august 2001 news   VF Imagewear Inks Major Apparel Deal with NFL; Boy's Sizes 2 - 20 Part of the Deal (Greensboro, NC) VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), announced today that its VF Imagewear division has reached an agreement in principle with the National Football League to become the exclusive supplier of certain product categories of licensed NFL apparel products in mid-tier department and mass stores. Back-To-School Shoppers Will Spend $458 This Year, Says IMRA (Arlington, VA) The typical shopper expects to spend $458 for back-to-school clothing, footwear, electronics, stationery and other supplies this year, according to the International Mass Retail Association's consumer survey August 10 - 12. In late July 2000, that figure was $315. And, this year one in eight (12%) expects to have spent more than $850 as the school bell rings in the new academic year. Hudson's Bay Company Announces Second Quarter Results (Toronto; August 30, 2001; CNW) Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) today announced results for the three-month period ending July 31, 2001. The Company recorded an operating profit of $45.6 million in the second quarter (including $6.6 million due to an accounting change for transfer of receivables), compared to $54.8 million in the same period last year. The earnings per share (after deducting net dividends for the equity-subordinated debentures) were $0.15 per share versus $0.19 per share in the same period last year. Excluding the gain from the accounting change for transfer of receivables, the earnings per share are $0.10 for the second quarter. Kmart Unveils BlueLight Brand Strategy; Reduces Prices on 30,000 Items Storewide (Detroit, MI) Building upon the successful reintroduction of the BlueLight Special, Kmart Corporation (NYSE: KM - news) today announced another component of its popular BlueLight value brand -- BlueLight Always -- aimed to ensure competitive everyday prices on those items most important to American consumers. The company is supporting this initiative with a national advertising campaign, a redesigned circular, a new in-store counter emphasizing BlueLight Always values and as of this week, the lowering of prices on more than 30,000 items. Kmart's Famous BlueLight Comes to Life in New Advertising Campaign (Detroit, MI) In support of its successful BlueLight brand, Kmart is launching a national advertising campaign to bring its legendary shopping icon to life through new animated characters called ``BlueLights.'' The ``BlueLights'' are featured in an upcoming campaign for Kmart's BlueLight Always everyday value pricing program. Through BlueLight Always, effective this week, Kmart will have lowered prices on more than 30,000 items across the store, including the products and brands consumers want and need most. Federated Announces New Bon Marche Store (Cincinnati, OH) Federated Department Stores, Inc. today announced the construction of a new Bon Marche store at the Redmond Town Center in Redmond, WA. The Redmond Town Center is an outdoor shopping center with a unique mix of retailers, restaurants, services and entertainment. Job Losses Cause Drop in Consumer Confidence (New York, NY)The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which declined last month, dipped again in August. The Index now stands at 114.3 (1985=100), down from 116.3 in July. The Present Situation Index fell from 151.3 to 145.8. The Expectations Index, however, rose from 92.9 to 93.3. Barneys New York Reports Operating Results for the Second Quarter and Six Months Ended August 4, 2001; Net Sales Declined 1.1%; Comparable Store Sales Decreased 0.9% (New York, NY) Barneys New York, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: BNNY) today announced results for the second quarter and six months ended August 4, 2001. Report Shows that Back-To-School Spending Reached $30 Billion in 2000; Average Household Spent $152.60 on Back-To-School Supplies (Dayton, OH) Spending on pencils, binders, notebooks, and other school products reached $30 billion last year according to the State of the Industry Report recently released by the School, Home, and Office Product Association (SHOPA).  