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Lowe’s was hoping not to be outshined by Home Depot’s strong financial results, but hopes turned into missed opportunities Wednesday as Lowe's reported disappointing profit growth.

For the second quarter ended July 31, Lowe’s had earnings of $1.13 billion, up from $1.04 billion in the same quarter last year. On a diluted basis, earnings were $1.20 a share, 4 cents below analysts’ estimates. Home Depot reported a much higher profit on Tuesday.

Chicago - Lawn fertilizer, grass and weed killer, and propane grills were the top three categories driving small-scale growth at True Value Co. during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

The company reported gross billings of $573.6 million for the quarter ended July 4, up 1% from the same period a year ago. Revenue was $431.9 million, an increase of 0.6% or $2.4 million. The cooperative posted a quarterly net margin of $9.3 million.

Minneapolis – Target Corp. exceeded Wall Street projections with net earnings of $753 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, a 221% increase from $234 million the same period the prior fiscal year. Declining selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and loss from discontinued operations helped boost profits as sales climbed.

Target reported net sales of $17.4 billion, up 2.8% over the same period last year.

Pittsburgh – American Eagle Outfitters Inc. flew high in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, surpassing Wall Street expectations for profit and revenue. AEO reported net income of $33.26 million, an almost six-fold increase from $5.81 million in the prior year period.

The growth pace of cost of sales and expenses was slower than that of sales, helping AEO report such a dramatic rise in profit. Operating income also significantly improved. Total net revenue increased 12% to $797 million from $711 million, aided by an 11% jump in same-store sales.

CPG marketers bringing a new product to market don't need to break the bank on a national ad campaign, according to a new study from Catalina. But they do need to idenfity and market to the small number of early adopters.

If you’ve got a physical shop in the U.S., chances are you’re well acquainted with the upcoming deadline for getting an EMV card reader: October 1, 2015. And you’re probably also very aware that if you don’t have this device and complete all your compliance steps, you’ll be on the hook for all the painful chargebacks and related costs that come with fraudulent credit card transactions.

While Abercrombie & Fitch and Aeropostale continue to struggle against sharp sales declines, American Eagle has managed to win back shoppers, if its second quarter results are any indication.

Norfolk, Va. -- The Cordish Companies announced its comprehensive $40 million overhaul and rebranding of Norfolk, Virginia’s iconic Waterside Festival Marketplace as Waterside District.