Apparel

New York City -- Jo-Ann Stores announced Tuesday that it has received no other takeover bids after a nearly two-month "go-shop" period. The fabric and crafts chain said it will therefore ask shareholders to vote on the company's proposed $1.6 billion sale to Leonard Green & Partners LP.

The meeting is scheduled for March 18.

Jo-Ann Stores, which operates 751 stores in 48 states, announced the proposed sale in December. The company had until Feb. 14 to seek a better offer.

New York City -- A Tuesday report by the Wall Street Journal said that hedge fund billionaire and Sears Holding Corp. chairman Edward Lampert has reported holding a 5.8% stake in Gap Inc.

Lampert reported the stake in a 13G filing, or a filing for passive investors, with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Monday.

His ESL Partners company and affiliates reported beneficially holding 35 million common shares.

Mahwah, N.J. -- Jeweler Bailey Banks & Biddle said Tuesday it has joined TD Retail Card Services’ L.J.C. private-label credit-card program. 

Under the agreement, TD Bank, N.A. will direct the L.J.C. program, which features a revolving private-label credit card created specifically for independent and small-chain retailers of jewelry and other luxury items. Cardholders can avail themselves of a number of special financing options, including multiple deferred interest and equal payment promotions.

New York City -- Total retail sales (excluding autos) grew by 5.5% year-over-year, on par with December’s growth rate, and slightly higher than November’s, according to MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse. SpendingPulse reports on national retail and services sales and is based on aggregate sales activity in the MasterCard payments network, coupled with survey-based estimates for all other payment forms

New York City -- Information Builders, a provider of business intelligence solutions, announced that Helzberg Diamonds has standardized on the WebFocus BI platform to provide advanced analysis and reporting capabilities to managers at 230 stores across the United States.

San Francisco -- More than one-third of customers who returned gifts they received this past holiday season were not satisfied with their return experiences, according to a new study released by MarketTools, which provides software and services for market research and enterprise feedback management.

The study found that of those not satisfied with the return process, 32% cited the retailer’s return policy as the main source of angst, 23% were unhappy with the form of refund the retailer provided, and 22% were dissatisfied with long lines.

Hollywood, Fla. -- Perry Ellis said it has opened a men’s fashion store in Seminole Paradise at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Franconia, Va. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased restaurant space in Franconia, Va., to two new retailers at Festival at Manchester Lakes.

Dunkin’ Donuts has leased 1,800 sq. ft., and Genghis Grill, a build-your-own bowl, fast casual, Asian stir-fry concept, has leased 4,443 sq. ft., bringing the center to 95% leased. Both restaurants plan to open this spring.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- West Palm Beach, Fla.-based American Commercial Realty Corp. said it has completed several new leases at the Shoppes at Boca Greens in Boca Raton, Fla.

Cosmetics and beauty retailer Harmon Face Values, a division of Bed Bath & Beyond, will open a new, 7,400-sq.-ft. store, the retailer’s first full store in Florida.

Children’s clothing retailer Denny’s Children’s Wear will relocate and expand to an 8,600-sq.-ft. location within the center.

Paducah, Ky. -- Youngstown, Ohio-based Cafaro Co. announced that Charming Charlie will open a new fashion accessories store at Kentucky Oaks Mall, in Paducah, Ky.

The Houston-based retailer will open a 7,000-sq.-ft. store in late spring 2011. This will be the second Charming Charlie store in Kentucky, the first being located in the Lexington area.