Department Store

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index ticked down slightly in March, but has remained relatively steady with a reading over 4.0 the past five months. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

New York -- A New York State Supreme Court Judge ruled on Friday that J.C. Penney’s could temporarily sell certain housewares products from Martha Stewart Living in Penney stores. The ruling allows Penney to sell the product under the “JCP Everyday” label until a final decision comes at the end of the trial.

MILWAUKEE — Kohl’s is scheduled to return to Summerfest this year with its Captivation Station, an educative program geared toward children and families. Also returning to the festival will be the free-admission program Kohl’s Family Day, scheduled from noon–3 p.m. Sunday, June 30.

Tiffany & Co.’s dazzling jewel box in downtown Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood captures the retailer’s signature elegant feel and  heritage of craftsmanship. The interiors of the 7,000-sq.-ft. store, the jeweler's third outpost in New York City, were designed by select artisans who put their own spin on some traditional Tiffany design motifs.

NEW YORK — New York State Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Oing on Thursday refused to dismiss Macy's Inc's claim that Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia violated its contract when it designed certain merchandise for J.C. Penney Co., regardless of whether the items carry the Martha Stewart brand.

Los Angeles -- Guess, Inc. has appointed Hillary Super as SVP, general merchandise manager for Guess, reporting to Paul Marciano, co-founder and CEO of Guess.

In this role, Hillary will be responsible for product categories for Guess as the lead merchant for the company, and she will also be a key member of the Guess senior management team. Previously, Hillary spent six years in senior merchant roles at American Eagle and four years at Gap where she oversaw multiple brands and product categories.

New York -- A report by the Wall Street Journal on Friday said that hedge fund Barington Capital Group is pressing Jones Group Inc. to slim down by divesting parts of its portfolio.

Citing an unidentified source, WSJ said that Barington – in a meeting earlier this month – urged Jones to hire financial advisers to analyze many of the company’s 35-plus to pare down the portfolio and focus on its core and emerging brands.

NEW YORK — U.S. retail sales fell 0.4% in March, the biggest decrease in nine months, amid a slowdown in hiring and higher taxes. Excluding sales of autos, gas and building materials, core sales dropped 0.2% in March, following a 0.3% increase in January.