Department Store

Dallas -- Zale Corp. announced that Jeannie Barsam has been named senior VP merchandise planning and allocation. She was most recently senior VP planning, allocation and company planning for Charlotte Russe.

In other appointments, Zale named Toyin Ogun as senior VP human resources and customer service. Prior to that, he was senior VP human resources, L.L. Bean.

New York City -- Sales at Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Kohl’s surpassed analysts’ estimates in February amid gradually moderating temperatures and rising consumer confidence. However, analysts warned that a late Easter and rising gasoline prices could impact sales going forward.

Confidence among U.S. consumers rose in February to the highest level in three years, according to a Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index, as a drop in unemployment helped overcome concern over rising food and fuel costs.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores on Thursday said its board rejected a takeover bid by an activist investor, saying it "substantially undervalues the company." In February, Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund offered $55 to $60 per share, or about $6.99 billion, for Family Dollar.

The chain said it also adopted a shareholder rights plan, commonly called a "poison pill," that would significantly dilute shares if a takeover attempt proceeds.

New York City -- Many retailers reported better-than-expected sales in February amid milder mid-month temperatures in many parts of the country. But some warned of a weaker March due the timing of the Easter holiday. Analysts also cautioned that rising fuel prices may damper consumer spending going forward.

The Thomson Reuters Same-Store Sales Index rose 4.2% in February, topping estimates for a 3.6% increase, and also rising higher than in the year-ago period.

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.

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.

New York City -- Target has partnered with two local developers to purchase a 7.9-acre United States Postal Service site in the Throgs Neck section of Bronx, N.Y., for $35.2 million, where they plan to build a 300,000-sq.-ft. mall, according to New York Read Estate News.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group's fiscal second-quarter net income nearly doubled to top expectations, buoyed by solid results at its Justice stores.

The company, formerly The Dress Barn, reported net income of $42.5 million for the quarter, up from $21.7 million last year.

Revenue for the period ended Jan. 29 was up 27% to $752.2 million, better than the Street's $716.2 million estimate. Same-sale sales rose 9%.