Shop Talk

Check out retailers beating earnings expectations.

Today it is Family Dollar and Costco — both being places where people usually shop to save money.

Family Dollar saw sales rise in the quarter, though sales at stores open at least a year were less than expected as the company has been reorganizing its stores to stock more food and other items that shoppers want as they stick to necessities.

Costco sales fell and so did its profits, in part due to a stronger dollar, higher labor costs and also because of the weak economy.

But its earnings still beat Wall Street’s expectations and Costco’s stock rose in the morning.

Retailers will be heard from a lot this week as many report September sales.

Also in the basket:

Coutu sees potential in Rite Aid stake (Globe and Mail)

Helen of Troy Q2 profit trumps Street

Louis Vuitton very optimistic on Christmas sales

(Reuters photo)