Discount Store

New York -- The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index climbed to a better-than-expected 74.3, compared to 72.3 in July and representing a three-month high.

Aggressive retail discounting and record-low interest rates boosted the results, but unemployment remains a big concern. 

“Confidence is lackluster,” Jim O’Sullivan, chief U.S. economist for High Frequency Economics Ltd., told Bloomberg. “It typifies the economy right now. It’s not strong, but not collapsing either.”

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has donated $150,000 in cash and products to assist with Hurricane Isaac relief efforts. A $120,000 cash donation was given to the American Red Cross in support of response efforts. An additional $20,000 in product donations and $10,000 in Target gift cards will be given to other nonprofit organizations in affected areas for essentials such as water and food.

Baldwin Park, Calif. -- NewMark Merrill Cos. announced that three new tenants have joined Park Plaza on Maine, located in Baldwin Park, Calif., joining Superior Grocers, CVS, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Chase Bank, El Pollo Loco, GNC and Bank of America.

Menchie’s Yogurt signed a five-year lease for a 1,586-sq.-ft. location; LA Eyebrow signed a five-year lease for a 1,220-sq.-ft. space; and Family Dollar signed a lease for the approximately 9,000-sq.-ft. space next door to Superior Grocers.

Houston -- Francesca's Holdings Corp. said Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 topped expectations by nearly doubling to $12.7 million, from $5.5 million in the same quarter last year. Sales leaped nearly 50% to $25.1 million, and same-store sales surged $20.7%.

The company said it is on track to open 76 stores and one outlet this fiscal year, two of them in the third quarter.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Collective Brands reported net earnings of $9.7 million, or 16 cents per share, for its second quarter compared with a loss of $35 million, or 58 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2011.

Net sales increased 0.4% to $886 million, driven by a 2.9% comparable-store sales ncrease and sales growth of 6.1% in the Performance + Lifestyle Group  Wholesale segment, offset in part by operating 375 fewer stores.

Boston -- CBRE/Grossman Retail Advisors said that Nordstrom will open a new Nordstrom Rack at The Newbry in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, further expanding its presence in the Boston market to four full-line stores and four Nordstrom Racks.

The approximately 38,000-sq.-ft., two-level store is scheduled to open spring 2013.
 

Dallas -- Tuesday Morning announced Tuesday that it has named former Big Lots head Brady Churches as its new CEO, stepping in for former CEO Kathleen Mason who was terminated by the company in June.

Mason has since filed suit against the closeout retailer, alleging that she was fired because she disclosed that she has breast cancer.

Churches’ appointment is effective immediately. His most recent position was as president of Marketing Results Ltd. Prior to that he was president of Big Lots.