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Costco Wholesale's quarterly profit rose more than expected, showing the club chain is capitalizing on an extended period of sales growth. 

The disappointing outlook suggests that competition is intensifying among food retailers to grab spending from cost-conscious consumers, raising the stakes for CEO Greg Foran to accelerate growth. 

Target's new CEO is setting big expectations for Wall Street and pledging a return to growth powered by trendy new food products, in-store beauty services and other changes. 

The company said Feb. 25 that the housing market remains pressured and that it’s focusing on improving productivity and other factors it can control. 

Comparable sales, which track performance at locations open at least a year, rose 0.4% in the quarter ended Feb. 1, better than the average of estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

The retailer has had a strong run in recent years, attracting cost-conscious consumers with low prices and a wide product assortment. Its online operation has broadened its appeal to wealthier households.

Improving store experiences is among new CEO Michael Fiddelke's key priorities as he seeks to reverse the retailer’s extended streak of weak sales.

Target's new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, acknowledged in his first town hall that the big-box retailer has lost trust with shoppers and employees and pledged to rebuild that connection.  

The company is eliminating roles associated with its store support center and mandating a five-day in-office schedule for corporate workers, a spokesman confirmed to Bloomberg News.

David Guggina, who has been the chief e-commerce officer of Walmart U.S., has been promoted to CEO of the division — the company’s biggest and most important business.