Discount Store

Seattle -- Nordstrom reported Thursday that net income for its second quarter rose 20% to $175 million, compared with $146 million in the year earlier period.

Revenue surged 12.4% to $2.72 billion, benefited by strong promotions and matching Wall Street estimates. Same-store sales rose a solid 7.3%. The department store retailer has raised its profit outlook for the full year.

Its outlet concept Nordstrom Rack saw net sales increase 23.4% to $92 million, and same-store sales rose 4.8%.

PLANO, Texas — While such higher-end apparel retailers as Nordstrom and Dillard's boasted impressive quarterly earnings and sales, those that cater to the middle class didn't deliver quite as strongly. Case in point, JCPenney, which reported net income of $14 million, or 7 cents per share, for the second quarter ended July 30. Net income for the same period last year was $14 million, or 6 cents per share.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Senior leadership within Walmart’s merchandising organization continues to undergo a transformation, as the retailer’s chief merchandising officer Duncan Mac Naughton on Friday announced another round of personnel moves.

Outdoor retailer Cabela’s has announced plans to open one of its signature stores in Rogers, Ark., next summer, continuing an influx of retail development that has steadily elevated the region’s shopping options.

A decade ago, the biggest decision facing shoppers who lived in Benton County was which Walmart to shop at. Either that or drive to Fayetteville where an aging mall featured Dillard’s and JCPenney as anchor tenants. Other folks made the two-hour trek to Tulsa, Okla., which boasted more choices, but hardly qualified as a shopping Mecca.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar said Thursday it has opened its 7,000th store -- on South Highland St. in Memphis, Ten.

The newest store, which opened on Wednesday, features a new design with green elements and easy-to-navigate layout.

Milwaukee -- Goodwill Industries said Thursday it has teamed with Prolitec to introduce fragrance technology to 44 of its stores in southeastern Wisconsin and metropolitan Chicago.

The rollout was preceded by a four-store test, and now the 44 locations, which include four under construction or in the process of opening, will utilize a signature scent featuring hints of sweet orange and honeysuckle, custom-designed by Milwaukee-based Prolitec.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Family Dollar opened its 7,000th store Thursday, further cementing the dollar-store channel as an area of rapid growth.

The store is located in Memphis, Tenn., and features a green building design and a spacious layout for an optimal shopping experience, the company reported. 

To commemorate the opening of its 7,000th store in Memphis, Family Dollar completed the celebration with the $7,000 donation to the Mid-South Food Bank, along with cans of food donated by members of the local community. 

Concord, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased space to two new restaurant tenants at Clayton Valley Shopping Center, located in Concord, Calif.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries has leased 2,400 sq. ft., and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will open fall 2011 in a 1,740-sq.-ft. space.

The 260,000-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Orchard Supply Hardware alongside national retailers such as Ross Dress for Less, Fresh & Easy and CVS/pharmacy.