Seasonal

New York City -- Sales at Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Kohl’s surpassed analysts’ estimates in February amid gradually moderating temperatures and rising consumer confidence. However, analysts warned that a late Easter and rising gasoline prices could impact sales going forward.

Confidence among U.S. consumers rose in February to the highest level in three years, according to a Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index, as a drop in unemployment helped overcome concern over rising food and fuel costs.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The weak sales and profits reported Wednesday by West Coast sporting goods retailer Big 5 weren’t a surprise, as the company had warned Wall Street more than a month ago that financial results would be below expectations. 

Framingham, Mass. -- Fourth-quarter sales at Staples increased slightly to $6.4 billion, net income increased 17% to $275 million, and earnings per share increased 19% to 38 cents courtesy of a favorable tax benefit of six cents.

Staples chairman and CEO said he was proud of all the company achieved in 2010.

New York City -- Retail sales in February rose in most categories ranging from clothing to furniture, despite winter storms and rising gas prices, MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse, which tracks spending in all forms including cash. While the increase maintains the positive performance that began in fall 2010. However, February’s year-over-year growth rates were smaller in most categories than those recorded in the November 2010 through January 2011 period.

 ISSAQUAH, Wash. and WESTBOROUGH, Mass. -- The past three-months were favorable to the warehouse sector, as both Costco and BJ’s Wholesale reported quarterly results that were in-line with or beat analysts’ expectations.

If Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2010 numbers were any indication, retail may well be prepping for some measurable bounce in 2011.

But the road to recovery isn’t going to be without frustrations, according to Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle’s North America Retail Outlook report, released in November.

The inaugural report examined retail real estate fundamentals such as vacancy levels, rental rates and investment sales volumes -- and drew the conclusion that 2011 would see a “slow and arduous retail sector recovery.”

The Shops at Wiregrass, in Wesley Chapel, Fla., partnered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to host a Battle of the Bands event in an effort to raise money to fight blood cancer.

Held Saturday, Feb. 19, the event featured four stages of live music and performances by 24 local bands. Two more fundraising events are planned -- a parade celebration on March 12 and a golf tournament on April 1.

The Shops at Wiregrass, a Forest City Enterprises property, is a pedestrian lifestyle village featuring shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Phoenix -- PetSmart's fourth-quarter net income rose 20%, helped by more customer transactions and a strong holiday season.

The chain's net income rose to $90.3 million from $75 million in the same period last year. Revenue rose 8% to $1.52 billion. Same-store sales were up 6.3 %.

For the year, net income increased 21% to $239.9 million. Revenue rose 6% to $5.04 billion.