eCommerce

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.

Walmat’s efforts to penetrate to New York have been the focus of considerable media attention the past few years so it is somewhat strange to find no mention of the company in a report out this week on commercial real estate trends.

Laura Pomerantz, a principal with the New York-based commercial real estate firm of PBS Real Estate noted that “2011 will see big changes on the streets of Manhattan. New and unexpected retailers are transforming shopping dynamics from Madison and Fifth Avenue to Times Square and the Upper West Side.”

New York City -- Some landlords, vendors and other unsecured creditors of Blockbuster are objecting to Blockbuster's plan to sell itself because they fear they won't be paid what they are owed, according to the Associated Press.

A hearing to approve the stalking horse bid and auction was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed late Tuesday until March 10 while the judge considers the objections.

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.

DUBAI -- Tiffany and Co. announced it has named Frederic Cumenal as EVP effective March 10. Cumenal will be responsible for the company's businesses in Asia, Japan, Europe and emerging markets, and will report to chairman and CEO Michael Kowalski.

Cumenal joins Tiffany from the LVMH Group where most recently he was president and CEO of Moet and Chandon, S.A.

New York City -- Foot Locker’s fourth-quarter net income more than doubled to $57 million on fewer charges and improved revenue.

The company reported a 5% increase in sales for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2010, to $1.39 billion, up from $1.33 billion in the year-ago period. Same-store sales rose 7.3%.

Foot Locker reported net income of $169 million for the full year. That compares with net income of $48 million, in 2009.

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.

Albany, N.Y. -- Trans World Entertainment said that net income for the fourth quarter rose to $12.4 million $11.4 million as it continued to cut costs by closing more of its f.y.e. (For Your Entertainment) stores.

Total sales for the quarter fell 22%, to $231.2 million. Same-store sales fell 6%.

For fiscal 2010, Trans World posted its fourth consecutive annual net loss. The net loss for the year was $31 million, compared with a net loss of $42.4 million in fiscal 2009.