Trading Partners

New York -- A report by the Wall Street Journal on Friday said that hedge fund Barington Capital Group is pressing Jones Group Inc. to slim down by divesting parts of its portfolio.

Citing an unidentified source, WSJ said that Barington – in a meeting earlier this month – urged Jones to hire financial advisers to analyze many of the company’s 35-plus to pare down the portfolio and focus on its core and emerging brands.

NEW YORK — New York State Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Oing on Thursday refused to dismiss Macy's Inc's claim that Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia violated its contract when it designed certain merchandise for J.C. Penney Co., regardless of whether the items carry the Martha Stewart brand.

New York -- New York State Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Oing on Thursday refused to dismiss Macy's Inc's claim that Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia violated its contract when it designed certain merchandise for J.C. Penney Co., regardless of whether the items carry the Martha Stewart brand.

ROUND ROCK, Texas — Dell OEM Solutions announced that it has worked with Microsoft Corp. to become a global distributor, outsource manufacturer and integrator for Windows Embedded products.

The agreement, which went into effect on April 1, enables Dell to provide Windows Embedded product licenses (COAs) with Dell product solutions. This means it is easier for Dell OEM Solutions customers to bring their products and solutions to market through:

• Shorter lead times with in-stock COAs

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation issued a statement on Tuesday in support of the International Longshoreman’s Association’s approval of a new long-term master labor contract covering port terminal operations along the East and Gulf Coast ports.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Grocers Association has named Keri Askew Bailey as SVP government relations and public policy, effective immediately.

In this newly created position, Bailey will assume responsibility for creating and managing an aggressive public policy program through the development and facilitation of coalitions with CGA membership, ally associations, chambers of commerce, and other interested parties.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Kitchenware manufacturer, Rena Ware International, has announced that Benjamin J. Zylstra will succeed his father, Russell J. Zylstra , as CEO of the company.  Russ Zylstra will remain as chairman of the board of Rena Ware and will continue to be involved in defining the direction and vision of the company. 

ABILENE, Kan. — Alco Stores announced that the company will move its corporate headquarters from Abilene, Kansas, to Coppell, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.

In making the announcement, CEO Rich Wilson said, "Today's challenging business climate and highly competitive retail landscape require that we locate our headquarters in a metropolitan center. The Dallas location provides easy access to many of our stores, other major retailers and transportation for our employees and business partners."