Apparel

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW Inc. said Thursday that it has been awarded $7.2 million as a result of litigation with its insurance carrier stemming from its credit card data breach in 2005.

The $7.2 million award represents damages plus accrued interest.

In other news, DSW has declared a special dividend totaling $91 million to be paid on Oct. 26 to shareholders. According to president and CEO Mike MacDonald, the special distribution, which is in addition to the regular dividend, represents “significant cash flow generation.”

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said Wednesday that its board declared a special cash dividend of $1.50 and a regular quarterly dividend of 11 cents.

The retailer said the total cash dividend of $1.61 will be paid on Oct. 10 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 26.

American Eagle said the dividends are part of its cash strategy to invest in the company, while still returning profits to its shareholders.
 

Retailers plan to hire an increased number of temporary workers this holiday season, according to a survey by the global consulting firm Hay Group.

"Retailers are betting that 2012 is going to be a great holiday season," said Craig Rowley, vp and global practice leader for Hay Group’s retail practice. "After four years of economic turbulence, they have figured out how to operate in an uncertain business environment and are calm and cool, knowing that they are ready, as they head into the holidays."

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Gap Foundation at a special gathering at the company's San Francisco headquarters on Sept. 13.

“We’re proud to celebrate 35 years of Gap Inc. employees fulfilling the promise made by Doris and Don Fisher to ‘do more than sell clothes,’” said Bobbi Silten, president of Gap Foundation. “It’s an exciting milestone for everyone involved with the company.”

New York -- The Jones Group Inc. said Wednesday it has appointed Kathy Nedorostek to the newly created position of group president, global footwear and accessories, effective mid-October.  

In her new position, Nedorostek will oversee footwear, handbags and jewelry for Jones Group.

Nedorostek arrives at Jones Group from Coach, where she was president of North America Wholesale and Global Licensing.

Orlando, Fla. -- The nation’s chain retailers lead the nation when it comes to commercial solar energy use, according to a report released Wednesday by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar Initiative advocacy group.

New York -- Nordstrom will announce on Thursday that it will open its first four stores in Canada by 2015, according to the Globe and Mail. Executives of Nordstrom and Cadillac Fairview, the landlord of the four malls where the stores will be located, set to unveil the sites at a news conference in Toronto, the report said.

The stores will be located in Pacific Centre in Vancouver, Chinook Centre in Calgary, Ottawa’s Rideau Centre and Sherway Gardens in Toronto, according to previous reports.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Fashion consultant Fern Mallis will debut a jewelry collection for HSN on Oct. 10.

The 22-piece assortment features various statement pieces including a show-stopping layered necklace with matching cuff, embellished bangles, chunky necklaces and gem encrusted rings and earrings from $35 to $139.