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Home Depot reported sales of $20.6 billion for the second quarter of 2012, a 1.7% increase from the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  Comparable sales for U.S. stores were positive 2.6%, and overall same-store sales for the second quarter were positive 2.1%. Net earnings for the world’s largest home improvement retailer were $1.53 billion for... Read more »

Retail sales advanced 0.8% in July, the first gain in four months, according to a report released by the Commerce Department.  Sales were fueled by strength from the automobile sector, electronics and appliance outlets, and department stores. The bigger than expected increase followed a 0.7% decline in June that was weaker than first reported.  Bloomberg... Read more »

Helped by hot weather and clearance sales, many retailers reported solid results in July, a month that can be slow leading up to the back to school shopping season.  Some of the strongest showings in the month were in the department store category, as all those reporting showed July gains.   Macy’s led the pack... Read more »

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in June, improved slightly in July.  The Index now stands at 65.9 (1985=100), up from 62.7 in June.  The Expectations Index improved to 79.1 from 73.4.  The Present Situation Index, however, decreased slightly to 46.2 from 46.6 a month ago. Says Lynn Franco, Director of Economic... Read more »

The National Retail Federation joined a coalition of manufacturers, shippers and transportation providers opposing new federal trucking regulations on drivers’ hours of service. “The retail industry is at the crossroads of the supply chain, interconnecting manufacturers and suppliers with vendors and customers,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said.  “It is the retail industry’s responsibility... Read more »

Weak housing data notwithstanding, plenty of people spent money fixing up their homes this spring judging by the results of select retailers with exposure to the home improvement market. Lumber Liquidators, operator of 277 specialty flooring stores, said its second-quarter sales increased nearly 20% to $210 million and same-store sales increased 12.4%. The company also... Read more »

Despite a stagnant economy and drought conditions across large parts of the country, Brentwood, Tenn.-based Tractor Supply Co. reported sales and earnings growth. The company posted second-quarter sales of $1.29 billion, up 9.6% from $1.18 billion in the same quarter last year. The nation’s largest chain of farm and ranch specialty stores posted earnings of... Read more »

There is a lot to like when it comes to the growth trajectory at Family Dollar and its record of consistency. The company just reported its 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings per share growth, and the foundation is in place for more of the same. Total sales increased 9.6% to nearly $2.4 billion, and... Read more »

Ahead of its investor and analyst conference, Home Depot has provided an update on its strategic priorities and long-term financial targets. Home Depot’s strategic goals include creating a stronger connection with customers and simplifying its business, improving merchandise assortment and value, improving shareholder value,and developing a competitive platform across all commerce channels. “The Home Depot... Read more »