Retail

Washington, D.C. -- The Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index reached its highest level in eight months as Americans grew more optimistic about the job market.

The Index climbed to 60.6 this month, up from 53.3 in December. While that reading surpassed expectations, it still falls short of the 90 level that indicates a healthy consumer mindset.

The January figure was the highest since last May's 62.7, and hasn’t been above 90 since the recession began in December 2007.

YORK, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores announced its board of directors unanimously approved an amendment to Bud Bergren’s employment agreement, which states Bergren will continue to serve as president and CEO through Feb. 5, 2012. His term as president and CEO will automatically renew for successive periods of one year unless either the company or Bergren elects not to renew his term as president and CEO.

Horseheads, N.Y. -- Salient Management Co. said Monday that Paul Osinski has joined the company as senior VP commercial sales, covering the retail, manufacturing, CPG, wholesaling and direct store delivery industries.

Osinski was previously an independent consultant; before that he spent 23 years with Stamford, Conn.-based private brand sales and marketing company Daymon Worldwide, most recently as senior VP.

Osinski reports directly to Guy Amisano, Salient chairman and CEO.

Cleveland -- Sherwin-Williams Co. reported Tuesday that net income for its fourth quarter increased to $72.9 million, compared with $65.3 million in the prior year.

Revenue rose to just under $1.9 billion, from $1.6 billion. Wall Street expected revenue of $1.78 billion.

Salt Lake City -- Sunflower Farmers Market said Tuesday that it will open a new store in Salt Lake City on March 16.

The newest location marks the organic grocery chain’s third in Utah and the 33rd store overall for Sunflower Farmers Market.

Sunflower Farmers Market will open its first California location in April.

La Vista, Neb. -- Baltimore-based The Cordish Cos. said Monday that it will develop an upscale outlet center and entertainment district in La Vista’s Southport West Development. The burgeoning Omaha suburb is already home to a Cabela’s, La Vista Conference Center and several hotels.

Hackettstown, N.J. -- Purchase, N.Y.-based National Realty & Development Corp. said that Party City has leased 15,000 sq. ft. at Mansfield Commons, located in Hackettstown, N.J.

The 283,000-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by a recently expanded Walmart and Kohl’s.

BURBANK, Calif. -- Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced that it is teaming up with a leading group of global licensees at Toy Fair in support of the Summer 2011 blockbuster film, Green Lantern, highlighted by DC Entertainment's master licensee, Mattel.  The June 17 release of Green Lantern from Warner Bros. Pictures, marks the live-action theatrical debut for the legendary comic super hero, the company reported.