Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Sears said it launched post Superstorm Sandy programs to bring supplies and discounts on appliances to the New York area.

Additionally, Sears along with its partner, non-profit Rebuilding Together, has made a commitment to rebuild 100 homes in the storm-affected areas.

The announcement came after discussions between the retailer and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who said: "I am challenging other retailers to please step-up and get involved."

The battle over online purchasing and sales tax might be winding to a close as more Republican governors are dropping their opposition to a mandatory state tax on Internet sales. The turning point may have been in May, when New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie cut a deal with Amazon.com: Residents of New Jersey would pay a 7% sales tax on Amazon.com purchases, and the nation’s largest e-tailer would build two distribution centers in the state.

Gov. Chris Christie has announced an agreement with Amazon, the Internet’s largest retailer, that will levy state sales tax on purchases made by New Jersey residents. Saying it took “months of hard work and good faith discussions,” the governor said it will be Amazon’s “obligation” to track and collect the sales tax starting in July 2013.

A similar agreement was struck with Nevada earlier this month and Texas in April.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported that an 82-year-old hardware store in Mableton, Ga., will close at the end of the year.

The store was opened in 1929 by W. H. Barnes, the grandfather of former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes. The store is expected to close Dec. 31.

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels appointed Do it Best CEO Bob Taylor to the Indiana Economic Development Corp.'s board of directors.

The announcement was made earlier this month during an IEDC board meeting. 

The IEDC describes its mission as growing and retaining Indiana businesses, while attracting new investments to the state. It consists of 12 members appointed by the governor. 

Maine Gov. Paul LePage, along with business groups and other supporters, are trying to repeal a 2007 law that requires communities to consider the economic impact of "big-box" stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart before issuing building permits.