Retail

Framingham-based Staples Inc. saw a steep decline in earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2014 along with weaker sales. And the office supplies retailer expects sales to continue falling in the first quarter of 2015.

After a strong holiday sales season and amid growing consumer confidence, Massachusetts small businesses experienced an average drop in sales of 24 percent during the recent wave of snowstorms, according to a new survey.

Staples Inc. has approved a 12-cent quarterly dividend that the Framingham-based office supplies retailer will give April 16 to its shareholders of record as of March 27, the company announced Wednesday.

Cabela's, the chain of outdoor clothing and equipment stores, will open its new store in Berlin on March 26, a spokesman for the company said Tuesday.

Staples has partnered with financial technology firm Lendio to deliver lending services to small businesses, according to a company statement released Wednesday. The service, which will be known as 'Staples Business Loans powered by Lendio',” will deliver more than 20 different funding options to small businesses looking for capital, according to Staples.

TJX Cos. delivered good news to shareholders and employees Wednesday, as the Framingham-based discount retailer announced profit and sales growth as well as plans to increase wages for U.S. employees at its HomeGoods, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx and Sierra Trading Post sites.

Equestrian products retailer Dover Saddlery of Littleton said its revenue and profits increased last year, helped by a strong holiday season.

It was a rough start. But leasing activity at Westborough’s Bay State Commons, a 55-acre mixed-use development...

Framingham-based Staples Inc. announced Feb. 3 that it was purchasing its chief rival, Office Depot, for $6.3...

The recent announcement that Staples, of Framingham, will buy its chief rival, Office Depot underscores the increasing power of electronic commerce, the changing habits of American consumers and the challenge some specialty retailers face in competing against the likes of Wal-Mart and Target.