Discount Store

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. reported Thursday that its loss for the quarter ended Oct. 31 widened to $218 million, compared with a loss of $127 million in the year-ago period. The loss was more than analysts expected as margins fell and sales dropped, especially at the company's namesake stores.

"While Kmart improved profitability, our third-quarter results were disappointing, in large part due to lower sales of apparel and appliances at Sears," said interim CEO W. Bruce Johnson.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Thursday it will open its first four stores in Washington, D.C., as part of the retailer’s effort to increase its urban expansion stride.

Wal-Mart said it plans to open the smaller-format urban stores in Washington, D.C. in late 2012, and said it has met little resistance from the area. The retailer said its poll of 800 locals found nearly three-quarters of Washingtonians favored Wal-Mart coming to the city.

Natick, Mass. -- BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to raise its annual membership fees by $5, to $50, and invest the increased revenues in store remodels.

The fee increase, which will start in January, is the company’s first since 2006. BJ’s said it would generate about $20 million in new revenue, including an expectation that renewals would decrease 1% to 1.5% as a result of the hike.
 

Chesapeake, Va. -- Dollar Tree said Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Oct. 30 rose 37% to $93.2 million, from $68.2 million in the year-ago period.

Consolidated net sales for the third quarter were $1.43 billion, a 14.2% increase from $1.25 billion a year earlier. Same-store sales increased 8.7%.

During the third quarter, Dollar Tree opened 86 stores, expanded or relocated 27 stores, and closed two stores. The company currently operates 4,009 stores in 48 states.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Ross Stores reported Thursday earnings for the quarter ended Oct. 30 rose 16% to a record $121.4 million, compared with $105.1 million in the year-ago period.

Sales increased 7% to $1.874 billion, with same-store sales up 3% on top of a strong 8% gain in the prior year.

Seattle -- Nordstrom plans to open a  Nordstrom Rack in Orange, Calif. The 35,000-sq.-ft. store will be located at The Block at Orange and is expected to open in spring 2012.

"We are very excited to move forward with our new store at The Block at Orange," said Geevy Thomas, president of Nordstrom Rack "This is one of the area's top shopping destinations and a terrific opportunity for us to better serve our loyal OC customers."