Ames Announces Second Quarter Results (Rocky Hill, CT) Ames Department Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMESQ) today announced its results for the second quarter, which ended August 4, 2001. Mastercard.com Survey Shows Back-to-School Shoppers Need Multiple Trips to Complete Shopping (Purchase, NY) According to a MasterCard.com back-to-school survey, while many shoppers will start buying their school gear weeks before the first bell rings, their back-to-school shopping may not end on Labor Day-and many won't even make it to the mall. In fact, while forty-nine percent of the respondents say they will start their back-to-school shopping at least three weeks prior to school, starting early does not necessarily mean finishing early: July GAF Sales Gain Gives Retailers Hope for Strong Third Quarter Finish, According to NRF (Washington, DC) The weather was hotter, and so were the summer clearance sales, as consumers picked up their spending on general merchandise and clothing in July.  The National Retail Federation (NRF), responding to figures released today by the Census Bureau, noted that although overall retail sales were flat from June, stepped up activity in the GAF category (general merchandise, apparel, furniture, home furnishings, electronics and appliance stores) should give retailers reason to look forward to the back-to-school shopping and Fall season.   The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Results; Same-Store Sales Decreased 4.6% (York, PA) The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: BONT) today reported results for the second quarter ended August 4, 2001. Kmart Reports Second Quarter 2001 Results; Same-Store Sales Increased 1% (Detroit, MI) Kmart Corporation (NYSE: KM) announces today that for the 13-week quarter ended August 1, 2001, net sales were $8.917 billion, a decrease of 0.9% from $8.998 billion for the 13-week period ended July 26, 2000. As previously reported, same-store sales increased 1.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2001. The company reported a net loss of $95 million, or $0.19 per share versus net loss of $448 million, or $0.93 per share, for the 13-week period ended July 26, 2000. Excluding the charge for BlueLight.com, the company's net loss was $22 million, or $0.04 per share for the second quarter of 2001. Gottschalks Reports Financial Results for Second Quarter Fiscal 2001; Same-Store Sales Flat (Fresno, CA) Gottschalks Inc. (NYSE: GOT ) today reported financial results for its second quarter ended August 4, 2001. The net loss for the quarter, excluding non-recurring charges related to costs associated with the closure of stores and the Company's third-party distribution center, was $2.4 million, or $0.19 per share. This compares to net income, excluding non-recurring charges, of $602,000, or $0.05 per share in the second quarter last year. Including the non-recurring charges the net loss for the quarter was $2.8 million, or $0.22 per share, compared to net income of $11,000 or $0.00 per share in the second quarter last year. Jacobson's Announces Second Quarter Results; Same-Store Sales Decreased 6.3% (Jackson, MI) Jacobson Stores Inc. (Nasdaq: JCBS) today reported a net loss for the second quarter ended August 4, 2001, before non-recurring items, of $11,793,000, or $2.04 per share, compared to a net loss of $4,364,000, or 75 cents per share, for the same period a year ago. Including non-recurring items, the Company reported a net loss of $14,271,000, or $2.47 per share for the second quarter ended August 4, 2001. Company-wide and comparable sales in the quarter totaled $87,974,000, down 6.3 percent compared to $93,871,000 last year. Esprit de Corp. Names New President of Esprit Apparel (San Francisco, CA) Mr. Bill Lampl has been named President of Esprit Apparel, a division of the San Francisco-based Esprit de Corp., effective October 1, 2001. In addition to his new position, Mr. Lampl will continue to be responsible for licensing Esprit brands. Elder-Beerman Reports Second Quarter 2001 Operating Results; Same-Store Sales Decreased 2.3% (Dayton, OH) The Elder-Beerman Stores Corp. (Nasdaq:EBSC) reported a net loss of $3.6 million for the second quarter ended August 4, 2001, versus a $4.0 million net loss in the same period in 2000. Mervyn's and Warner Bros. Consumer Products Partner for a "Frosty" Holiday Season; Agreement is First of Its Kind with a Major Retailer (Hayward, CA) Mervyn's and Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced today a partnership regarding the holiday icon ``Frosty the Snowman,'' created from the popular animated television special. Sears Unveils New Brand Marketing Campaign (Hoffman