Labor & Employment

Dallas -- Zale Corp.’s same-store sales rose 8.5% during the November-December selling period. This figure is a key indicator of a retailer's health because it gauges results at existing stores instead of newly opened ones.

Zale is refocusing its merchandise on diamonds and stepping up training of its workers, said CEO Theo Killion in a Bloomberg report. The company increased the number of salespeople certified by the Diamond Council of America to 2,000, from 800 last year, and plans to add more, he said.

New York City -- Supervalu reported a loss for its third quarter, dragged down by falling revenue and asset values, tighter margins and the cost of closing some stores. The grocer cut its full-year outlook based on the poor performance.

Supervalu, which operates Alberstons, Jewel-Osco and other supermarket chains, reported a loss of $202 million for the quarter, compared with net income of $109 million in the same quarter last year.

New York City -- A federal appellate court in California has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Pier I by a disabled patron who claims he was unable to navigate the company’s store in Vacaville, Calif., because of architectural features that inhibited his movement, according to Dallas Business Journal.

Atlanta -- Infor, a provider of business application software, announced that American Apparel has selected and implemented the company’s WFM Workbrain solution to manage the retailer’s global workforce.

NEW YORK -Tiffany & Co. announced that James Quinn will retire in early 2012. Quinn joined Tiffany in 1986 and has served as president since 2003, responsible for the company’s sales outside the Americas.

New York City -- A retail industry expert presented research Monday at the National Retail Federation convention in New York City that showed shoppers will continue to spend more this year, spurred by a slowly improving job market and an uptick in income.

However, Ira Kalish, director of global economics for Deloitte, added that enough shoppers are still struggling with their finances that any increase will be modest.

ATLANTA — Newell Rubbermaid, whose portfolio includes the hair accessories brand Goody, has announced that its president and CEO, Mark Ketchum, will retire later this year.

An executive recruiting firm has been retained to conduct an outside search for Ketchum's replacement and also assist with the assessment of internal candidates, the company stated. To help ensure a smooth and transition, Ketchum plans to remain on the company¹s board through the spring of 2012.

St. Louis -- Brown Shoe Co. announced Monday it has promoted Diane Sullivan as president and CEO, effective May 26.

Sullivan ha been president and COO.

Current CEO Ron Fromm will remain chairman following a transition period ending in May.