Mass Merchant

New York -- Costco Wholesale Corp. and L Brands Inc. were among the retailers that posted stronger-than-expected sales in August, fueled in many cases by back-to-school promotions.

Costco led the pack, reporting a 7% gain in August total same-store sales, ahead of views for a 4.9% gain. U.S. same-store sales, excluding the negative impacts from gasoline price deflation and foreign exchange, rose 7% as well. Top-performing categories at Costco included housewares, small appliances, apparel, fresh foods and food sundries.

Dallas - The Retail Services business of Alliance Data Systems Corp. has signed a multi-year agreement to provide co-brand and private label credit card services for Meijer. Alliance Data will provide credit card marketing services for the Meijer store-branded credit card and the Meijer Platinum MasterCard, which will offer card members the opportunity to accrue Meijer Rewards points for every dollar spent at Meijer, Meijer gas stations and Meijer.com, as well as on all other purchases made with the card.

Minneapolis – Women’s specialty retailer Christopher & Banks Corp. swung to a profit of $3.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to a net loss of $285,000 in the prior year period. Higher pretax income and income operating, as well as a tax benefit, helped push Christopher & Banks into the black.

Boca Raton, Fla. - Office Depot Inc. has been awarded a $100 million-plus contract for office supplies and other office solutions by Corporate United following a competitive solicitation process. The new agreement with Office Depot includes office supplies, furniture, technology products and copy and print services provided at significant discounts and savings to eligible member companies.

New York -- The department store wars are sure to heat up in Manhattan with the announcement that Neiman Marcus is coming to the Big Apple. The luxury retailer will open its first-ever location in Manhattan, in 2018. The 250,000-sq.-ft. three-level store will help anchor the new Hudson Yards development, a multi-use project located on the city's West Side, between 30th and 34th Streets.

Meijer is preparing to hire thousands of new employees for its stores as the growing company prepares for the fall and holiday selling seasons, announced Janet Emerson, EVP of operations for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.

"Meijer is always looking for good people," Emerson said. "Our continued growth provides a great opportunity to find new team members who will help deliver on the Meijer promise of providing exceptional customer service."

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – In a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Wet Seal Inc. said John D. Goodman has resigned as CEO, effective Aug. 26.