News

Kmart app seeks attention from mobile shoppers
Kmart is adding new features to its app aimed at holiday shoppers, including real-time, opt-in push notifications of exclusive online Bluelight Specials.
Japanese retailer takes on Fifth Avenue—in a big way
Muji, the minimalist Japanese lifestyle brand, has opened its largest U.S. location yet, a two-level, 12,000-sq.-ft.

Burlington Stores bucks weak sales trend

The CEO of Burlington Stores Inc. says the off-price retailer is poised for more growth after reporting an increase in earnings and same store sales for the third quarter.
Citi Trends posts a profit despite slower sales

The growth streak at Citi Trends came to a halt in the third quarter, as the urban retailer posted a drop in same store sales.

For the third quarter ended Oct. 31, same store sales decreased 0.5%. Net income was $0.6 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $(2.2) million, or $(0.15) per diluted share, in last year’s third quarter.
Unwelcome cyber ‘guest’ visits retailers for holidays

A new type of POS malware has been attacking POS systems at U.S. retailers for some time, and has been identified as the holiday shopping season begins.
Same store sales drop 3.3% at Chico's

Chico's FAS blamed the holiday calendar and a volatile stock market for its disappointing financial results in the third quarter.
Former Walmart exec joins Liquidity board

A key figure in the development of Walmart’s small format Neighborhood Market and international operations has joined the board of asset disposal firm Liquidity Services.

Ed Kolodzieski joined the board of Liquidity Services effective Nov. 17 and also serves on the company’s compensation and governance committees. Liquidity Services bills itself as a global solution provider in the reverse supply chain with the world’s largest marketplace for business surplus.
Saks Off 5th continuing Canadian expansion

Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th is making progress in its plans to open up to 25 locations across Canada by 2018.

The retailer announced three new locations in Canada: Toronto Premium Outlets, Halton Hills, Ontario; Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario; and Premium Outlets Montreal, Mirabel, Quebec City.
Dollar Tree/Family Dollar are on track for Q4

Dollar Tree’s third quarter results weren’t as strong as the prior year, but all is well with the integration of Family Dollar and CEO Bob Sasser contends the combined company is well-positioned for the holidays.

Total sales increased 136% to $4.95 billion during the quarter ended Oct. 31, from $2.1 billion in the prior year’s third quarter. The surge in sales reflects the first full quarter in which sales from Family Dollar stores are included in results. Dollar Tree completed its acquisition of Family Dollar on July 6 creating a retailer with 13,600 stores.
Final anchor to open in Port Arthur redevelopment project

Baker Katz announced that the 90,000 sq. ft. multi-tenant center redevelopment project in Port Arthur, Texas is complete with the opening of PetSmart.

The former Sutherlands Hardware was transformed into a multi-tenant retail center with the addition of national anchor tenants, including Hobby Lobby, PetSmart and Party City. Chipotle, Firehouse Subs and Gulfside Dental, are scheduled to open by early 2016, will occupy a 7,000 sq. ft. building in the foreground of the project.