Department Store

NEW YORK -- Sales at Macy’s, JCPenney 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.

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.

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.

Skokie, Ill. -- Westfield Old Orchard, an outdoor destination located in Skokie (Chicago), Ill., announced that The Body Shop will rejoin the center in spring 2011 with a 765-sq.-ft. store near Lord & Taylor. Galt Toys will open a 3,400-sq.-ft. store, also slated for a spring 2011 opening, as is Vera Bradley -- with a 1,650-sq.-ft. boutique.

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.

The March issue of Fortune contains the magazine’s annual ranking of the most admired companies and this year’s list shows Walmart slipped two spots from the prior year and now occupies the 11 position.

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.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group announced that Brazilian shoe and accessories retailer has opened its first U.S. store at the Town Center at Boca Raton, located in Boca Raton, Fla.

This opening marks Santa Lolla’s 105th location worldwide.

“We see Florida as an important part of our future expansion strategy and are very excited about the opening of our first U.S.-based boutique,” said Marcela Bussamra, marketing director for Santa Lolla.