Business Briefing
Retail sales rise, topping expectations
Retail sales posted a better-than-expected increase in January, a welcome development that could mean stronger economic growth in coming months.
The Commerce Department said sales last month increased by 0.5% over December, the best showing since November and better than the 0.3% increase economists had expected.
Excluding autos, sales posted a 0.6% rise, also better than expected. Strength came from a surge at general merchandise stores, a category that includes big national chains.
AIRLINES
On-time flights increase in ’09
Last year airlines turned in their best on-time performance since 2003. They were helped by fewer flights, a little schedule padding and a greater focus on improving their operations.
The Transportation Department said airlines averaged a 79.5% on-time arrival rate in 2009.
Flights count as on time if they arrive less than 15 minutes late.
Among the largest carriers, Southwest Airlines had the best record, with 83% of its flights on time. United was top among the big traditional carriers, with 81% of flights on time.
Hawaiian Airlines, which operates a fraction of the flights of the big carriers, was first overall.
ENTERTAINMENT
Wal-Mart, Live Nation team up
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reached an agreement with Live Nation Entertainment Inc. to sell tickets to concerts and other events at about 500 stores.
Wal-Mart and Live Nation’s Ticketmaster will introduce the service in the next few months in cities including Los Angeles and Chicago.
With the closing of record stores such as Tower Records, Ticketmaster lost retail outlets.
The deal will let Wal-Mart shoppers buy tickets for concerts, games and other events at cash registers in the retailer’s entertainment department.
COURTS
DirecTV sues Dish over ad
Satellite TV provider DirecTV is suing its rival Dish Network for running an advertisement claiming that Dish delivers the same programs for less money.
The commercial shows three television sets broadcasting the same programs, with Dish service costing $39.99 a month, DirecTV $63.99 and cable TV $63.83.
DirecTV’s lawsuit accuses Dish of “blatantly false and misleading advertising.”
DirecTV says the subscription plan used in the commercial offers more than 140 channels while Dish Network’s cheaper plan has fewer than 100 channels.
Dish says it stands by its claim.
HEALTHCARE
Grants to help digitize records
The Obama administration announced $975 million in grants to help states, doctors and hospitals move from paper to computerized record-keeping.
Studies show electronic medical records help reduce medical errors and improve the quality of patient care.
The White House says the awards will help make electronic record-keeping technologies available to more than 100,000 hospitals and primary-care physicians by 2014 while helping train thousands of people for careers in healthcare and information technology.
-- times wire reports
