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BOSTON — A study conducted by Brodeur Partners has unveiled the most relevant retailers in the United States.

For the second month in a row Target’s same-store sales were nearly double the expected amount and the company increased its first quarter guidance as a result.

Same-store sales increased 7.3%, with half of the increase driven by growth in average transaction size combined with an increase in comparable-store transactions. Overall comparable-store sales in March 2011 decreased 5.5%.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced $958.9 million in cash and in-kind contributions around the globe during the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012. The company's U.S. giving grew nearly 20%, largely due to increased donations of produce, meats, poultry and other nutritious food to local food banks from Walmart stores, Sam's Club locations and distribution centers.

Overall, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation's giving in the last fiscal year includes:

NEW YORK — Target Corp., The TJX Cos., and Ross Stores reported stronger-than-expected March sales as warm weather put consumers in a spending mood. Both retailers also revised their first-quarter outlooks upward on the results.

Target said its same-stores sales rose 7.3% in March, helped by warm weather. Analysts had predicted a 5.4% increase.

New York -- Target Corp., The TJX Cos., and Ross Stores reported stronger-than-expected March sales as warm weather put consumers in a spending mood. Both retailers also revised their first-quarter outlooks upward on the results.

Target said its same-stores sales rose 7.3% in March, helped by warm weather. Analysts had predicted a 5.4% increase.

March was a good month for retailers overall, as an early spring brought out shoppers looking for seasonal merchandise earlier than they typically would. Last month was the warmest March in North America in more than 50 years, according to weather data provider Planalytics. 

Target, TJX and Ross Stores all reported stronger-than-expected March sales.

Boston -- Amazon.com is America's most relevant retailer, followed by Target, according to Brodeur Partners’ Retail Relevance Top 10 ranking. The study asked shoppers to look at 21 of the nation's top retailers and select the "most" and "least" personally relevant retailer in four specific areas: practicality, values, sensory appeal and social appeal.

Consumer Reports readers who shop at Target gave the company middle-of-the-road marks on service and its perishable offerings, but the company scored better on pricing and received the highest marks possible on cleanliness.