fleet Farm. He has held numerous leadership roles at Wal-Mart Stores, including chief merchandising and marketing officer of Wal-Mart U.S. from 2011 to 2014, executive VP of consumables health and wellness and Walmart.com from 2010 to 2011, and chief merchandising officer of Wal-Mart Canada from 2009 to 2010.  

Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th will open its first location in Montreal, at CF Galeries d’Anjou. The approximately 30,000-sq.-ft. store will open this summer.   “We have now announced four locations across Quebec and we look forward to bringing the Off 5th experience to these areas, said Jonathan Greller, president, Saks Off 5th and Gilt.    CF Galeries d’Anjou is managed by Cadillac Fairview, and jointly owned by Cadillac Fairview and Ivanhoé Cambridge.  

Federal regulators have raised questions over Bass Pro Shops' $4.5 billion deal to acquire Cabela's Inc.    In a regulatory filing Friday, Cabela's said the Federal Trade Commission had requested additional information from both Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, according to Foxnews.com.   

Big Lots is looking to attract shoppers with more than deep discounts.   The retailer is working with Big Red Rooster, Columbus, Ohio, and Alloy, Westerville, Ohio, to develop a store of the future, according to a report in The Columbus Dispatch.