Estates, IL) Sears, Roebuck and Co. (NYSE: S) wants customers to discover all that it has to offer, through a new integrated marketing campaign launching on Thursday, September 6. Gymboree Reports Second-Quarter Results; Same-Store Sales Increase 20% (Burlingame, CA) The Gymboree Corporation (Nasdaq: GYMB) today reported a net loss of $(7.3) million or $(0.26) per share for the second fiscal quarter ended August 4, 2001. In 2000, Gymboree reported a net loss of $(17.1) million or $(0.64) per share for the second quarter. Talbots Announces Second Quarter Earnings; Profits Up 22%; Same-Store Sales Increase 2.1% (Hingham, MA) The Talbots, Inc. (NYSE: TLB) today announced results for the second quarter ended August 4, 2001. Net income was $17.8 million compared to $14.6 million last year. Earnings per diluted share for the quarter were $0.28, an increase of 22% over the $0.23 in the same period last year. Total Company net sales rose 6% to $384.3 million from $361.2 million last year. Retail store sales were $334.5 million, a 7% increase over the $311.4 million in the second quarter last year. Included in retail sales was an increase of 1.8% in comparable store sales. Catalog sales were even with last year at $49.8 million for the fiscal quarter. Goody's Family Clothing Reports Second Quarter Results; Same-Store Sales Decreased 10.4% (Knoxville, TN) Goody's Family Clothing, Inc. (Nasdaq/NM:GDYS) today reported a net loss of $11.1 million or ($0.34) per share for the thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2001, compared with a net loss of $3.5 million or ($0.11) per share for the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2000. Sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2001 decreased 2.9% to $286.9 million compared with $295.5 million during the same period last year. Comparable store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2001 decreased 10.4% from the same period in the prior year. Toys "R" Us Reports Second Quarter 2001 Results; Babies "R" Same-Store Sales Increased 1%; Kids "R" Us Same-Store Sales Decrease Reported To Be in the Low Double-Digits (Paramus, NJ) Toys ``R'' Us, Inc. announced today results for its second quarter and six months ended August 4, 2001. Target Corp. Second Quarter Earnings Per Share 30 Cents; Marshall Field's and Mervyn's Same-Store Sales Decreased 6.6% and 1.1%, Respectively (Minneapolis, MN) Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) today reported earnings per share for the second quarter ended August 4, 2001 of 30 cents, compared with 28 cents in the second quarter ended July 29, 2000. All earnings per share figures refer to diluted earnings per share. Second quarter net earnings were $271 million, compared with $258 million in 2000. Elder-Beerman Chairman, President and CEO Fredrick J. Mershad to Retire (Dayton, OH) Elder-Beerman Stores Corp. (Nasdaq:EBSC) chairman, president and chief executive officer, Fredrick J. Mershad, notified the company's Board of Directors of his intention to retire effective December 31, 2001. The Executive Committee of the corporation's Board of Directors has commenced a process to select a successor. Mr. Mershad will assist in the search process.   Online Shoppers Reach for Bargains, Reports the July eCommerce Index from NextCard (San Francisco, CA) Reflecting the traditional retail environment, value and discount shopping outlets attracted online buyers in the month of July, revealed the eCommerce Index(SM), from NextCard® (Nasdaq:NXCD - news). The eCommerce Index(SM) is the premier metric of monthly online consumer spending and is the only resource that reflects actual consumer e-commerce spending based on online credit card transactions.   Saks Inc. Reports Operating Results for the Second Quarter and the Six Months Ended August 4, 2001; Same-Store Sales Decline 6.8% (Birmingham, AL) Retailer Saks Incorporated (NYSE:SKS) (the "Company") today announced operating results for the second quarter and six months ended August 4, 2001. Ames Announces 47 Store Closings (Rocky Hill, CT) Ames Department Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMES) announced today that it will close 47 store locations. Nordstrom Reports Second Quarter 2001 Sales; Comp Sales Increase 0.6% (Seattle, WA) Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) today reported net earnings of $38.