Seasonal

London -- A report released Thursday by the Confederation of British Industry said that U.K. retail sales fell in January at the fastest pace in almost three years, reversing an increase in December when discounting by stores drew shoppers.

The gauge of annual sales growth fell to minus 22, the lowest since March 2009, from nine in December, according to the report.

PLANO, Texas and NEW YORK — JCPenney announced that it has partnered with fashion designer Nanette Lepore to bring her first teen-focused line to its stores. Inspired by her teenage daughter, the line "l'amour nanette lepore" will be available exclusively at JCPenney and will debut as its own distinct shop beginning February 2013.

Woodmere, Ohio -- Urban Outfitters’ concept Free People, as well as men’s shoe retailer Allen Edmonds, will make their debut to the Northeast Ohio market when they open their doors at Eton Chagrin Boulevard.

The Eton location is Free People’s first Ohio boutique while the only other Allen Edmonds stand-alone store in the state is an outlet store in Jefferson, Ohio.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club has expanded its Simply Right brand to include a line of quality and affordable vitamins, the retailer announced.

Sam's Club said its brand, which replaces its Member's Mark line, features refined packaging and vitamins that are formulated to deliver the same benefits in a smaller pill, making it ideal for members and families who have difficulty swallowing pills, Sam's Club said. The line includes triple strength fish oil, Co Q-10 softgels, glucosamine HCl and vitamin D3.

New York City -- ShopperTrak reported Monday that national retail sales, when compared with the same period last year, rose 3.5% during November and December, while foot traffic decreased 3.1%.

By Jill Puleri, [email protected]

The recently concluded holiday season was a happy one for most retailers, thanks in part to a recovering economy, heightened consumer confidence and no debilitating weekend snowstorms.

Oh, and wide acceptance of technology gadgets and experiences may have helped a bit, too.

New York City -- A report released Monday by the National Retail Federation said that retail industry sales growth for 2012 is forecasted at 3.4%, a pace slower than 2011’s 4.7% growth.

Still, said NRF, the retail industry will grow at a rate faster than many other industries.

Was it a good holiday season or a bad one? Depends who you ask and how results are interpreted as evidenced by conflicting perspectives on U.S. Commerce Department statistics released Thursday morning.

It was widely reported that December sales were a disappointment by media outlets, which cited Commerce Department statistics released Thursday morning showing a rise of 0.1% versus the 0.3% that was widely reported as the expectation of economists.