Retail

London -- A Thursday report by Bloomberg said that retail sales in the U.K. fell a more-than-expected 0.8% (excluding fuel) in March compared to February, impacted by unseasonably cold weather and a still-sluggish economy.

New York -- The latest round in the battle between Macy’s and J.C. Penney over the sale of Martha Stewart goods went to Macy’s, which on Monday challenged a judge’s decision on Friday to allow certain non-branded Martha Steward items to be sold — at least temporarily — in J.C. Penney stores under the JCP Everyday label.

New York -- Fairway Group Holdings Corp., operator of the Fairway Market grocery chain, said Wednesday that it raised $177.5 million in its initial public offering after pricing the shares above the marketed range.

Fairway sold 13.65 million shares for $13 each, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, after offering them for $10 to $12. At the offering price, the company has a market value of about $536 million.

The shares, which represent a 33% stake, will be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol FWM.

New York -- A Wednesday report by Women’s Wear Daily said Libby Wadle been named president of the J. Crew brand, charged with overseeing both the retail and direct businesses of J. Crew, Crewcuts and J. Crew factory outlets. She was previously EVP.

Former chief administrative officer James Scully has been promoted to COO.

London -- Grocery chain Fresh & Easy’s British parent Tesco confirmed Wednesday that it will abandon its U.S. business, selling off the 199-store chain and taking a $3.5 billion write-down.

Burlington, Mass. -- Demandware said Tuesday that Crabtree & Evelyn has re-launched  its U.S. e-commerce site, Crabtree-evelyn.com, on the Demandware Commerce platform. In addition, Crabtree & Evelyn is leveraging Demandware’s web design capabilities to extend the online shopping experience to smartphones and tablets.

The 500+-store Crabtree & Evelyn also plans to use Demandware Commerce to support its global expansion strategy.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart said Wednesday that it has been granted approval to continue its listing on the Nasdaq stock market while it works to secure full compliance with listing requirements.

According to Stein Mart, a panel gave the retailer a thumbs-up to continue the listing, and Nasdaq has given Stein Mart until August to comply with all applicable requirements for continued listing on the exchange.

San Francisco -- In a presentation to shareholders at its annual investor meeting on Wednesday, Gap CEO Glenn Murphy outlined growth initiatives that include taking Old Navy international via a franchising route, and expanding on its online programs.