Seasonal

Some spring fashion excitement is on tap for Target stores beginning March 13 when the company celebrates the fifth anniversary of its GO International designer program. Plans call for a collection of 34 dresses from 17 designers who participated in the GO International affordably priced fashion program over the past five years. The limited-edition assortment will be in most Target stores through April 10.

New York City -- Borders Group on Thursday won bankruptcy court approval to liquidate approximately 200 stores in a deal that may bring in $175 million to creditors. The sales will begin Feb. 19, allowing Borders to take advantage of the President’s Day holiday, typically a major shopping weekend.

Hilco Merchant Resources LLC, SB Capital Group, Tiger Capital Group LLC and Gordon Brothers Group won the bidding to handle the liquidation sales, according to Bloomberg.

New York City -- A report released Thursday by American Express Business Insights said that spending in the fourth quarter was up across the board, but the retail sector spend growth was more subdued despite the holiday shopping season.

Toy Fair took over the Javitz Center in New York City this week, and amidst the fun was some serious business as toy companies showcased what they hope will be the next big thing. Just take the Sing-a-ma-jigs line from Mattel. Introduced at last year’s Toy Fair, the harmonizing toy was a major holiday hit, and retailers who got their hands on them reaped the benefits.

CINCINNATI — Kroger said it is kicking off a year-long initiative to raise funds for armed forces members in partnership with the USO, the leading organization for morale-boosting programs and services for American troops and their families.

Kroger said the campaign will include in-store and online promotions and a text-to-give campaign that encourages Kroger customers to text "USO" to 27722 during the race to donate $10 to USO programs.

Columbus, Ohio -- Casto announced that Menards has purchased 20 acres of land at Columbus Corporate Center, on the east side of Columbus, Ohio.

According to Menards, construction on its 160,000-sq.-ft. store will commence later this spring. This will be the second Menards location in Columbus. The first location, situated at Northland is scheduled to open this spring.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Tuesday by the U.S. Commerce Department said sales at U.S. retailers edged up 0.3% in January, less than the expected 0.5% to 0.6% increase, but still the seventh straight month of gains. A series of snow storms that hit much of the country throughout the month was cited as one of the factors for the weaker showing.

ATLANTA -- The Home Depot announced it will hire more than 60,000 seasonal associates in time for its second annual Spring Black Friday event.

Like the traditional Black Friday that occurs the day after Thanksgiving to unofficially start the holiday shopping season, The Home Depot's Spring Black Friday marks the start of home improvement's busiest shopping season -- the spring.