Mass Merchant

DALLAS — Three weeks after being named the first civilian director/CEO in the nearly 117-year history of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Tom Shull officially took the reins today of the $10-billion military retailer. Shull replaced the Exchange’s last uniformed Commander, Brig. Gen. Fran Hendricks.

The St. Jude Children’s hospital is the beneficiary of a bicycle ride slated for this weekend that wouldn’t be happening without the support of Target.

Motocross champion Ryan Dungey and Target are hosting the MN Major River-to-River Ride with Ryan Dungey on Sunday, July 15, featuring rides of different lengths and skill levels. The ride takes place the day after Dungey competes at Spring Creek in Millville, Minn. as part of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

Target held steady on the promotional front in May with the number of circulars and total pages consistent with the prior year. For a look at Target’s activity and those of other leading retailers check out the last report from Market Track.

 

 

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th announced that it plans to open a store in Merrimack, Mass., on June 14.

The 28,032-sq.-ft. store is located in Merrimack Premium Outlets, a new shopping center 55 miles northwest of Boston. The store’s launch will coincide with the outlet’s grand opening celebration, which will last from June 14 until June 17. Operated by Simon Malls, the Outlet Center will be home to a collection of 100 designer and name-brand outlet stores, up to four restaurants and a food court.

New York -- Canned peaches, criminal records and political contributions were among the shareholder concerns expressed at Target’s annual meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

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Canadians love a deal even more than American’s judging from the strong same-store sales and surging profits produced by the nation’s leading dollar store operator.

The 721 unit Montreal-based Dollarama chain said its first quarter same-store sales increased by a weather-aided 8.1%, and total first quarter sales increase 14.9% to $398 million for the period ended April 29. Earnings per share increased 40% to 56 cents from 40 cents. The gross margin rate increased to 36.3% of sales from 35.7% and expenses declined to 18.5% of sales compared to 19.7%.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group Inc. announced it has successfully completed its tender offer for Charming Shoppes Inc.'s outstanding shares.

Ascena announced in May it that was buying Charming Shoppes, whose banners include Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug,  and Catherines Plus Sizes, for about $890 million.

Charming Shoppes will become an Ascena subsidiary and will stop trading on the Nasdaq and Chicago Stock Exchange once the transaction is complete. Ascena’s retail subsidiaries include Dressbarn, Maurices and Justice.