News

Atlanta -- The Home Depot said Monday it has completed its merger transaction with U.S. Home Systems, an exclusive supplier of kitchen and bath refacing products to the home-improvement chain.

The transaction was approved by the stockholders of USHS at a special meeting held on Oct. 26, and USHS’ common stock ceased trading on the Nasdaq at market close.

Sunbury, Pa. -- Weis Markets Inc. reported Friday that net income for the third quarter increased 1.2% to $17.2 million.

Sales for the period dipped 1.5% to $668.4 million and same-store stores decreased 1.7%.

Weis Markets operates 162 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and West Virginia.

Washington, D.C. -- A Monday report by the Commerce Deptartment showed that consumer spending in the U.S. for September rose more than forecast as household incomes climbed.

Household purchases increased 0.8%, the most since February and topping the 0.6% gain expected by Bloomberg. The Sept. rise followed a 0.5% advance in August.

Incomes rose 0.4%, the most since March.

The economy expanded at a 2% annual pace in the third quarter, boosted by the uptick in household purchases.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — 3M has introduced two touchscreen styluses to make using smartphones and tablets easier for those looking for more precision than their thumbs can offer.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has increased its investment in Yihaodian, a fast-growing e-commerce business in China, bringing its ownership stake to approximately 51%.

Launched in July 2008, Yihaodian has been growing at a rapid pace together with the e-commerce market of China, which is expected to be nearly as large as the U.S. e-commerce market in 2016. Yihaodian already has 24 million registered users, and offers same-day delivery to customers in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, and next-day delivery to customers in over 100 cities in China.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores has named Colin McGinnis to the position of SVP store operations support, store development and procurement. McGinnis will report to Barry Sullivan, EVP store operations.

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market has agreed to purchase six leases from Johnnie's Foodmaster, a family-owned grocery chain based in Chelsea, Massachusetts. The transaction is expected to close Nov. 30. Johnnie's Foodmaster will close all six locations prior to the closing date.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Albertsons has teamed up with Iams brand Home 4 the Holidays to raise awareness of the importance of pet adoption. 

On Oct. 28 and Nov. 2 and 3, select Albertsons stores will host in-store events to introduce shoppers to adoptable animals.

ORRVILLE, Ohio — Folgers Coffee has debuted bagged coffee and K-Cup packs in its new Gourmet Selections flavors.

"Inspired by an exceptional cup of coffee, Folgers is excited to share a wide variety of coffee experiences, whether you like big, bright aromas or more robust roasts," said Maribeth Badertscher, VP corporate communications for the J.M. Smucker Co.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax is hosting in-store training events through Oct. 28 to help customers get familiar with the new Windows 8 operating system from Microsoft.