Retail Stores

TJX reported that net income for the first quarter plummeted 20 percent on the closing of its A.J. Wright stores, but strong sales buoyed the retailer’s full-year forecasts. TJX earned $266 million in the quarter ended April 30, compared with $331.4 million in the year-ago period.

Target posted a bigger-than-expected rise in quarterly profit as strength in its credit card business mitigated the impact of some sluggish sales at its stores. Shoppers visited the discount chain for food and other basics, but spent cautiously. Sales of discretionary goods have been under pressure as shoppers digest higher costs for food, gasoline and other essentials.

According to research, 50 percent of retailers and almost as many manufacturers (48 percent) utilize rebate programs as part of their customer loyalty and promotions mix.

Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is forecast to level off this month after nearly 18 months of year-over-year gains. It's expected to remain steady into mid-summer before resuming gains, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Kohl’s is looking to focus on smaller stores as it continues to expand across the country. The chain expects to open about 40 stores this year, and 30 of them will be smaller models.

Benefiting from the lucrative Easter shopping season as well as the release of popular games Mortal Combat and Portal 2, the video game industry saw a 20 percent sales increase in April over what was reported last year.

Just in time for Mother's Day, Gucci is selling a limited-edition tote — of which 25 percent of the retail price from each bag sold will be donated to UNICEF HIV/AIDS programs.

Ascena Retail Group reported fiscal 2011 third-quarter sales increased 9 percent to $722.8 million, compared to $665.5 million for the fiscal third quarter ended April 24, 2010.

U.S. retailers' same-store sales in April surpassed analysts’ estimates, led by Limited Brands and Macy’s. This indiactes that consumers gained confidence in the U.S. economy’s recovery.

The days of handmade coupon books for Mother’s Day are dwindling as consumers are using online retailer coupons to spoil mom this year. FTD promoted a floral deal through LivingSocial, and Amazon.com is selling Kindles with a bonus gift card to the site.