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HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paul Frank is partnering with Babies"R"Us to launch all-new Small Paul designs that will be available exclusively at Babies"R"Us stores nationwide beginning May 23. The joining of these two brands, which are both distinguished and playful in nature, is sure to create buzz among moms and fans of all ages.

The line will include apparel and accessories, available in sizes 0 to 5T, as well Small Paul-branded bags, backpacks, footwear and hosiery, and plush toys.

There was an increase in the number of circulars retailers released in the month of April, while page counts increased only slightly.

Atlanta -- A Wednesday report by First Data found that April sales were negatively impacted by a March Easter, but that there has been an earlier start to the spring spending season.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. reported Thursday that first-quarter profit fell 23% on aggressive price cuts, falling to $154 million from $201 million in the year-ago period. Results met internal expectations and goals, but missed Wall Street estimates.

Sales for the quarter ended April 28 edged up 1.9% to $4.2 billion, meeting analysts’ estimates.  Same-store sales inched up 0.2%.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Despite dropping from the previous year, Kohl's said its net income for the first quarter ended April 28 was in line with its expectations. The company reported net income of $154 million (63 cents per diluted share) compared with $201 million ($0.69 per diluted share) a year ago. Net sales were $4.2 billion, an increase of 1.9%for the quarter. Comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 0.2 percent.

Cincinnati -- Macy's Inc. reported a better-than-expected 38% increase in its first-quarter profit as the chain continues to benefit from its move to target its offerings to local markets. However, the retailer disappointed the Street by failing to up its guidance for the year.

Macy's said that its net income rose to $181 million for the three-month period ended April 28, up from $131 million a year ago.

Revenue increased 4.3% to $6.14 billion, from $5.89 billion a year ago. Same-store sales were up 4.4%.

CINCINNATI — Kroger announced that it has kicked off a sales event during May that will support the broad range of programs and services the United Service Organizations provides to service members, their families and veterans.

Total U.S. shopper traffic in retail stores and malls for April 2012

Warm weather and shifting holidays in March caused retail foot traffic to dip in April. Retail foot traffic in April was 7.6% lower from March, and 2.7% lower on a year-over-year basis.  The slow April is the first in the past 3 months to experience a decline in year-over-year and month-over-month retail foot traffic.