News

NEW YORK — Rising gas prices has consumers cutting down on grocery shopping and many turning to the discount stores over traditional food retailers, according to the latest research from TNS.

The higher cost of gas is good news for discount stores, as 32% of those surveyed are choosing to shop there over traditional retail outlets. However, when they shop, they are buying less.

MCKINNEY, Texas — Blockbuster L.L.C. announced that customers can now get unlimited kids and family movies on either DVD or Blu-ray for $4.99 a month (one movie out at a time) with the new Kids Summer Pass. A two-movie and three-movie pass are also available for  $9.98 and $14.97, respectively.  

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens’ stock was trading up 30 cents to $43.03 on the New York Stock Exchange mid-morning on Wednesday thanks to favorable same-store sales growth of 4.8% for the month of June versus an analyst consensus estimate of 2.8%.

SAN FRANCISCO — Levi's is taking its "Go Forth" campaign beyond the United States in its first global marketing program. 

According to Levi's, its 2011 "Go Forth" campaign will utilize TV, cinema, print, digital and outdoor marketing vehicles and will be present in 24 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. Levi's said the campaign will showcase its fall 2011 collection wihile encouraging customers to make positive changes in the world.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Ross Stores will celebrate on July 16 the opening of its 1,000th Dress for Less store in North Pleasant Hill, Calif. 

Ross Stores' announcement of its 1,000th Dress for Less store follows strong monthly and quarterly sales and earnings, as the company continues to thrive in the down economy.

PARAMUS, N.J. — Smart Balance announced that its board of directors has appointed Dean Hollis and Thomas McInerney as independent directors, expanding its members from eight to 10.  

Currently, Hollis is a senior advisor for Oaktree Capital Management, an $85 billion investment firm.  In addition, he oversees several privately held investments and serves on several boards, including Advance Pierre Foods, Landec Corporation, Earth Analytics Group, and Adams Land and Cattle Company.  

Everett, Wash. -- Zumiez said its same-store sales increased 9.8% for the five-week period ended July 2.

Total net sales for the period increased 16.8% to $43.5 million, compared with $37.2 million for the five-week period ended July 3, 2010.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic reported Wednesday that its June same-store sales year rose 0.4%. Analysts, on average, had expected same-store sales to fall 2.4%, according to Thomson Reuters.

Total sales for the five weeks ended July 2 fell 1.8% to $58 million.
 

With its array of in-store services, expanded food offerings and unexpected amenities, the new Duane Reade flagship in downtown Manhattan, pushes the envelope of drugstore retailing -- and it does so with a style and ambience that sets it apart from the competition.

By Mark Gibson, [email protected]