Department Store

Topeka, Kan. -- Collective Brands, the parent company of Payless ShoeSource, said Wednesday that its net loss narrowed slightly in the fourth quarter as sales improved in its wholesale unit. The performance beat Wall Street expectations.

For the three months ended Jan. 29, Collective Brands lost $10.1 million, compared with a loss of $10.9 million in the year-ago period.

NEW YORK -- Following its emergence from bankruptcy, Loehmann's announced some executive changes. According to the company, CEO Jerald Politzer, who guided the company through this successful bankruptcy process, has chosen to leave Loehmann's. Joe Melvin, the company's COO and CFO will assume the role of interim CEO.

NEW YORK -- Marc Forgione is the latest chef to join Macy's Culinary Council, the company announced. According to Macy's, the council is "a team of talented and distinguished chefs who serve to inspire the way Macy's customers shop, cook and eat at home.

Forgione, who was recently crowned season three winner of Food Network's TheNext Iron Chef, will kick-off his new position on Macy's Culinary Council with an in-store cooking demonstration at Macy's Chicago on State Street on March 8 at noon.

Framingham, Mass. -- Fourth-quarter sales at Staples increased slightly to $6.4 billion, net income increased 17% to $275 million, and earnings per share increased 19% to 38 cents courtesy of a favorable tax benefit of six cents.

Staples chairman and CEO said he was proud of all the company achieved in 2010.

NEW YORK -- Loehmann's has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is ready to position itself has the destination for top designer clothing for less. The company said it will focus its merchandising strategy on well-known designer brands that resonate with its frequent shoppers. The company has also refined its advertising outreach to communicate with Loehmann's core customers and potential new shoppers.

Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sears offer free delivery and installation of major appliances, and now Best Buy does too. The company this week announced what it declared was an industry-leading combination of free delivery along with an 18 months same-as-cash financing offer to spark interest in the appliance category.

BEAUMONT, Texas -- Conn’s announced that it has appointed Theodore Wright to the position of interim CEO and president, following the news that Timothy Frank will step down as president and CEO of the company and resign as a director to pursue other opportunities.Conn’s said it will immediately commence a formal search to identify a permanent CEO.

SEATTLE -- Disney Consumer Products has partnered with Nordstrom to launch a new line of children's apparel, accessories and footwear in honor of the 45th anniversary of the "it's a small world" attraction at Disneyland.