Department Store

New York City -- A Thursday report by the New York Times said that teen retailer Delia’s has put itself up for sale.

According to the report, the company has been soliciting interest from buyers including private equity firms. Delia’s has not confirmed the report, and it is currently unknown what, if any, other options the retailer is considering.

PLANO, Texas  -- JCPenney reported income from continuing operations of $1.09 per share for the quarter ended Jan. 29. Comparable-store sales for the quarter grew 4.5%.

Dallas -- J.C. Penney Co. said that its fourth quarter profit rose 36% to $271 million, helped by cost controls and improving sales in such areas as men's apparel, women's accessories and beauty products from in-store Sephora boutiques. The retailer also announced plans to buy back $900 million of its shares, starting next month.

Revenue in the three-month period ended Jan. 29 rose 2.8% to $5.7 billion. Same-store sales were up 4.5%.

Los Angeles -- Caruso Affiliated said it has named Paul Kurzawa as the company’s new COO, a newly created position for the company. Kurzawa was previously executive VP operations for Caruso.

The firm also outlined a comprehensive expansion program that is designed to double its size in the next five years, according to founder and CEO Rick Caruso. Caruso outlined the company’s business goals and platform for growth at a recent employee meeting.

San Fransciso -- Gap credited rising sales abroad, online and at its Banana Republic and Old Navy chains for helping to boost its fourth-quarter net income rise 3.7%, beating analysts expectations. However, the chain issued an annual profit forecast that fell short of expectations, saying its operating profits would be squeezed as it grapples with soaring costs of cotton and other raw materials.

Gap also announced that it plans to buy back $2 billion in shares, on top of recent repurchases totaling $2.6 billion.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. reported on Wednesday that it has ended a three-year search for a permanent CEO, appointing a former technology executive with no retail experience as its new chief executive and president. The company name Lou D’Ambrosio to the position of president and CEO.

YORK, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores announced the signing of a license and design agreement with Mambo Graphics PTY LTD for the exclusive launch of the Mambo brand in the United States. Under the agreement, Mambo will design the collection while Bon-Ton will manage the sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of the line.

Seattle -- American Girl said Wednesday it will make its Northwest U.S. debut as it opens a new store this summer at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Wash.

According to a report by the Seattle Times, the Middleton, Wis.-based retailer, a division of Mattel, said it is taking 12,500 sq. ft. of space spanning the mall's interior and outdoor Village.
 
The new store will replace several departed or relocated tenants, including Cold Stone Creamery, World Wrapps and Anchor Blue.