LensCrafters

Cold weather in January helped Macy’s report a decline in same-store sales for the fourth quarter that was less than analysts had expected. In other news, the chain announced plans to expand its off-price and specialty beauty formats.

For the period ended Jan. 30, Macy's net income fell 31% to $543 million, dragged down by store closings and other costs.

Adjusted profits were $2.09 per share, better than the $1.86 per share estimate from analysts, according to Zacks Investment Research,

Macy’s says cold weather in January helped the retailer report a better than expected decrease in same store sales for the fourth quarter even as the company explores an expansion of its off-price and beauty formats.

For the period ended Jan. 30, same store sales fell 4.3%, slightly less than the 4.7% fall it had estimated. Total sales declined to $8.87 billion.

Slidell, La. -- Stirling Properties and CBL & Associates Properties announced new tenants and updates to Phase II of Fremaux Town Center in Slidell, Louisiana.

Newly signed tenants include: Books-A-Million, moving from its current location at Northshore Square Mall, will occupy 7,500 sq. ft. and is expected to open on March 3; Five Below will occupy a 8,024 sq. ft. space and is expected to open April 6; Allure Nail Spa, and LensCrafters are opening spring of 2016.

Macy’s may be cutting back on the number of department stores in its portfolio, but the company is moving ahead with brick-and-mortar growth in other areas.

Over the next two years, Macy’s plans to open about 50 Macy’s Backstage stores in off-mall locations. The roll out builds on the launch of the off-price format this past September.

Macy’s blamed warm weather, weak foot traffic and excessive inventory for the company's worse-than-expected third quarter results and said it is studying real estate options for some of its most iconic stores.

New York -- Barnes & Noble claims the top position in a list of the most powerful “Back-to-School” retail brands, according to Tenet Partners’ Top 20 ranking.  

Rounding out the top five: Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon and Old Navy.

New York -- Italian eyewear maker Luxottica Group SpA has entered into an agreement to design, develop and distribute glasses based on Google's Internet-connected Glass eyewear.

Luxottica said that its two major brands, Ray-Ban and Oakley, would be part of the deal. No financial terms were discussed.

The Avenue has used Partners in Education programs to foster community relations since 1998. These programs provide marketing opportunities for each of the five Avenue properties in the Southeast.

Taking a cue from the TLC television show “What Not to Wear,” for example, The Avenue worked with high school fashion marketing students to award $1,000 makeover packages including wardrobe, hair, makeup and other prizes. More than 40 teachers applied for the makeover, which was sponsored by Van Michael Salon, LensCrafters, Chico’s, Talbots and Aerosoles.