Retail Stores

Video game retailer GameStop reported that profit for the quarter ended Jan. 28 dropped 27 percent to $174.7 million from $237.8 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted profit, however, matched predictions, as results included $64.6 million in asset impairment and restructuring charges. 

The Wave 2 2011-2012 Empathica Consumer Insights Panel surveyed more than 5,000 U.S. and Canadian consumers on their sentiments toward luxury goods purchases, from overall customer service to preferred shopping channels and service levels to product research behaviors. The survey was conducted within a broader look at consumer spending behaviors and intentions based on current economic factors.

A Malaysian shoe store is offering to help shoppers meet their Mr. Right. Shoes Shoes Shoes, a footwear boutique based in Kuala Lumpur, is making headlines thanks to its shoe dating campaign, which throws in a "free man" with every shoe purchase. 

It seems even high prices at the pump can't keep the Easter Bunny away this year.  According to NRF's Easter spending survey, Americans will shell out an average of $145.28 on everything from apparel and candy to food and decorations this year, up 11 percent from $131.04 last year.

It seems impossible to believe now, but Sam Walton once had Kmart envy. The legendary founder of what's now earth's largest retailer was so envious of his competitor that he would tour its stores, openly gushing. 

For the first time ever, Sears has launched an online points redemption system for its 5 million-plus card members, becoming one of the first major retailers to have a loyalty program in Canada.

New York & Co. reported a loss of $10.9 million in the fourth quarter, compared with net income of $14.9 million a year earlier. Sales dropped to $271.8 million from $303.2 million in the same quarter last year, missing Wall Street’s expected $275 million in revenue. Same-store sales fell 6.3 percent. Looking ahead, the retailer said it expects to open 11 outlet locations and one full-price store in the first quarter of 2012, as well as remodel four existing locations and close two stores, ending the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 with 542 stores.

Casual Male reported that net income for the quarter ended Jan. 28 surged to $33.5 million from $5.3 million in the year-ago period. Without a $23 million trademark impairment charge, net income was $5 million in the quarter. The company said it's focused on the expansion of its streamlined DXL concept, with plans to open 35 new stores in 2012. It will close approximately 70 Casual MaleXL and two Rochester Clothing stores during the year.

Five Below, a retailer of value merchandise for teens, pre-teens and beyond, is at it again in 2012. The retailer will open three new stores today, the first of 50 planned openings in 2012.

Drawing on her experience as co-owner of the lifestyle store Zona, Franci Sagar has created a selling environment at the Museum of Arts and Design in which it's tempting to linger.