News

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot's fiscal third-quarter net income more than doubled, but its adjusted results missed analysts’ expectations amid sales declines in North America.

The company earned $91.7 million for the period ended Sept. 24, compared with $32 million a year earlier. But excluding $6 million in restructuring charges and other costs and a $99 million tax benefit, the company lost about $700,000, or break-even per share.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it is helping ensure customers pay the lowest price on holiday gifts with the launch of its Christmas price guarantee.

Customers who purchase eligible products at Walmart anytime between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, and then find those same products advertised for less at another store, will receive a Walmart gift card for the difference through Dec. 25. 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Following the recent launch of its "Never Stop Improving" marketing campaign, Lowe's announce that it has introduced MyLowe’s, an integrated online experience that will help customers manage their biggest asset - their homes. Both the new campaign and website are part of Lowe's strategy to position itself as a destination for home improvement projects and to better appeal to the average consumer.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that it is offering free shipping from Oct. 30 through Dec. 19 at Sears.com and Kmart.com. In addition, the company is offering free same-day store pick up. 

Free shipping applies to qualified mailable orders of more than $99 on Sears.com and $49 on Kmart.com or mygofer.com. To receive the savings, customers must enter the promo code SHIPREALJOY on Sears.com, HOLIDAY on Kmart.com and JINGLE49 on mygofer.com.

Target is facing new holiday pricing pressure as Walmart announced the launch of its Christmas price guarantee.

Customers who purchase eligible products at Walmart anytime between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, and then find those same products advertised for less at another store, will receive a Walmart gift card for the difference through Dec. 25. 

WASHINGTON — The Grocery Manufacturers Association has highlighted the U.S. food and beverage industry's accomplishments on Food Day, which celebrates the more than 15 million Americans who work to provide billions of consumers with safe, healthy, convenient and affordable food.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Less than a month following the departure of former EVP merchandising and supply chain Mike Bloom to lead Family Dollar, it's official — Judy Strauss Sansone will lead CVS’ merchandising team, the company announced Monday, naming the 30-year CVS veteran SVP merchandising.

NEW YORK — HSN announced that it has partnered with Conde Nast to create a new collection of culinary products under the Bon Appetit label that will be available exclusively via all of HSN's sales platforms including television, online and mobile. 

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — The IBM Retail User Group announced that it has named Ron Ferri of Giant Eagle as its new president at its recent board of directors and 35th Annual Conference planning meeting in Las Vegas, Oct. 13 to 15. 

One thing retailers learn, some of them the hard way, is to take no competitor lightly. Consider the case of Dollar General and a toy promotion it is running for the holidays.