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BELLEVUE, Wash. — Eddie Bauer first ascent guide Melissa Arnot summited Mt. Everest for the fifth time, the most of any woman in history. Arnot's celebratory summit falls only weeks after the 50th anniversary of the 1963 expedition outfitted by Eddie Bauer that marked the first American summit of the mountain by Jim Whittaker and his Sherpa partner, Nawang Gombu, and later by Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld via the West Ridge.

New York -- Rue21 shareholder Apax Partners will acquire the teen apparel retailer in a deal valued at about $1.1 billion. The private equity firm, which has a 30% stake in rue21, also owns Cole Haan and Takko Fashion as part of its retail portfolio.

Rue21 said it has set up a special committee of independent directors to solicit and evaluate higher bids during a 40-day go-shop period.

 

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Five Sam’s Club locations in Central Oklahoma are temporarily waiving membership requirements to support residents and communities affected by the tornadoes that ravaged the area May 20. 

The clubs also established free power stations so members of the community without power could recharge their mobile devices, laptop computers and other electronic devices.

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New York – Ralph Lauren Corporation reported increases in sales and net income during both fourth quarter and the full year of fiscal 2013. Quarterly retail sales rose 7% from $752 million to $804 million, while annual retail sales rose 6% from $3.4 billion to $3.6 billion. Ralph Lauren attributed both the fourth quarter and full year retail sales improvement to incremental contribution from new stores and e-commerce operations, as well as consolidated comparable store sales growth of 3%.

IRVING, Texas — Michaels reported net sales of $993 million for the first quarter ended May 4, an increase of 1.5% from $978 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. 

Although same-store sales decreased 0.7% due to a 3% decrease in transactions, it was offset by a positive 1.7% impact from a higher average ticket and a positive 0.6% impact in deferred custom framing revenue. Michaels experienced its strongest sales increases for the quarter in custom framing and yarn.

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YORK, Pa. — Inclement weather was not enough to hold back Bon-Ton’s first quarter results for the period ended May 4. 

The company saw same-store sales increase 1.2% compared with the first quarter of the year prior. Total sales for the quarter were $647 million, a 1% increase from $641 million for the first quarter last year.