Apparel

Off price retailer Ross Stores achieved record fourth quarter sales and earnings and expects to deliver more of the same in 2013 thanks to an unwavering commitment to offering great bargains.

Sales for the 14 week fourth quarter ended February 2, increased 15% to $2.76 billion when compared to the prior year’s 13 week fourth quarter. Same store sales advanced 5% on top of a prior year gain of 7%. Earnings per share for the period increased to $1.07 from 85 cents last year and net income grew to $236.6 million from $192 million.

Dayton, Ohio -- Walmart holds on to the top spot in the annual ranking of the 50 most valuable U.S. retail brands from branding consultancy firm Interbrand. The discounter’s brand value is put at $141 billion (up 1% from the 2012 report.). By comparison, the second-highest ranked U.S. brand, Target Corp., has a value of $25 billion. The Home Depot is solid at number three, with a brand value of nearly $23 billion.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — DSW reported that its fourth quarter sales increased 15.7% to $594.3 million from $513.7 million for the same period last year. Comparable sales increased 3.6%.

The company reported that fourth quarter adjusted EPS rose to 69 cents per share, an increase of 35.3% per share.

Full year sales increased 11.5% to $2.3 billion, and comparable sales increase 5.5%.

Adjusted EPS for the year rose to $3.35 per share for the full year, up from $3.00 per share in 2011.

New York — The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index remained steady in February primarily as a decline in initial unemployment claims and a rise in real average hourly earnings offset negative forces.

WABAN, Mass. — Sam's Club and Amazon were among the retailers that earned top marks for customer service, according to the consulting firm Temkin Group.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Rankings which queried 10,000 U.S. consumers about customer service issues across 246 companies in 19 industries, Sam's Club and Amazon earned the top spots in the retail sector and RadioShack was the lowest rated retailer for the third consecutive year.

DAYTON, Ohio — Interbrand, a consultancy, has named Walmart the most valuable retail brand for 2013. The retailer retained its top spot from 2012.

Rising through the ranks were Macy's, which increased brand value by 62% and moved up nine spots on the list to #40 and Amazon.com, which moved up to #4 on the list, growing brand value by 46%. 

Peoria, Ill. -- Cullinan Properties announced it has officially opened its Levee District at East Peoria Downtown, in Peoria, Ill.

Joining anchor stores Costco, Target, Gordmans, ULTA Beauty and Ross Dress for Less at the shopping center are Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, both slated to open this summer.

GNC will open a new store on May 8 at The Levee District, which encompasses over 86 acres that will include 500,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space, as well as office, hotel and civic components.

Waban, Mass. -- Research results released Tuesday by consulting firm Temkin Group revealed, among retailers, Sam’s Club and Amazon earned top marks.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Rankings which queried 10,000 U.S. consumers about customer service issues across 246 companies in 19 industries, Sam's Club and Amazon earned the top spots in the retail sector and RadioShack was the lowest rated retailer for the third consecutive year.