News

Family Dollar had a dip in profit in the third quarter as the company reported higher costs ahead of its planned merger with Dollar Tree.

Family Dollar Stores Inc. reported a profit of $79.9 million, or 70 cents a share, for the third quarter ended May 30, down from $81.1 million, or 71 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding restructuring- and merger-related charges, the company’s profit was 74 cents a share, compared with 85 cents a year earlier. Net sales rose 2.60% to $2.73 billion.

PetSmart is launching a promotion to bring panting pups and their owners into the store for heat relief this summer.

Barnes & Noble is hoping that hiring a CEO with experience launching electronics products will help revive its Nook e-reader division.

The retailer has named Ronald D. Boire, currently president and CEO of Sears Canada Inc., to become the CEO of its new retail division.

Sporting goods retailers are going to face increased competition in Cleveland and Philadelphia as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved outdoorsy stores comes to town.

After initially quibbling with an investigation that found instances of incorrectly priced products at stores in New York, Whole Foods co-CEOs, Walter Robb and John Mackey offered a mea culpa in a YouTube video.

The nearly two minute video appeared on Whole Foods YouTube channel on July 1, eight days after the New York Daily News first published an article based on an investigation by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).

A recently launched gifting Web site with a familiar sounding name promises to make it better to receive than give a gift.

The recently launched Web site GiftStarter – not Kickstarter – claims to be reinventing the gifting business so that family members, friends and co-workers are able to co-mingle individual budgets to offer recipients a more substantial gift.

HSN is celebrating its 38th year as a direct-to-consumer content retailer by having a party in Margaritaville.

HSN's fast-growing Margaritaville brand will launch on HSN on July 3 with an assortment of exclusive and curated products that capture the escapism of island living. Viewers can enjoy "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere" Margaritaville programming highlighting the branded merchandise that introduces the island mindset to every home.

The explosive growth of device connectivity, wireless technology, cloud computing and advanced analytics has driven the Internet of Things (IoT) from vision to reality. Devices with embedded sensors are enabling advanced, automated communications for retail businesses and customers. These connected devices are driving deeper engagement, providing new experiences and opportunities, creating new revenue opportunities and enabling better business insight.

With consumers’ “I want it now” mentality, today’s retailers seem to be investing in ways to get products to customers faster. Retailers are scrambling to get their products to customers with overnight, same-day, four-hour, one-hour and other delivery options. Such offers help on two fronts: they satisfy the needy customer and give the perception that one retailer is offering more options than others to differentiate the brand.

Staples is coming to the rescue of consumers with long school supply lists by creating an inventive new way to attract these shoppers.

The retailer has created a panel of experts called the Back to School Council to offer advice to teachers, parents and students on how to get prepared for the next school year.

From the latest products and technology to cost-saving deals and easy ways to get ready for the school year, the council will offer up advice through their blogs and social media channels.

The experts are: