Retail

Framingham-based retailer Staples has debuted eight new product categories in its Dallas-area retail outlets, with a projected rollout to more than 1,000 stores across the U.S. and hundreds more in Canada.

International clothing store chain Uniqlo will open its first permanent Massachusetts store in Natick later this year, the company announced last week.

North America's largest publicly-owned shopping center operator has purchased Westmeadow Plaza in Westborough for $9 million.

Chicago-based Fitch Ratings has downgraded its assessment of Framingham-based Staples due to a reported decline of core office supply sales and weak business technology product sales.

Office supplies retailer Staples of Framingham said it will buy a Canadian digital media firm that helps retailers. The purchase price for PNI Digital Media of Vancouver, British Columbia is estimated at about $67.2 million.

Postal worker union members and community activists are slated to protest today at Staples sites around the country, including the Auburn location.

CarMax Auto Superstores has purchased more than 40 acres of land on Route 9 in Westborough and plans to open a sales and service facility at the site.

Despite a slight dip in its consumer spending index in March, consulting firm Deloitte foresees positive conditions...

Three Central Massachusetts nonprofit charities are among 70 throughout the eastern United States that have been awarded more than $400,000 by the charitable arm of BJ's Wholesale Clubs.

American consumers did more shopping last month, as the federal government today reported a 1.1-percent gain in retail sales.