Store Systems

Fayetteville, Ark. - A report Monday said that Wal-Mart Stores is preparing to test a small-format store it is calling “Walmart on Campus” at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

According to the report by Advertising Age, the pilot appears to be part of a series of tests of Walmart’s smaller-format stores.

The time to ponder that question is when everything is going right, which pretty much seems to be the case at Target these days. The company’s stable senior leadership team has articulated a clear strategy that is being well-executed and delivering expectation-exceeding results such as a 5.5% gain in November same-store sales and third quarter earnings per share that surged 28.5% to 74 cents.

MINNEAPOLIS - Best Buy announced that it is introducing health and fitness products at 600 Best Buy stores across the country and online at Bestbuy.com. Available products include personal gear related to running, walking, swimming and yoga as well as other fitness accessories.

Best Buy’s national expansion follows a pilot program launched a year ago, during which the company tested a broad selection of health and fitness gear in 40 stores in select markets.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — What Rite Aid might wish for Christmas is accelerated results borne from its Wellness+ loyalty card program, because even as the chain lowered its guidance for fiscal 2011 sales, it’s that differentiated loyalty program that’s going to buttress sales next year and beyond.

ATLANTA - Pointing to the power of technology to improve communications to frontline employees, Home Depot Executive VP of U.S. Stores Marvin Ellison described a tool called "My Success" during the company's recent  investor and analyst conference.

Baltimore -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers on Tuesday announced the completion of an interior and exterior store remodel of Shoppers Food & Pharmacy at Southside Marketplace, located in Baltimore. 

The newly renovated anchor includes an upgraded shopping experience with updated finishes, lighting and store fixtures inside and out.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Jacksonville at Johns Creek Center to Tony’s New York Style Pizza.

The local pizzeria will open a 1,600-sq.-ft. restaurant in March 2011, and brings the center to 93% leased.

The 75,100-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Publix alongside Great Clips, H&R Block and Bank of America.

Cary, N.C. -- C-store chain The Pantry reported Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30 dropped to $8.5 million, compared with $12.5 million in the year-ago period.

Merchandise revenue for the fourth quarter increased 12% overall and 5.7% on a same-store basis from last year’s fourth quarter.