Mass Merchant

To understand what makes Target cool look no further than the Olympics.

Target doesn’t have any stores in London, the United Kingdom or Europe. Its first international stores won’t open until next year and those are located in Canada.

New York -- Many retailers reported better-than-expected results in July as warm weather and clearance sales drew shoppers into stores. Thomson Reuters reported that three-quarters of retailers reported results beat expectations. Costco Wholesale Corp., Target Corp., Limited Brands and Gap Inc. all reported gains above expectations.

Online shopper engagement firm Jingit named former Walmart head merchant John Fleming to their board of advisors this week and offered a view of his career and accomplishments at Walmart that isn’t likely to jive with the recollection of suppliers.

“John pioneered countless initiatives throughout his stellar career at Walmart that took that brand to new heights in the market,” Jingit co-founder Joe Rogness said of Fleming.

Barnegat, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that Big Lots is slated to open a new anchor store at Bayshore Plaza in Barnegat, N.J., in August.

The 31,612-sq.-ft. store will fill a space formerly occupied by A&P.

Additional tenants include McDonald’s, AT&T Wireless, Barnegat Pharmacy, and a mix of local restaurants and services.

Levin serves as leasing and managing agent for Bayshore Plaza.
 

The addition of retired KPMG International chairman Timothy Flynn to the Walmart board gives the retailer some compliance expertise amid ongoing investigations into alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Lakewood, Colo. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Ann Taylor Loft will open a store this fall at outlet and value shopping destination Colorado Mills, located in the Denver suburb of Lakewood.

Loft will be located near Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Ann Taylor Factory Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Store.
 

MINNEAPOLIS — July same-store sales at Target increased 3.1%, in line with the company’s guidance.

Target credited an increase in average transaction size as the primary driver of a 3.1% same-store sales increase during the July reporting period. An increase in the number of transactions also contributed to a 3.1% gain that was in-line with the company’s guidance for a low to mid single digit increase on top of a July 2011 increase of 4.1%.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Older Americans who still want to participate in the work force will be welcomed by Dollar General. The retailer has eaffirmed its commitment to experienced workers by supporting the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)’s “Work Reimagined” program and the 50-plus worker pledge.