Retail Stores

Hibbett Sports plans to open nine new stores in October, the company announced. The Birmingham, Ala.-based company has expanded to more than 800 locations across the country, most occupying about 5,000 square feet, since it was created in 1945.

The sluggish economy may be causing people to cut back in most areas of their life, but the kitchen isn't one of them. Seattle-based Sur La Table, a growing kitchenware chain that got its start nearly 40 years ago in Pike Place Market, has been bought by global investment bank Investcorp — a sign that it sees more growth ahead.

Whether you consider yourself a frugal fashionista or a savvy saver, it's quickly becoming clear that consumers no longer view bargain hunting as a necessary chore, but rather an enjoyable pastime. According to Mintel Inspire's newest trend, Let's Make a Deal, the gamification of the saving experience will only increase in the future.

Despite the struggling economy and high unemployment rates, consumers plan to stuff their holiday stockings a little fuller this year. According to ShopperTrak, national retail sales when compared to the same period last year, will rise 3.0 percent during November and December, while foot traffic will decrease 2.2 percent.

September is back-to-school time, but many students this year are going back to the future. Data from Compete suggest that e-books may finally be sounding the death bell for printed textbooks.

An Ikea store in Australia is testing out Manland, described as a place for husbands and boyfriends with short retail attention spans to hang out while their wives and girlfriends run the aisles of Ikea. Think ultimate man cave stuff such as video games, foosball tables, free hot dogs, and pinball machines.

Flash-sale website One Kings Lane has raised $40 million from venture capital and private equity firms led by Tiger Global Management, the latest sign of growth for an online shopping genre that's upending traditional fashion and home retailers.

Ascena Retail Group, owner of the Dressbarn, Maurices and Justice chains, reported that net income for the quarter ended July 30 fell to $28.2 million from $42 million in the year-ago period on one-time charges and a shorter quarter for the performance slide.

Toys"R"Us won’t open as many holiday pop-up stores this year as last, betting that offering more exclusive toys will do more to attract shoppers to its stores during the important holiday season.

Target's Missoni madness continues with a brand new mess. Many customers that placed orders online at Target.com for Missoni for Target are now receiving an email from the discount retailer saying their shipments are delayed or worse — they will be cancelled altogether.