News

Blend equal parts easy prior year comparisons, the recent easing of gas prices with the pass through of product inflation , and Walmart could be looking at the recipe for same-store sales growth. If not in the third quarter, then certainly by the fourth quarter, which is the line in the sand the company has drawn for its U.S. business.

WASHINGTON — A survey released Thursday by the National Retail Federation found that nearly one third of tablet owners will use the device to purchase back-to-school items.

According to NRF’s 2011 Back-to-School and College surveys conducted by BIGresearch, consumers with smartphones and tablets will use their devices to research products, redeem coupons, look up store information, and even make purchases.

Lowe’s launched Lowes.com en Español, a Spanish language option that enhances Lowe’s ability to meet the needs and expectations of Hispanic consumers.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores has announced that it will convert all SaveRite-branded grocery stores to conventional Winn-Dixie-branded stores and discontinue the SaveRite banner.

Kearney, Neb. -- Teen apparel retailer The Buckle reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended July 31 climbed 13.5% to $23.6 million. Revenue rose 12.6% to $212.4 million, and same-store sales increased 8.5%.

The company also reported that its CFO Karen Rhoads will remain in her position, after having said earlier this year that she would be stepping down.
 

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores reported Thursday that it narrowed its loss in the second quarter to $32.3 million from $33.7 million a year earlier.

Sales declined 2.2% to $595.5 million, but aggressive cost-cutting prompted the improved profit performance. Results, however, missed Wall Street expectations.

Same-store sales fell 1.5% for the quarter.
 

Grapevine, Texas -- GameStop Corp. reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended July 30 dropped 23% to $30.9 million, compared with $40.3 million in the year-ago period. The company cited slowing video game sales for the lackluster performance.

Revenue fell 3% to $1.74 billion, missing expectations, and same-store sales dropped 9.1%.
 

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group reported Thursday that second-quarter net income surged 17% to $6.6 million, compared with $5.6 million a year earlier.

Revenue increased 3.8% to $100.9 million in the period, surpassing Wall Street expectations of $99.5 million.

Columbus, Ohio -- Limited Brands reported Wednesday that net income for the second quarter rose a better-than-expected 29% to $231.2 million, compared with $178.7 million in the year-ago period. 

It cited strong full-price sales at Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works for the strong showing.

Revenue rose 10% to $2.46 billion, matching Wall Street expectations. Same-store sales rose 9%.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic reported Wednesday that it tightened its loss in the second quarter to $6.2 million, compared with a loss of $6.3 million a year earlier.

Revenue edged up to $150.9 million from $150 million. Same-store sales rose 2.6% for quarter.

Hot Topic said it will open 25 to 45 Torrid stores in fiscal 2012. It also plans to close 10 to 20 Hot Topic stores and about five Torrid stores next year, and remodel or relocate 40 to 50 Hot Topic stores and 10 to 20 Torrid stores.