Mass Merchant

New York -- Target Corp. executives discussed the chain’s omni-channel initiatives on the company’s second quarter conference call with investors. Target’s executive VP merchandising and supply chain, Kathryn Tesija highlighted the company's investments in flexible fulfillment, including plans to expand a program allowing customers to buy items online and pick them up at the store the same day, starting in the third quarter.

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ST. PAUL, MINN. — Ace Brand from 3M Company has launched Ace Brand Sports Medicine Products, marking the brand’s expansion into the sporting goods category. 

As part of the launch, Ace Brand has partnered with Little League Baseball and Softball, the world’s largest youth sports organization, to support youth athletes nationwide. 

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. earned $11.4 million for the second quarter, down from $17.1 million in the year-ago period, amid a 10% drop in same-store sales. The retailer, whose results missed analysts' estimates, also gave a third-quarter earnings forecast well below Wall Street expectations.

Abercrombie & Fitch and many other teen retailers have struggled of late, with their sales impacted not only by financially constrained consumers but also by the inherent fickle nature of their customer base.

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ORLANDO — Walmart is kicking off its official start to the holiday season Friday, Sept. 13, with a no-fee layaway program.

A 3% same store sales decline at Staples North American retail units contributed to weaker than expected second quarter results and prompted the company to reduce its full year financial forecast.

Total company sales for the quarter ended August 3, declined 2% to $5.3 billion with the closure of 103 stores in North America and Europe responsible for about half the decline. Profits for the period declined to $104 million, or 16 cents a share, two cents worse than analysts forecast, compared to $125 million, or 19 cents a share the prior year.

New York -- CBL & Associates Properties has announced the appointment of A. Larry Chapman to its board of directors.

Chapman is a retired 37-year veteran of Wells Fargo. He most recently served as group head of the bank’s commercial real estate lending business, responsible for the group’s 75 nationally located real estate loan production offices and 1,500 full time employees.