Early reports from several retailers show a sluggish start to the back-to-school season. Here is a snapshot of some of the same-store sales results announced Wednesday, a day before a majority of merchants are expected to report final figures. Same-store sales are sales at stores opened at least a year and are a key measure of a retailer's health.
_Department store operator J.C. Penney Co.:
Same-store sales: down 4.8 percent at department store business in August
Wall Street expectations: Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a 6.3 percent decline
Outlook: expects a mid- to high-single digit decrease in same-store sales for September
_Department store retailer Kohl's Corp.:
Same-store sales: down 5.8 percent in August
Wall Street expectations: Analysts expected a 7.6 percent drop
_Warehouse club operator Costco Wholesale Corp.:
Same-store sales: up 9 percent in August
Wall Street expectations: Analysts expected 9.6 percent gain
_Drugstore chain Walgreen Co.:
Same-store sales: up 0.9 percent in August
Wall Street expectations: Analysts expected 3.2 percent gain
_Home furnishings retailer Pier 1 Imports Inc.:
Same-store sales: down 1.7 percent for the second quarter

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The New York City will give 500 tickets for the ceremony on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.


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