Zumiez Inc. of Everett reported its same-store sales rose by nearly 14 percent during September. Overall sales for the retailer of action sports gear and clothing rose 11.8 percent, from $28.7 million during the same period last year to $32.1 million. Trevor Lang, Zumiez’s chief financial officer, reported sales were fastest during early September, when back-to-school shopping was still active. The company ended the month with 275 stores nationwide.
Costco earnings Increase 5 percent
Shares of Costco Wholesale Corp. soared Wednesday after the warehouse club retailer reported a 5 percent jump in its fourth-quarter earnings, driven by a rebound in same-store sales growth, cost cutting and a tighter returns policy for electronics. The company also expressed optimism about fiscal 2008, saying earnings per share for the full year may come in higher than current Wall Street estimates. Net income for the 16 weeks ended Sept. 2 rose to $372.4 million, or 83 cents per share, compared with $355.6 million, or 75 cents per share, a year earlier.
$5 billion to build Jersey casino resort
MGM Mirage Inc. said Wednesday it will spend up to $5 billion to build a massive casino resort whose three towers will dominate the Atlantic City, N.J., skyline and lift the level of luxury in a city hit hard by competition from slots parlors across the Northeast. The 3,000-room resort, planned to open in 2012, is part of a gamble by casino operators to reverse what is expected to be the first decline in casino revenue in Atlantic City in 29 years by polishing its image in an attempt to lure more affluent visitors. The MGM Grand Atlantic City will be built on a 72-acre site next to the Borgata Hotel Casino &Spa, which has led the market since it opened in 2003.
SUVs’ side-crash protection varies
Some sport utility vehicles don’t provide the protection in a side crash that one might expect from such large vehicles, according to tests released Thursday by the insurance industry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave marginal scores in side-impact tests of 2008 versions of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and two SUVs built by Nissan Motor Co. — the Pathfinder and Xterra without optional side air bags. In similar side testing, the Toyota 4Runner and Pathfinder and Xterra models equipped with side air bags received top marks of good in the side testing. The Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer received the second-highest rating of acceptable.
Correction
A free job fair featuring 67 area employers is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Everett Community College, 2000 Tower St., Everett. An incorrect date for the fair was published on Wednesday’s Business page. Those attending the event are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes. For more information, call 425-388-9278.
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