Mass Merchant

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.

Target is engaging Facebook to help determine how half of a $5 million back-to-school donation is allocated.

The retailer plans to donate $5 million to schools as part of its “Give With Target” initiative this fall. The two-part giving campaign provides $2.5 million in grants to in-need schools, as well as up to $2.5 million in Target GiftCards to local schools through votes on Target’s Facebook page.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Retail shopping app, Shopkick has named Alexis Rask as its new VP and general manager brand partnerships. As the head of Shopkick's newest business unit, Rask is tasked with leading and further developing shopkick's relationship with major brands in the CPG, consumer electronics, entertainment, toy/game, financial services and automotive verticals.

New York -- Aurora Capital Associates, a real estate investment firm, is reported to be acquiring New York-based discount retailer Daffys with plans to sublease its stores, according to Crain’s New York.

Daffy’s, which operates 19 stores, in July announced plans to liquidate by October.

The company has several prime real estate sites, eight of which are located in prime shopping area of Manhattan.

Real Estate Weekly first reported the news concerning Daffy’s possible acquisition.

New York -- Coach Inc. reported Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended June 30 rose 24% to $251.4 million, from $202.5 million in the same period last year, topping Wall Street projections.

The company’s revenue in the quarter rose 12% to $1.16 billion, below analysts’ expectations of $1.2 billion. Slowing growth at the company’s factory-outlet stores impacted sales. Coach reinstated coupons at its factory stores late in the quarter amid increasing discounting among retailers.

NEW YORK — Macy's has partnered with fashion designer, B. Michael, for the launch of his new collection, b michael America Red. Set to debut in ten Macy's locations across the country by Aug. 15.

"I am excited by the opportunity to share my point of view of Advanced American Style with a broader audience. We are especially pleased to have Macy's as the retailer to launch the collection -- the quintessential american department store."

Hong Kong -- A Tuesday report by Bloomberg said that J. Crew will open its first Asia store – in Hong Kong – as early as 2013. CEO Millard “Mickey” Drexler told the news service that the retailer is also seeking sites in Beijing and Shanghai.

“We feel that we’re ready to go international,” said Drexler. “Going international is a strong learning curve and it could distract us from building our business in the United States, but we feel that the time is right now.”

El Paso, Texas -- Best Buy Co. has signed a lease to open a 37,740-sq.-ft. store at The Fountains at Farah, a new power-lifestyle shopping center located in El Paso, Texas.

The shopping center, a Centergy Retail project, is under construction and planned to open in 600,000 sq. ft. in fall 2013.