Department Store

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Friday by the Commerce Department said that retail sales in the U.S. rose 0.5% in July, the most in four months and demonstrating that consumers may be holding their own in a tumultuous economy.

The 0.5% increase matched the Bloomberg News median forecast followed a 0.3% gain in June that was larger than estimated. Excluding auto sales, purchases rose more than projected.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Shortly after Nordstrom reported a 20% quarterly earnings gain, fellow luxury retailer Dillard's posted net income of $17.6 million, or 32 cents per share, compared with $6.8 million, or 10 cents per share, for the same period last year.

Same-store sales for the second quarter were up 6%. Net sales for the quarter were $1.44 billion compared with $1.4 billion last year.

Seattle -- Nordstrom reported Thursday that net income for its second quarter rose 20% to $175 million, compared with $146 million in the year earlier period.

Revenue surged 12.4% to $2.72 billion, benefited by strong promotions and matching Wall Street estimates. Same-store sales rose a solid 7.3%. The department store retailer has raised its profit outlook for the full year.

Its outlet concept Nordstrom Rack saw net sales increase 23.4% to $92 million, and same-store sales rose 4.8%.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Senior leadership within Walmart’s merchandising organization continues to undergo a transformation, as the retailer’s chief merchandising officer Duncan Mac Naughton on Friday announced another round of personnel moves.

SEATTLE — In another sign that the U.S. economy is affecting lower-income families more than those in higher earning brackets, luxury retailer Nordstrom reported a same-store sales increase of 7.3% for its second quarter and net sales of $2.72 billion, an increase of 12.4% compared with net sales of $2.42 billion for the same period last year.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Parents will spend more on apparel for this school year versus last year, a new survey from Sears and BlogHer, a network of women social media leaders, revealed. 

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced it has been chosen for 13 new retail services assignments including property management, leasing and accounting services for a variety of owners throughout the United States.

During the first half of 2011, Jones Lang LaSalle has added 22 new retail assignments totaling more than 5.3 million sq. ft. of space.

NEW YORK — Macy's announced that Dev, The Ready Set, Soulja Boy, Cris Cab and Motion City Soundtrack will be among the artists performing at its mstylelab free concerts at 15 Macy's stores nationwide. 

Concert attendees will have the chance to connect with musicians while exploring the newly revamped mstylelab lounge. On display will be back-to-school styles and accessories from Macy's exclusive brands American Rag and Material Girl.