News

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores spent $1.49 million on lobbying in the third quarter on a wide range of issues including food safety, nutritional labeling and corporate tax reform, according to a recent disclosure report.

The total is the same as the $1.49 million the discounter spent in second quarter 2011.
 

The commute into downtown Minneapolis should get a little easier in the coming years, as Target is set to relocate nearly 4,000 technology-related workers from its headquarters to a new office in the Northern suburb of Brooklyn Park.

According to the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, the transition of about 2,400 technology team members and 1,500 contract workers will begin next year. To read more, click here. 

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Calling it a first for the drug store industry, Rite Aid will roll out an online coupon management tool for members of its Wellness+ loyalty card program, the retail pharmacy chain said Tuesday.

Cary, N.C. -- The Pantry Inc.'s fiscal fourth-quarter profit fell 61%, pulled down by an impairment charge. Net income fell to $3.3 million for the period ended Sept. 29, down from $8.5 million in the year-ago period, which had one extra week.

Interim CEO Edwin Holman said in a statement that the convenience-store company will look to improve its merchandise sales next year and will do this by taking a look at the prices it charges.

Revenue rose 12% to $2.18 billion, boosted by fuel sales. Same-store sales were down 0.8%.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced it will offer extended shopping hours at its stores in 260 markets to give customers extra time to shop for those last-minute gifts. The company announced that select stores will stay open until midnight everyday from Wednesday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 23. 

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale reported that net sales for the first quarter of 2012 increased 13% to $21.18 billion from $18.82 billion during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. 

Total comps for the quarter increased 10%, which included a 10% increase in U.S. comps and an 11% increase in international comps.

Excluding the impact of fuel and strengthening foreign currencies, total comps for the quarter were up 7%, U.S. comps rose 6% and international comps rose 10%.

New York City -- Retail sales rose 0.2% in November, following a 0.6% advance in October that was more than initially reported, according to figures released Tuesday by the Commerce Department in Washington. The November increase was the slightest gain in five months. Economists projected a 0.6% November increase, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey. Purchases excluding automobiles also rose 0.2%.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. —  Still looking for the perfect present for the kids in your life? According to The NPD Group, you can't go wrong with toys. The research firm found that among children ages 0 to 14, "toys" was the response given by 44% of caregivers when asked the question, "What is on your child's wish list for the upcoming holiday season?"