Mass Merchant

New York -- A survey released Tuesday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman-Sachs found that 42% of U.S. consumers expect to spend more on back-to-school items this year than they did in 2011.

With the back-to-school shopping season already well underway as one-third of households reported that they have begun to shop, ICSC and Goldman-Sachs expect the average household expenditure on all types of back-to-school items will be about $300 this year.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — For the second quarter, Mattel reported net income of $96.2 million, or 28 cents per share, compared with last year’s second quarter net income of $80.5 million, or 23 cents per share.

New York -- RCS Real Estate Advisors said Tuesday it has been retained by Diamond Wireless, a mall-based retailer and one of six National Premium retailers for Verizon Wireless, to provide advice and performance analysis to the retailer in the management of its real estate portfolio.

As Diamond Wireless continues to expand nationally, RCS said it is charged with ensuring that Diamond’s current and future site selections, which include both inline stores and kiosks, deliver the highest and best value and efficiencies available in the mall marketplace today.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart became one of the first retailers to offer a reloadable prepaid card requiring no initial charge to load funds with the launch of its new Halogen Reloadable Prepaid MasterCard offered by Green Dot. In addition to the no charge for loading funds, the card offers free ATM withdrawals from network ATMs, and is available with no bank account, credit check or minimum balance required.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Kmart said Tuesday it is introducing a Halogen Reloadable Prepaid MasterCard by Green Dot.

New York -- The slowdown in consumer spending is set to continue for the rest of the year, said Moody’s Investors Service in a new sector report entitled "U.S. Retail: Retail Sales Growth Slows Amid a Cautious Consumer.”

Kmart shoppers can avoid a $3.95 activation fee when they sign up online for the retailer’s new reloadable, prepaid MasterCard, but those who do so will need to remain vigilant to avoid other fees.

Two U.S. toy companies have a shot at exclusive distribution with Meijer this holiday season thanks to a innovative contest announced Monday.

The retailer unveiled details of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest designed to give two small U.S. toymakers the chance to have their toy receive exclusive distribution on Meijer.com this holiday season.