Target Corp. reported a profit of $961 million for the fourth quarter, down from $981 million in the year-ago period.

Discounters, which are expected to fare well this holiday season, showed mixed results in November.

The TJX Cos. turned in the strongest performance among the discounters in October, reporting a 7% comp sales increase.

Discounters reported strong-than-expected sales for August, fueled by back-to-school shopping, promotions and cooler weather in the Northeast.

Canned peaches, criminal records and political contributions were among the shareholder concerns expressed at Target’s annual meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced the election of Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president CEO of Target Corp., as chairman of its board of directors.

Costco Wholesale Corp. reported a 9% increase in same-store sales in October, helped by strong performances in the United States and abroad, just short of the 9.2% increase predicted by analysts.

Target ended its last fiscal year with sales of $67.4 billion and earnings per share of $4, but if company chairman, president and CEO Gregg Steinhafel has his way, within six or seven years earnings per share will double to $8 and sales will top $100 billion.

Target Corp. on Wednesday reported that its net income in the first quarter rise 2.7% to $689 million, up from $671 million in the year-ago period. Its results, which beat Street expectations, were boosted by its credit-card business as sales came in weaker than expected.

Two leaders of Target have been appointed to the retailer's executive committee.

Target Corp.'s fiscal third-quarter earnings rose 22.6%, beating analysts' estimates, boosted by improvements in its credit-card business and rising food sales.

Target Corp.'s chairman, CEO and president Gregg Steinhafel was upbeat in assessing the chain’s business...