Finance & Capital Management

New York – Despite some reservations, a federal judge is reportedly refusing to block a proposed settlement between Target Corp. and MasterCard related to the retailer’s 2013 data breach. According to Reuters, U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson in St. Paul, Minnesota declined a request from a group of banks and credit unions to rule against the $19 million settlement.

Brisbane, Calif. -- Bebe Stores Inc. reported a loss of $11.2 million in its third quarter, citing port delays and prolonged cold weather that also created pressure on sales.

Net sales for the quarter, ended April 30, increased 4.1% to $92.7 million, as compared to $89.0 million in the year-ago period. Same-store sales increased 1.2%.

Stein Mart says customers responded very positively to its spring assortment, boosting same store sales for the chain up nearly 5%.

The Florida-based company, which is planning an aggressive expansion plan for 2015, says total sales for the quarter increased 7.5%.

"We are very pleased with the response our customers are having to our spring assortment," said Jay Stein, Chief Executive Officer. "Our first quarter 4.8 percent comparable store sales increase continues the trend we saw at the end of last year and is a great way to start the year."

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group and Hilco Merchant Resources announced that they will begin going-out-of-business sales at Simply Fashion and Dots retail locations nationwide beginning May 7.

New York -- An early Easter that drew shoppers into stores in March and slowing economic growth helped cut into retailers’ April sales results.

At Costco Wholesale Corp., April same-store sales were flat, slightly below analysts’ estimates, primarily due to the strong U.S. dollar and lower gas prices. Sales at U.S. stores increased 2% for the four weeks ended May 3. Internationally, sales fell 4%.  

Total revenue inched up 2% to $8.75 billion.

Phoenix -- Big Shopping Centers USA and Red Development have announced a joint venture partnership to maximize market presence and performance of select U.S. retail properties in the Midwest and West. The alliance seeks to acquire established, first-tier community, lifestyle and power centers with strong tenant line-ups and sales figures that are well positioned in markets throughout the United States.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market on Wednesday announced plans to debut a new store format targeted at millenials. The company said the stores are expected to begin opening next year, and the expansion will be “fairly rapid.” It did not reveal the name of the new banner.

New York -- Off-price retailer Loehmann's announced that Jeffrey Cripe is joining the Loehmann's advisory board, as the company builds its online marketplace. Founded in 1921, the company closed its brick-and-mortar stores after its bankruptcy in 2013. Now under new ownership, the brand is being expanded online.