News

Ankeny, Iowa -- C-store operator Casey's General Stores Inc. reported Monday a profit of $39 million in the quarter ended July 31, compared with a profit of $39.4 million last year.

Results beat Wall Street expectations, although flat revenue of $1.87 billion missed forecasts of $1.93 billion in sales.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald’s Corp. reported Tuesday that same-store sales overall increased 3.7% in the month of August.

By segment, same-store sales rose 3% in the U.S., 3.1% in Europe, and a hearty 5.7% in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Systemwide sales for the month increased 1.2%.
 

Mexico City -- Wal-Mart Stores’ Mexican arm Wal-Mart de Mexico reported Monday that same-store sales for the month of August rose 4.1%, beating analysts’ expected 2.8% increase.

The retailer, which is being investigated for bribery to expedite store openings, projects improved results for the second half of the year.
 

San Jose, Calif. -- Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corp. reported Tuesday a loss of $26.7 million for the quarter ended July 28, compared with net income of $3.9 million in the year-ago period. The results include write-offs and charges related to real estate sale-leaseback transactions.

Sales dipped to $194.1 million from $196.4 million, and same-store sales edged up 0.9%.

With the political conventions coming to an end, it’s clear now that election season is in full swing. And, while I don’t pretend to know what the long-term implications of an Obama re-election or a Romney win would mean for our economy or our country, I do think that what happens on Nov. 6 will almost certainly have an impact on our industry — particularly, shopper sentiment and ultimately holiday sales.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us has introduced a new Wi-Fi tablet for kids called Tabeo that is both fun and safe.

This 7-inch, multi-touch tablet features 50 free, preinstalled apps that were carefully selected to entertain and educate children, while helping them explore the Internet, the company said. The tablet also features safety controls so taht parents can dictate the level of Internet access for each member of their family.

Retailers and suppliers efforts to conduct commerce more efficiently are poised to benefit from the merger of two of the nation’s leading supply chain standards-setting groups.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Finish Line has named Scott Hoffman as EVP, chief merchandising officer.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Stop & Shop has expanded its gas rewards programs to customers in New Jersey.

NEW YORK — Brown Shoe Company has acquired the Sam & Libby brand and reunited it with its founders, Sam and Libby Edelman. For the last eight years, the brand was owned by The Jones Group.