Sales & Marketing

Indianapolis -- Hhgregg reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30 dropped to $3.8 million from $6 million last year. Sales dipped 5% to $587.6 million and same-store sales dropped 8.8%.

According to CEO Dennis May, the electronics and appliances retailer is testing new merchandise and, in the third quarter, will roll out furniture and exercise equipment to all stores. He also said the current fiscal 2013 outlook calls for 20 new store openings from a previous range of 20-22.

Ralphs and Food 4 Less don't have stores anywhere near the Northeastern U.S., but that didn't stop the Kroger divisions from joining with other retailers providing an outpouring of support to those coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Toronto -- Sears Canada said Friday it has unveiled four refreshed store concepts in Ontario, and Quebec, each featuring additional brands and product displays.

The Kitchen Shop now features small appliances organized by type and major appliances are displayed in gallery settings. A number of departments, including mattresses and footwear, have deepened product offerings and enhanced the merchandising of the lines.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer is offering discounts on more than 400 toys at stores and online in anticipation of the holiday season as many customers are likely to want to keep prices down, the Midwestern mass-merchandise chain said Thursday.

The chain also plans to release a holiday gift guide that includes 18 pages of toys and an online release of its list of its top 25 toys. The toy discounts include toys in “virtually every” category, ranging from action figures to educational toys.

San Francisco — Williams-Sonoma said Friday that it will open its first store in Quebec — and its eighth in Canada — which will showcase a new design for the brand.

Opening on Saturday at Carrefour Laval in Laval, Quebec, the new store incorporates added interactive features, a new layout and several terminals where customers can complete purchases throughout the store.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Appliance manufacturer Electrolux has joined the effort to help with Sandy relief. The company has announced a $100,000 commitment to the American Red Cross Disaster Fund. In addition, the company will match employee contributions up to another $100,000.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. unveiled its lineup of gift cards for the upcoming holiday season. The expanded assortment, which include traditional gift cards with holiday and multicultural designs, and digital options, will be available in stores on Nov. 4

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc.appears to be on the upswing, reporting positive same-store sales across all of its divisions for both the third quarter and October. 

Net sales for the third quarter increased 8% to $3.86 billion compared with $3.59 billion for the third quarter last year. The company’s third quarter comparable sales were up 65 compared with a 5% decrease in the third quarter last year.