News

New York - U.S. retail sales fell 0.4% in March, the biggest decrease in nine months, amid a slowdown in hiring and higher taxes. Excluding sales of autos, gas and building materials, core sales dropped 0.2% in March, following a 0.3% increase in January.

A rededication to the basics business has Walmart’s apparel business heading in the right direction and next week, Andy Barron, EVP of softlines, will elaborate on the turnaround and winning with the Walmart customer.

Walmart has teamed with Rogers Media to create a new print and digital property called Walmart Live Better that will be distributed for free in Canada.

One million copies of the magazine hit the market this week and the content is also available in a variety of digital formats.

Walmart marketing executives shared new insights on the company’s price comparison advertising campaign and other outreach efforts this week during a presentation at the 12th annual Shopper Marketing Summit.

Clint McClain, senior director of marketing communications platforms, and Ken Mantel, senior director of marketing, shared the stage during a presentation that shed light on how to work with Walmart on select marketing initiatives in a media landscape that is being rapidly transformed by digital alternatives.

LOS ANGELES — Guess has appointed Hillary Super as SVP, general merchandise manager for, reporting to Paul Marciano, co-founder and CEO.

"We are delighted to have a leader like Hillary at Guess.  She understands the Guess brand and values, and will lead a team of talented merchants," said Paul Marciano. "Her relentless focus on brand integrity, execution, and on the customers has allowed her to grow great businesses, and her accomplishments as a leader are exemplary."

NEW YORK — New York State Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Oing on Thursday refused to dismiss Macy's Inc's claim that Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia violated its contract when it designed certain merchandise for J.C. Penney Co., regardless of whether the items carry the Martha Stewart brand.

NEW YORK — Banana Republic has teamed up with designer Issa London to launch the Banana Republic Issa London Collection – a limited-edition capsule inspired by the safari roots of Banana Republic's heritage and the spirit of an exotic journey. The capsule collection launches exclusively at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online Aug. 6.

NEW YORK — JCPenney is turning to Blackstone Group to help raise cash and better position itself financially, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The company is reportedly seeking $1 billion in cash, according to the Wall Street Journal, which added that options could include selling a minority stake. Penney already has been in contact with several private equity firms about a potential investment, according to the report.  

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has accepted for purchase $760.7 million worth of debt as part of a $1.1 billion debt-refinancing plan announced last month, the mass merchandiser said.

The company announced plans in mid-March to purchase up to more than $1.1 billion worth of debt securities and will pay close to the full amount for those accepted for purchase.

The offer to purchase the debt from the people holding it expired Wednesday night at 11:59, the company said.

NEW YORK — U.S. retail sales fell 0.4% in March, the biggest decrease in nine months, amid a slowdown in hiring and higher taxes. Excluding sales of autos, gas and building materials, core sales dropped 0.2% in March, following a 0.3% increase in January.