Retail

Big Lots overcame a 2.2% same store sales decline at its U.S. stores to post better than expected second quarter earnings, but indicated full year profits could be below the prior year.

As we transition into fall, let’s bid a fond farewell to summer 2013 by looking at how Benson’s Homemade Ice Cream, an independent seasonal ice cream parlor in the idyllic community of Boxford, Mass., uses Facebook in ways that larger retailers may want to emulate.

Real information in real time

Benicia, Calif. — Cycle Gear Inc. has announced the chain’s first Wisconsin store in Brookfield, a suburb of Milwaukee. With this new location, Cycle Gear now operates more than 100 stores in 29 states.

The Brookfield store is now open now and will have a grand opening celebration from Sept. 13 to Sept. 15 featuring sales and vendor appearances.

DALLAS — 7-Eleven stores have introduced a Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll, the retailer's first warm bakery offering and the first Pillsbury-branded fresh-bakery item with a convenience retailer.

Available with hot foods as well as in the fresh bakery case at participating stores, 7-Eleven's sweetly spiced will be available for purchase for $1.69 each.

New York -- Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo has created the free Uniqlo USA app for Apple products. It will be available on Android devices later this year

By using the app’s Virtual Cam on Uniqlo logos and icons, consumers will have access to behind-the-scenes videos, current employment opportunities, “weekly favorites” and a store locator. They will also be the first to know about new arrivals, designer collaborations, special promotions and more.

Ripon, Calif. — Togo's Eateries has announced the opening of its first location in Ripon, Calif.

The restaurant will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 5 at 11:30 a.m. In addition, a grand opening celebration has been planned for Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Togo's in Ripon will also offer online ordering and catering services for in-store pick up.

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores saw net income for the second quarter drop to $9.1 million from $21.1 million a year earlier, due, in part, to expenses associated with its spinoff from Sears Holdings Corp, according to the company.

These results come a little more than a week after Sears Holdings saw revenues decrease to $8.9 billion for the quarter from $9.5 billion for the year-ago quarter. Fewer Kmart and Sears full-line stores accounted for approximately $210 million of that decline.

New York -- Sam's Club will host a grand opening celebration on Thursday, Sept. 5, at its new location in Anchorage. At 145,000 sq. ft., the new club will be more than 50% bigger than the former Anchorage location.

The new club has been constructed to include many environmentally friendly features. Energy-efficient fixtures, including daylight-harvesting skylights, reduce the amount of energy required to light the club by up to 75% daily.