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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's Super Dollar on Tuesday posted a slight 0.2% sales gain for its first quarter ended May 4, to $501.4 million. Comparable store-sales for the quarter were down 1.3%. 

For the month of April (four weeks ended May 4), Fred's total sales increased 3% to $152.2 million. Comparable store sales for the month increased 1.2% comparatively.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The consumer's wallet isn't the only headwind blowing out of a still-struggling economy. Higher operating costs have also helped to undercut Fred's Super Dollar performance in the past year, Fred's CEO Bruce Efird explained to analysts Thursday morning.

NEW YORK — A state Senate committee in Tennessee is looking into the possibility of allowing supermarkets to sell wine, according to published reports.

The Memphis, Tenn., Commercial Appeal reported that the proposed law would be subject to approval in local referendums.

Supporters of the bill cited convenience, while opponents — including liquor store owners — said it would be detrimental to public health, safety and the economy, criticizing the legislation as driven by "big national chains" and harmful to locally owned businesses.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's on Thursday reported a 1% sales decline to $209.9 million for the five-week fiscal month ended Dec. 29. Comparable store sales for the month decreased 4.2% compared with a decline of 0.4% in the same period last year.

 MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's on Thurday reported a total sales decline of 1% to $150.4 million for the four weeks ended Nov. 24. Comparable store sales for the month declined 3.6% versus an increase of 1.5% in the same period last year.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Any trickle-down of an improving economy hasn't trickled down to Fred's consumer base, Bruce Efird, Fred's CEO, told analysts Tuesday morning in discussing the discounter's third-quarter results. "During the third quarter we continue to see generally weak economic conditions throughout the Southeast which are clearly weighing heavily on our customers and influencing how they shop for their basic needs," he said. "It's more evident that things are not getting better for our core customers." 

MEMPHIS — Fred's on Friday launched a holiday layaway plan featuring no fees and a down payment of only $1.

"Fred’s realizes that the current economy presents difficult challenges to its customers and Fred's wants to offer as much assistance as it can," Fred's SVP sales and marketing Dave Mueller said. "That’s why we came up with a layaway plan that — with just one dollar down and absolutely no fees — is unlike any others and will stretch shoppers’ dollars during a time when it will be most welcome."

MEMPHIS — Fred's reported that net income for the second quarter ended July 28 rose 19% to $6.1 million, compared with $5.1 million in the year-ago period.

Sales rose 4% to $470.8 million from $452.7 million, and same-store sales dipped 1%.

Profit results missed Wall Street expectations, and the discounter has lowered its full-year earnings forecast.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Earlier this year, Prestige Brands closed the deal on its acquisition of the analgesic Goody’s Powder. And while Goody’s may be characterized as a legacy brand, it is in no way a tired brand — for the 52 weeks ended April 15, sales of Goody’s Powder were up 1.2% to $15.8 million. That’s only the starting line for what will be a new brand race across the analgesics aisle.


MEMPHIS — Regional discounter Fred's made good on its promise of a year ago to further expand a new merchandising initiative, but an intensely competitive market made fourth-quarter sales tough to come by.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Coppertone Solar Research Center has announced the launch of two new product lines: Coppertone Sport Pro Series and Coppertone Wet ‘n Clear.

The new Coppertone Sport Pro Series sunscreens are designed to help protect sports enthusiasts from the damaging effects of the sun, while not compromising skin’s natural hydration. The new Coppertone Wet ‘n Clear line offers families sun protection that cuts through water without needing to towel dry, while also helping to keep skin moisturized.