Mass Merchant

MISSISSAUGA, ON — Walmart Canada got some key insights into its core shoppers when it surveyed more than 2,000 Canadian moms with children under 18. And while the survey may have targeted Canadian shoppers, the results can easily be applied to shoppers in the United States.

Costa Mesa, Calif. -- Donahue Schriber announced the acquisition of its third grocery-anchored shopping center in the last two months. The company reported the close of escrow on Del Mar Heights Village Center in San Diego County, Calif., which follows the acquisitions of Four Corners Shopping Center in Washington State and Bonita Centre, also in San Diego County.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is responding to changing trends affecting the "back-to-school" experience with a number initiatives designed to meet the needs of its consumers.

According to Kmart, more public schools are requiring uniforms and others are now adopting a year-round school calendar. In response, Kmart has adjusted its approach to back-to-school by increasing the number of stores that sell uniforms and aligning its back-to-school sales periods by region to match that of the local school districts.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — The men’s grooming market continues to grow at a rapid pace as research shows that men’s grooming tools, such as electric shavers, men’s trimmers and home hair clippers, are among the largest dollar growth drivers in the overall personal care industry. Meanwhile, such product categories as men’s facial skin care continue to flourish.

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Storesannounced it will convert its Elder-Beerman nameplate in two markets in Michigan. Elder-Beerman stores in Howell and Monroe will be converted to the company’s Carson’s nameplate.

“We are making this strategic change in nameplates as a result of a marketing review,” said Brendan Hoffman, president and CEO. “The usage of Carson’s nameplate will allow us to communicate more effectively and provide us the opportunity to expand our outreach to more consumers.”

CINCINNATI — After delivering a 22% increase over the prior year in diluted per share for it second quarter (from 55 cents to 67 cents), Macy's Inc. has raised its full-year earnings guidance for 2012.

The company now expects earnings per diluted share to range from $3.30 to $3.35, compared with previous guidance for earnings per diluted share of $3.25 to $3.30. Guidance for same-store sales in fiscal 2012 remains unchanged at an increase of approximately 3.7%.

The retail industry in general may not be so keen on the new Affordable Care Act, but the nation's largest retailer has come out in support of a Democratic proposal to control spending.

Walmart stores is endorsing a new plan, co-authored by former Obama and Clinton administration officials that would slow healthcare spending and keep it in line with wage growth.

Read more from the Reuters report here.

Moorestown, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that Australian fashion retailer Cotton On will open its first South Jersey location at Moorestown Mall this fall.

The 3,500-sq.-ft. store joins a recently opened Kids Foot Locker; Crazy 8 is scheduled to join the mall this fall.

Moorestown Mall is a 1 million-sq.-ft. enclosed regional shopping mall anchored by Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Sears and Boscov’s.