Department Store

Plano, Texas -- A Tuesday report by Reuters said that embattled J.C. Penney Co. has recently revived its previously abandoned pricing strategy of raising prices on its own brands then discounting them as a way to spike sales and margins.

Citing an emailed statement by Penney spokeswoman Daphne Avila, Reuters reported that the retailer began changing price tags on merchandise earlier in March and expects to complete the process in April.

Best Buy, Costco, Petco and four other retailers were among a group of 145 companies identified as the World’s Most Ethical companies by Ethisphere.

New York -- Kleinfeld Bridal, the iconic New York bridal retailer and star of the hit reality show “Say Yes to the Dress,” will open a 20,000-sq.-ft. salon in Hudson’s Bay’s flagship location in downtown Toronto in early 2014. The Hudson’s Bay Company has exclusive rights to the brand in Canada.

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue announced Monday that John Cruz has been named SVP and director of the New York City flagship store, effective April 29.

Cruz currently serves as VP and general manager of the company’s Beverly Hills store. He has worked at the NYC store before – as general manager 2005-2007 and VP and GM 2007-2010.

Cruz replaces Suzanne Stemper-Johnson, who is leaving Saks to pursue other interests.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores will be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a recipient of the 2013 Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for the company’s continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency initiatives.

Regional department store operator Gordmans Stores reported disappointing fourth quarter sales and indicated 2013 is of to a slow start.

Sales for the 14 week fourth quarter ended February 2 increased 9.4% to $202.5 million, but the gain was driven entirely by an additional week in the reporting period and the opening of nine new stores in four new markets and two new states. Same stores sales declined 4.1%.

The nation’s leading specialty retailer of children’s apparel issued a dour outlook for the first quarter of 2013 after a strong finish to 2012.

The company said sales for the 14 week fourth quarter increased 11.3% to $509.2 million and same store sales increased 4.3%. Earning per share increased 32% to $1.15, 11 cents better than analysts forecast.

New York -- A Monday report by Reuters said that Limited Brands has temporarily changed its name to L Brands Inc. The report cited a Friday regulatory filing.

The operator of Victoria's Secret and Henri Bendel is implementing a pre-planned transition process that was required after the 2010 sale of Limited Stores, LLC.

The company is expected to announce a new permanent name in the coming months.