MARS STORE <MXXX> SEES QTR, YEAR LOSS AND CHARGE Mars Store Inc said it expects to report a loss of about 800,000 dlrs for the fourth quarter and about 1.1 mln dlrs for the fiscal year ended January 31. As a result of the loss, the company said it has decided to discontinue the operations of its Big Value Outlets division, which will result in a yet undisclosed one time charge against earnings for the year. The estimated 1.1 mln dlrs year loss or about 50 cts a share, compares with earnings of 871,000 dlrs or 42 cts a share recorded last year. "The fourth quarter loss was affected by an abnormally high inventory shrinkage, lower than planned sales and higher markdowns related to increased promotional activity, all of which reduced fourth quarter gross margins," the company said. In order to concentrate on the company's core business, the operation of discount and promotional department stores, Mars said, it has decided to close the Big Value division.