News

New York City -- The Jones Group reported a net loss of $21.1 million in the quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with $40.1 million a year earlier.

Fourth-quarter revenue totaled $893.6 million, which was in line with analysts' expectations but lower than the company's earlier forecast.

NEW YORK —  Counterfeit apparel and accessories has gotten so close to the original that even the most discerning customer often can't tell the difference. And while it's one thing to purchase an item known to be an imitation of a more expensive brand, many consumers are duped into buying what they believe is a high-quality, brand-named item. This is especially true when purchasing items online, where the customer has to rely on product descriptions and images to determine an items authenticity.

New York City -- Genpact, a leader in business process and technology management, announced the transition services started in 2011 have been completed and IT Help Desk production support services are now fully operational as of Jan. 1, 2012 with Dollar General Corp.

Young America, an incentive marketing firm, has partnered with EcoRebates, a Web and mobile rebate solutions provider, to create an online tool that compiles utility energy rebates with available manufacturer or retailer-specific offers. Customers can easily find, apply and submit the incentive offers on a wide range of products.

MINNEAPOLIS — Fans of Michael Graves have one last chance to snag his signature housewares at Target, as the designer will launch his final collection for the retailer this March. 

I love some of the quotes that came out of this year’s Finance Forum, held in late January in Manhattan. The annual gathering of retail industry executives, suppliers and consultants has a reputation for lively chatter and it didn’t disappoint this year, thanks largely to J. Crew Group chairman and CEO Millard “Mickey” Drexler. The veteran — and notoriously outspoken — retailer wasn’t on the formal panel, but he had a few choice remarks to say from the audience during a question-and-answer session.

NEW YORK — The popular television talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres said she was “proud and happy” that JCPenney remained committed to her after One Million Moms asked the retailer to dump her as a spokesperson because she is gay.

The group, a division of the conservative American Family Association, warned they would boycott J.C. Penney stores if the chain did not go along with their request.

DeGeneres addressed the issue on Tuesday at the taping of her television show. The show will air on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is calling on all retail employees or business owners to show the United States that "retail means jobs." The group has launched its "This is Retail" video contest to help promote the role retail plays in the U.S. economy.

Retail employees or business owners can submit a two-minute video sharing their retail story; winners of the contest will be awarded $50,000.