eCommerce

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General posted better-than-expected earnings for the second quarter, but came up short on sales, even amid strong demand for tobacco products and other consumables.

The discounter reiterated plans to open approximately 730 stores in 2015, and relocate or remodel 875 units. To date, the company is on track with its pipeline development to accelerate new store openings to 7% square footage growth in 2016.

Irvine, Calif. — Tilly’s Inc. missed Wall Street expectations by falling profit and increasing revenue in a mixed second quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income fell 54%, from $1.3 million to $600,000, with a tax settlement hindering profitability.

Total net sales fared better, rising 6%, from $123 million to $130 million. Same-store sales — including e-commerce — climbed 0.5%.

Despite missing Wall Street forecasts and declining profit, President and CEO Daniel Griesmer said he was pleased with results for the quarter.

Grapevine, Texas – GameStop Corp. on Thursday posted a strong second quarter, with profit and revenue that topped analysts’ estimates.

The retailer’s net income rose 3% to $25.3 million from $24.6 million.

In a first, West Elm, a Williams-Sonoma subsidiary, will make its products available outside of the brand’s own stores and website.

New York — Bealls Inc. has taken the wraps off its new store banner targeted at millennials.

The department store retailer debuted Bunulu at Coconut Point Mall in Estero, Fla. Two additional locations at the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, Fla. and The Garden Mall in Palm Beach, Fla. are due to open by the end of this year.

Detroit —  Work wear brand Carhartt on Thursday opened a flagship in Detroit, the city where it was founded in 1889.  

Retailers that stock the world’s top drugstore brands may be in for some competition from Pharmabox, which plans to install its first automated kiosk in a mall in the Miami area.

The holiday force has awakened earlier than ever at Walmart with the Aug. 28 launch of a major initiative called Toy Week.

Walmart has released its top toy list of 25 products and announced details of a layaway program that is less restrictive than prior years. The program begins Aug. 28, two weeks earlier than last years, and those participating will find the price point of eligible items has been reduced to $10 with a minimum basket size of $50, there is no account opening fee and only a 10% down payment is required.