Strategy

NEW YORK — Kenneth Cole Productions' board of directors has formed a special committee of independent directors to consider a non-binding proposal from Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer, that would take the company private.

New York City -- Kenneth Cole Productions' board of directors has formed a special committee of independent directors to consider a non-binding proposal from Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer, that would take the company private.

Profits grew faster than sales at Walmart’s international division last year, despite investments to drive record expansion and inventory growth, as EDLP took hold in more markets.

Dallas -- Blockbuster parent Dish Network confirmed Thursday that it will close 500 underperforming Blockbuster video stores in the first quarter, which equates to about a third of its stores.

The company, which acquired Blockbuster in 2011, said it plans to expand Dish Services offerings in the remaining Blockbuster stores. It currently offers the services in 150 stores.

Los Angeles -- American Apparel appointed Stacey Shulman as chief technology officer effective Feb. 22.

Shulman was previously the company’s VP technology and will have responsibility for American Apparel’s global information and technology operations.

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — Dillard's ended its fiscal year with higher income and increased sales, and heads into 2012 on the heels of a record-setting performance.

The company reported income for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28 of $141.5 million, or $2.77 per share. For the prior year fourth quarter, Dillard's reported net income of $109.6 million, or $1.75 per share.

Mahwah, N.J. -- The Home Furnishings Independents Association said Friday it has selected TD Retail Card Services’ Renovate Card private-label credit card program for use by its 1,100 retail members nationwide.

Fourth-quarter same-store sales at JCPenney declined 1.8%, and the company lost $87 million, but those details are being overlooked for the time being as execution of the transformation strategy envisioned by CEO Ron Johnson began less than a month ago.