Apparel

Seattle -- Nordstrom reported third-quarter net earnings of $146 million, up 15% from $127 million for the same quarter last year. Its results were slightly below analysts’ expectations.

The company said that its third quarter same-store sales, which reflected a timing shift that moved a week of the company’s important Anniversary Sale event into August this year, increased 10.7%. Top-performing merchandise categories included men’s shoes, men’s apparel and kids’ apparel.

By Dr. Trevor Davis, [email protected]

NEW YORK — Luxury shoe retailer Stuart Weitzman has promoted Susan Duffy to chief marketing officer. Duffy, who joined the company in April 2011 as SVP global marketing and communications, will continue to lead marketing, advertising, public relations and social media to ensure the branding message is consistent across all worldwide communications platforms as the company expands into new markets.

New York -- Stuart Weitzman said Thursday that it has promoted Susan Duffy from senior VP global marketing to the position of chief marketing officer, as part of the luxury retailer’s plan for new market expansion.

As CMO, Duffy is charged with leading marketing, advertising, public relations and social media to ensure the branding message is consistent across all worldwide communications platforms.

New York -- Saks Inc.’s Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th announced that it plans to open its doors in Livermore, Calif., on Nov. 8.

The new 28,132-sq.-ft. store is located in Paragon Outlets, a new outlet facility located 36 miles east of the heart of San Francisco, which will open in conjunction with Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th on the same day.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings is touting its affordable and exclusive lines from and partnerships with celebrity designers Sandra Lee, Jaclyn Smith and Ty Pennington to give it an edge this holiday season.

Kmart, along with Sandra Lee and Jaclyn Smith, is inviting consumers to "decorate it forward" -- spread holiday cheer by sharing the gift of decorating and entertaining with family, friends and those in need. Decorating tips and inspiration to help others can be found www.kmart.com/DecorateItForward.

Spanx, the company best known for its shapewear and hosiery, has opened its first-ever freestanding location, in Tyson’s Corner Center, McLean, Va.

Cincinnati – Macy’s on Wednesday reported a better-than-expected 4.3% increase in third-quarter net income, helped by sales gains, and slightly raised its full-year profit outlook.  

Macy’s also announced that it will discontinue reporting monthly sales, beginning in fiscal 2013. Sales will continue to be reported quarterly, along with earnings and cash flow.