Discount Store

Reston, Va. -- Shoppers spent 14% more for online holiday spending during the week ending Dec. 18, according to comScore. Online spending totaled $6.4 billion for the week, making it the busiest week ever in online holiday shopping.

Shoppers have spent almost $32 billion online for the holiday season to date, a 15% increase from a year ago, comScore reported. The period includes the first 48 days of the holiday season spanning the months of November and December, according to comScore.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Discount retailer Stein Mart named Hunt Hawkins COO and expanded his responsibilities to include store operations and e-commerce at the 263-unit chain. Hawkins previously served as EVP and chief administrative officer with responsibility for information technology, supply chain and human resources, responsibilities he will retain in his new role.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores named Paul White to the position of executive VP and chief merchandising officer.

White will report to Mike Bloom, president and COO.

Marketing claims about the lowest prices on the season on limited quantities for limited times are common throughout the holidays as retailers look to create a sense of urgency and close the sale with consumers. But haven’t consumer grown wise to these tactics?

With the exception of apparel markdowns, consumers have learned and retailers have taught them that another low price is just around the corner and that quantities are unlimited even though featured items may change.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores said Monday that it has named Paul White as executive VP, chief merchandising officer. He will report to Michael Bloom, president and COO.

White joined Family Dollar in 2011 as senior VP, apparel, home and seasonal. Before joining the company, he served as the past president, CEO, and director of Goody’s, where he refocused the merchandising and marketing strategies on the core customer while leading the company’s exit from bankruptcy.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores on Monday named Paul White to the position of EVP and chief merchandising officer. White will report to Mike Bloom, president and COO.

“Through Paul’s leadership and strategic vision, Family Dollar has created a compelling mix of discretionary merchandise, which has led to a more fun place to shop for our customers,” Bloom said. “Paul’s promotion will help us continue to broaden our appeal and deliver greater value to our customers.”

Omaha, Neb. -- There is a heartwarming story playing out  at Kmart stores  throughout the Midwest: Anonymous donors are paying off strangers'  layaway accounts, buying the Christmas gifts, especially toys and children’s clothing, that the families might otherwise have a hard time paying, the Associated Press reported.

Granada Hills, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that it has leased 7,083 sq. ft. of retail space in Granada Hills, Calif., among three new tenants at Granada Village.

Carter’s leased 3,866 sq. ft., and hair salon Fantastic Sams leased 1,217 sq. ft.  Both are slated to open for business in March 2012. Opening in second quarter 2012, Freebirds World Burrito has leased 2,000 sq. ft. of restaurant space.