North American News
Wal-Mart Canada Launches Credit Card, Plans More Bank Products
The credit card is the first offering from the retailer's newly licensed bank in Canada, which plans to target the 1 million customers who visit the 318 Wal-Mart stores in the country each day.
Toys R Us card allows shoppers to save for toys
Toys R Us Inc. is allowing shoppers to set aside money to spend later at its stores during the holidays, with a new program that dishes out a bonus for those who start early. Unlike traditional layaway plans, shoppers don't have to decide ahead of time what they want to buy with the Christmas Savers Club. Customers can get a Christmas Savers Club card at any store in the U.S. to start tucking away money immediately. If customers sign up before Oct. 16, they get a 3 percent bonus based on the money placed into the account.
Pennsylvania Governor Signs Organized Retail Theft Law
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell on Wednesday signed into law a bill that creates stiffer penalties for shoplifters who carry out their crimes as part of an organized group of two or more people. House Bill 1720 amends state law to provide for the felony charge of organized retail theft.
U.K. and Ireland News
Sainsbury Q1 Sales, Like-for-like Sales Rise
Food retailer Sainsbury said its total sales and like-for-like sales in the first quarter improved from the prior-year period, helped by contribution from new stores and grocery online business. The retailer opened one supermarket in the quarter and completed two extensions. The company added that it remains on track to deliver its accelerated space growth plans to add around 1.45 million sq ft in 2010/11.
Company behind 99p Stores launches discount retail chain Family Bargains
The single price specialist 99p Stores has launched a new retail chain to capitalise on the flight to value among consumers and soft out-of-town property market. The team behind the retailer, where everything is sold for 99p, opened its first Family Bargains shop in Carmarthen, Wales. Family Bargains sells a greater range of general merchandise, including toys and soft furnishings, and is not constrained by the 99p price tag, although most products will be under £10.
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