Discount Store

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Macy’s and  JCPenney rank as the nation’s top “local” advertisers, according to a new report from RSR Research. The study, “The Local Approach: The State of Localized Advertising in Retail,” finds most major retailers are missing huge opportunities to drive store traffic through localized digital advertising campaigns.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores announced Wednesday that it plans to open 450 to 500 new stores in fiscal 2012, a 50% jump compared with the number of openings in fiscal 2011, and will renovate, relocate or expand over 1,000 locations. The discounter also reported that its fiscal fourth-quarter net income rose 8%.

“In fiscal 2012, we intend to accelerate investments to drive sales and profitability,” said Howard Levine, chairman and CEO.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Michael Bloom to the position of president and COO and promoted Dorlisa Flur to the position of vice chair strategy and chief administrative officer. Both Bloom and Flur will report to Howard Levine, chairman and CEO. These appointments follow the announced retirement of R. James Kelly as Family Dollar’s president and COO after 15 years with the company.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — New research from Nielsen shows consumers will be practical and focused on value during the upcoming holiday season, which bodes well for Target as one on the nation’s leading toy retailers and top destination for gift givers.

STELLARTON, NS  and MINNEAPOLIS — Details for Target's entry into Canada continue to fall into place as the retailer announced last week a long-term wholesale distribution agreement with Sobeys Inc.

Beginning in early 2013, Sobeys will supply Target’s food and grocery requirements for frozen, dairy, and dry grocery products, inclusive of both national brand and Target’s private label brands.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. and WAYNE, N.J. — While most consumers have barely started making Halloween plans, the retail industry is looking ahead to the holiday season and predicting what they think will be the most popular toys this year.

Toys“R”Us and Kmart both announced their top toy lists for the holiday season detailed below:

Toys"R"Us

1. Air Hogs Hyper Actives from Spin Master

2. Air Swimmers eXtreme from Animal Planet

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Trey Johnson to the newly created position of SVP food. Johnson will report to Dorlisa Flur, EVP and chief merchandising officer.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart announced that it is launching the Latina Smart Fund in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Promoted through Kmart's Latina Smart Facebook page, the Latina Smart Fund will award $25,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors and/or students currently enrolled in college, technical or trade schools.