Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

department stores

Aug 13, 2013

Retail sales up 0.2 percent in July

WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales edged up in July despite a drop in auto sales. A category of purchases that excludes the most volatile areas rose by the most in seven months, a sign that consumer spending could boost economic growth in coming months. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that retail sales increased 0.2 percent […]

Mar 13, 2012

Retail sales rise 1.1 percent in February

WASHINGTON — Americans stepped up spending on retail goods in February, evidence that a stronger job market is boosting the economy. Consumers bought more autos, clothes and appliances. They also paid higher prices for gas. Retail sales increased 1.1 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. It was the biggest gain since September. The […]

Nov 28, 2011

Shoppers snap up Cyber Monday deals

NEW YORK — Shoppers seem to be just as enthusiastic about shopping on their computers and smartphones on Cyber Monday as they were about finding deals over the Black Friday weekend. Online sales on Cyber Monday, which was started in 2005 by a retail trade group to encourage Americans to shop online the Monday after […]

Nov 15, 2011

Consumers hit retail stores to give economy boost

WASHINGTON — Consumers are giving a modest lift to the economy. They spent more on autos, electronics and building supplies in October to boost retail sales for the fifth straight month. The gains provide an encouraging start for the October-December quarter just as separate reports show wholesale prices are flattening and U.S. shoppers are spending […]

Nov 2, 2011

Syms and Filene’s unit seek bankruptcy protection

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Discount retailer Syms Corp. and its subsidiary Filene’s Basement have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plan to liquidate their operations. Syms acquired Filene’s Basement out of bankruptcy protection in the spring of 2009 for $62.4 million, but struggled to turn the chain around. They own and run 46 stores mostly […]

Sep 14, 2011

Retail sales flat in August, auto demand declined

WASHINGTON — Consumers spent less on autos, clothing and furniture to leave retail sales unchanged in August. The lack of growth suggests households became more cautious during wild stock market fluctuations and increased fears about the economy. The Commerce Department also said Wednesday that retail sales were slightly weaker in July than first thought. They […]

Dec 14, 2010

Retail sales rise for 5th straight month in November

WASHINGTON — Retail sales rose for a fifth straight month in November, as the biggest jump in department store sales in two years gave the holiday shopping season a strong start. The Commerce Department says retail sales increased 0.8 percent last month. That came after a 1.7 percent gain in October, which was propelled by […]

Networking Calendar

Submit an entry for the business calendar