News

New York City -- Borders Group will close another 28 superstore locations in addition to the 200 locations it is already shutting down as part of its reorganization under bankruptcy protection.

The closings are expected to occur by the end of April and include stores in Hollywood, Calif., and Stamford, Conn.

"We reached the determination about these stores after a further review of their ongoing economic viability," Borders spokeswoman Mary Davis said in a statement.

By Martin Brewer, [email protected]

WEST CHESTER, Pa. -- St. Patrick's Day is here, and QVC is celebrating with 24 hours of Irish programming that will feature an extensive assortment of authentic Irish goods, many of which were created especially for QVC.

During the event, which began at 12 a.m. EST March 17, QVC will offer jewelery, fashion, home decor and othe products from Ireland-based brands. The world-renowned singing group Celtic Thunder is also scheduled to perform several times throughout the broadcast, the company reported.  

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe's announced that it will donate $1 million to support the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief effort that is assisting victims in Japan. The company said that customers who want to help Lowe's support Japan relief efforts can do so by making a donation on Lowes.com and Lowe’s Canada website, Lowes.ca. Money donated will go to the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Ross Stores has emerged as one of those value retailers that has shined during the recent economic downturn. The company once again reported strong earnings and sales growth for the fourth quarter and fiscal year, showing that while the economy may be improving, value remains an important concern for consumers.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Hasbro announced that it has appointed Margie Chan-Yip to serve as VP global publishing. In her new role, Chan-Yip will be responsible for creating new and innovative ways to bring Hasbro brand stories to consumers worldwide, from traditional print to e-book formats.

NEW YORK – Leigh Anne Brodsky, president Nickelodeon Consumer Products has been selected for induction into the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) Licensing Industry Hall of Fame. Brodsky joins a select list of only 36 inductees—including Charles Schulz and Jim Davis, both of whom she worked with earlier in her career—since LIMA began recognizing these giants in 1985. 

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., and BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- The upcoming live action/CG-animated film Hopeasily lends itself to a variety of Easter-based retailing opportunities, and Walmart is getting in on the action with the announcement of a partnership with Universal Pictures that will include in-store events and excluisive licensed products.

COLUMBUS, Ohio  -- Victoria's Secret announced that it has expanded its partnership with Major League Baseball Properties to include 12 new teams for its line of co-branded (VS) PINK merchandise. The spring 2011 collection will feature the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals.

NEW YORK  -- Macy's announced the launch of "Martha Stewart Collection by Serta," a mattress line available exclusively at Macy's.