eCommerce

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.

SALT LAKE CITY -- Overstock.com announced that it won two 2011 Stevie Awards for sales and customer service, in the following categories -- Customer Service Department of the Year, Retail and Sales Department of the Year, All Other Industries.

Now in its fifth year, the Stevie Awards selected winners in 40 award categories honoring achievements, individuals, teams and departments by industry in the sales field and 25 award categories honoring individuals, team and departments by industry in the customer service/contact center awards field.

Burlington, Mass. -- Demandware announced that Boot Barn, the largest western wear retailer in the world, has relaunched its e-commerce site, BootBarn.com, on the Demandware Commerce platform. Launched in September, the site kicked into high gear with a large boost in online sales during the 2010 holiday season and has continued its strong momentum into 2011.

Naperville, Ill. — OfficeMax announced that is unveiling a new and improved version of its TUL branded dry erase markers.

TUL dry erase markers feature non-toxic ink formula with reduced odor, a rubberized grip, ergonomic square design, and built-in magnets compatible with magnetic dry-erase boards. The lineup also includes an eraser on the cap of each marker as well as a separate magnetic eraser.

New York City -- Retail sales in February rose in most categories ranging from clothing to furniture, despite winter storms and rising gas prices, MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse, which tracks spending in all forms including cash. While the increase maintains the positive performance that began in fall 2010. However, February’s year-over-year growth rates were smaller in most categories than those recorded in the November 2010 through January 2011 period.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The weak sales and profits reported Wednesday by West Coast sporting goods retailer Big 5 weren’t a surprise, as the company had warned Wall Street more than a month ago that financial results would be below expectations. 

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.