Discount Store

Hammond, La. -- Covington, La.-based Stirling Properties, developer of Hammond Square, said that Charming Charlie will occupy a 9,911-sq.-ft. space on Main Street across from Books-A-Million and Shoe Department Encore.

The anticipated opening is spring 2011, and will accompany openings by Academy Sports + Outdoors and The Children’s Place.

Natick, Mass. -- BJ’s Wholesale Club announced that Robert W. Eddy, senior VP, director of finance, has been named executive VP and CFO, and Cornel Catuna, BJ’s senior VP field operations, has been named executive VP club operations. These management changes will be effective on Jan. 30.

Chalfont, Pa. -- Centro Properties Group announced that a 20,685-sq.-ft. Bottom Dollar Food opened at Chalfont Village Shopping Center, located in Chalfont, Pa.

Centro Properties Group, based in New York City, is the owner of Chalfont Village Shopping Center.

An expanding number of consumers in search of value and an improved shopping experience at Family Dollar propelled the company to its strongest first-quarter same-store sales increase in 12 years, but profits for the period and the earnings outlook were below analysts’ estimates.

“Our comparable-store sales increase of 6.9% is the best first quarter result we’ve delivered in more than 12 years,” said Family Dollar chairman and CEO Howard Levine

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced that Deidra Cheeks Merriwether has been promoted to senior VP and president of its Retail Services business unit, succeeding James H. Haworth who will be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Merriwether will be responsible for the oversight and leadership of retail services for all Kmart and Sears stores.

New York City -- Reports circulated Wednesday that several potential suitors, including Sears Holdings and Urban Outfitters, have been studying J. Crew’s books. Urban Outfitters is seriously weighing a counterbid for the high-flying preppy retailer, according to a report in The New York Times. At least two other private-equity firms are also receiving confidential data on the New York-based retailer, Bloomberg reported.

Reynoldsburg, Ohio -- Centro Properties Group announced that a 15,426-sq.-ft. Family Dollar recently opened at Brice Park, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Centro Properties Group, based in New York City, is the owner of Brice Park.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores said Wednesday that its fiscal first-quarter profit climbed 9.9% on strong candy and food sales and higher customer traffic. The discounter reported net income of $74.3 million for the period ended Nov. 27, up from $67.6 million a year ago. Its results, however, were short of analysts expectations, with the disappointing profit attributed primarily due to lower gross margins and higher freight costs.