Sales & Marketing

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Label-lovers aside, designer shoes -- even discounted designer shoes -- are considered discretionary items by most consumers, and the fact that DSW had such a strong quarter is indeed a good sign that the middle-income consumer is feeling more confident about her economic situation.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma announced that net revenues for fourth quarter 2010 increased 9.7% to $1.195 billion versus $1.09 billion in fourth quarter 2010, including Internet net revenue growth of 27.2% and a comparable-store sales increase of 5.2%.

Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis were $1.05 for the quarter, compared with 81 cents for the same period last year.

Los Angeles – Guess announced Tuesday that ex-Sephora chief Jacques Levy has joined Guess as founder's advisor.

In this role, Levy will collaborate with Guess CEO Paul Marciano to develop key marketing and customer relationship management strategies worldwide.

Levy stepped down last week from his position as CEO and president of Sephora Worldwide.

WASHINGTON -- The National Retail Federation said legislation introduced today to delay swipe fee reform scheduled to go into effect this summer would block retailers from giving discounts to consumers who use debit cards and would cost merchants and the public more than $1 billion per month.

It promises to be a fashion forward spring at Target as this week began a first-of-its-kind designer event online and in stores. The company is celebrating five years of its GO International program by offering a collection of 34 dresses from 17 designers who participated in the program in the past. Ranging from $24.99 to $44.99, the GO International Designer Collective will be available March 13 through April 10.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar today showed why dollar stores are such a hot commodity right now by reporting a comparable-store sales increase of 5.1% for the second quarter ended Feb. 26. Net sales for the quarter increased 8.3% to $2.26 billion, from $2.09 billion last year. According to the company warmer weathr earlier in the year as well as strong performance in its consumable and seasonal categories helped drive sales.

CHICAGO -- The Network of Executive Women,  the consumer products and retail industry’s largest diversity organization, has announced leadership changes. Joan Toth has been named president and CEO of the Network of Executive Wome. She has held the title of executive director since shortly after the Network was founded in 2001.

The Network’s top elected official--Michelle Gloeckler, SVP merchandising execution at Walmart Stores--has been named Network chair. She had previously served has president

New York City -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index, released Monday, rose in February, driven primarily by the slight improvements in real home prices and initial jobless claims, according to the company.

The Index attempts to track consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.