JCPenney Co.

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.

NEW YORK -- Sales at Macy’s, JCPenney 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.

Walmat’s efforts to penetrate to New York have been the focus of considerable media attention the past few years so it is somewhat strange to find no mention of the company in a report out this week on commercial real estate trends.

Laura Pomerantz, a principal with the New York-based commercial real estate firm of PBS Real Estate noted that “2011 will see big changes on the streets of Manhattan. New and unexpected retailers are transforming shopping dynamics from Madison and Fifth Avenue to Times Square and the Upper West Side.”

VENTURA, Calif. -- The apparel industry has come together to form a coalition dedicated to reducing the environmental and social impacts of apparel and footwear products sold around the world. According to a press release, the group, to be known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition will consist of leading apparel and footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic experts and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  

Dallas -- J.C. Penney Co. said that its fourth quarter profit rose 36% to $271 million, helped by cost controls and improving sales in such areas as men's apparel, women's accessories and beauty products from in-store Sephora boutiques. The retailer also announced plans to buy back $900 million of its shares, starting next month.

Revenue in the three-month period ended Jan. 29 rose 2.8% to $5.7 billion. Same-store sales were up 4.5%.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penny Co. said Tuesday it has introduced a new logo, designed to symbolize the retailer’s transformation to a more updated and relevant destination.

The new logo emphasizes a new, lowercase “jcp” by positioning it slightly off-centered in a red box while still featuring the company's signature red color. It was designed by Luke Langhus, a third-year graphic design student at the University of Cincinnati.