Apparel

New York City -- Many retailers reported solid sales gains for December, but the deep discounts and promotions that shoppers have come to expect cut into profits.  A range of retailers, including Target and The Children’s Place, reduced their, reducing their earnings outlooks. Overall, retail sales rose 3.4% at the 22 retailers tracked by the Thomson Reuters same-store sales index, compared with the 3.3% analyst forecast.

New York City -- The nation’s discounters and department store retailers turned in mixed results for December, with many chains citing unseasonably warm weather that sapped demand for cold-weather merchandise.

“Cold-weather categories, which are highly profitable and represent approximately 25% of our business in December, were down mid-teens on a percentage basis,” said Tony Buccina, vice chairman, president – merchandising, The Bon-Ton Stores, whose December same-store sales fell 0.7%. The company widened its loss forecast.

NEW YORK — While the Liz Claiborne brand will be kept alive thanks to a recent deal with JCPenney, the company behind the name is headed in a new direction. Liz Claiborne Inc. announced it is changing its name to "Fifth & Pacific Companies" to better communicate its strategic focus on growing its three global lifestyle brands (Juicy Couture, Kate Spade and Lucky Brand). The change is expected to be effective on or about May 15, 2012 at which time the company will begin trading as Fifth & Pacific Companies Inc. (NYSE: FNP).

FRAMINGHAM, Mass — TJX announced that it has moved some of its executives to new roles to better position the company for future growth. Michael MacMillan will assume leadership of the company’s European division as SVP TJX Europe, moving from his current post as head of The Marmaxx Group (the company’s largest division comprised of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls). Richard Sherr will return to The Marmaxx Group as Senior EVP, having most recently held the post of president HomeGoods.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko Stores Operating Co. said Wednesday that Shopko and Pamida will merge to create one of the largest U.S. retailers focused on serving smaller and rural communities. The combined entity will have nearly 350 locations in 22 states and plans to accelerate new store growth in the second half of 2012 and beyond.

Financial details of the merger, expected to close in mid-February, were not disclosed. Both companies are owned by affilates of the private equity firm Sun Capital Partners.

New York City -- Macy’s Inc. announced a strategic plan on Wednesday to open new stores in select markets as well as to close a series of underperforming units. As part of the plan, five Macy’s department stores will be shuttered in spring 2012 – in Topeka, Kan.; Laurel, Md.; Parma, Ohio; Antioch, Tenn.; and Texas City, Texas. Five new Macy’s stores will open in 2012 and 2013.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic reported Wednesday that same-store sales for the nine-week holiday shopping period of November and December edged up 1.2%. The company upped its fourth quarter guidance based on the results.

In related news, Hot Topic has named Cindy Levitt as VP, general merchandise manager, effective Jan. 16.

Everett, Wash. -- Zumiez Inc. reported Wednesday that total sales for the five-week period ended Dec. 31 increased 18.1% to $104.6 million, compared to $88.5 million last year.

Same-store sales surged 10% for the period.

Based on better than planned holiday sales and product margin, the company has increased its guidance and now expects fiscal 2011 fourth quarter total sales of $180 to $181 million.

Green Bay, Wis. -- Shopko Stores Operating Co. said Wednesday that Shopko and Pamida will merge to create one of the largest U.S. retailers focused on serving smaller and rural communities. The combined entity will have nearly 350 locations in 22 states and plans to accelerate new store growth in the second half of 2012 and beyond. Financial details of the merger, expected to close in mid-February, were not disclosed.

New York City -- Liz Claiborne Inc. said Wednesday that it will change its name to Fifth & Pacific Cos., effective May 15, to reflect the divestiture of its namesake brand as well as a newly honed focus on its core banners.

The owner of Juicy Couture, Kate Spade and Lucky Brand agreed last October to sell its Liz Claiborne and Monet brands to J.C. Penney Co. for $267.5 million in a move to reduce debt. It also sold its Dana Buchman brand to Kohl’s Corp.