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the second quarter of its 2001 fiscal year, in line with both company guidance and consensus estimates. For the second quarter of 2000, net earnings and earnings per share were $45.4 million and $0.35, respectively. Last year's second quarter earnings included an impairment charge of $10.5 million (pre-tax) related to the write-down of the Company's 1998 investment in Streamline, Inc., which reduced earnings for that quarter $0.05 per share. The Company's sales and selling, general and administrative expense performance improved for the second quarter ending July 31, 2001. However, these improvements were more than offset by above-plan markdowns relating to the clearance of excess inventory. Gap Inc. Reports Second Quarter Sales Up 10%; Same-Store Sales Down 9% (San Francisco, CA) Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today announced sales and earnings for the second quarter which ended August 4, 2001. Second quarter diluted earnings per share, excluding charges for workforce reductions and changes, decreased 43 percent to $0.12, compared to $0.21 the prior year. Including the charge, diluted earnings per share for the quarter was $0.10, a decrease of 52 percent from last year. The Children's Place Reports Second Quarter Sales; Same-Store Sales Decreased 16% (Secaucus, NJ) The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLCE - news) today reported results for the second quarter ended August 4, 2001.  Kids "R" Us Presents a Nationwide Fashion Extravaganza; Great Back-to-School Looks Everyone Will Love  (Paramus, NJ) Kids fashion trends -- that back-to-school shoppers can't live without -- will hit the stage on Saturday, August 18th at 10 a.m at Kids ``R'' Us stores nationwide. The fashion show extravaganza will feature local Kids ``R'' Us supermodel contest winners wearing the hottest styles for back-to-school. Saturday's fashion show will feature the latest trend and designs, all at great values. Do You Know a Kids Hero? Sears Wants To Know (Hoffman Estates, IL) Many people think that heroes have to be 6'4" and strong -- or at least they have to wear colorful tights. Sears has a different idea of what a hero is. This week, Sears is launching its 2001 Sears KidHero Program. Federated Reports Second Quarter E.P.S. of 43 Cents; Comp Sales Down 4.8% (Cincinnati, OH) Federated Department Stores, Inc. (NYSE:FD; PCX:FD) today reported net income of $110 million for the second quarter of 2001, an increase of 72 percent over net income of $63 million for the same period last year. Kohl's Launches E-Commerce Site To Offer Customers More Ways To Shop for Thousands of Items in Key Merchandise Categories (Menomonee Falls, WI) Just in time for the back-to-school season, Kohl's Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) has launched Kohls.com, an e-commerce Website that complements the company's in-store commitment to brands, value and convenience. Stein Mart Announces Management Succession (Jacksonville, FL) Jay Stein, chairman and chief executive officer of Stein Mart, Inc. {Nasdaq: SMRT} today announced the promotion of John H. ``Jack'' Williams, Jr. to the position of vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, effective September 1, 2001. Mr. Stein, whose family founded the Company in 1908, has been chairman and chief executive officer since 1989, and will continue as chairman of the board. Mr. Williams joined Stein Mart in 1980, and has been president and chief operating officer since his appointment in 1990. JCPenney Second Quarter Results Meet Expectations; Department Stores Same-Store Sales Increase 2.3% (Plano, TX) J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) today reported that, before the effects of non-comparable items, the Company had a loss from continuing operations of $0.20 per share in the second quarter. This compares with a loss of $0.15 per share in last year's period. Including the effects of non-comparable items, the Company recorded losses from continuing operations of $0.23 and $0.10 per share in the respective second quarters. The TJX Companies Reports Fiscal 2002 Second Quarter Results; Same-Store Sales Increase 2% (Framingham, MA) The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TJX - news), the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide, today announced results for its second quarter ended July 28, 2001. Net income was $112 million and diluted earnings per share were $.40 versus last year's $114 million, or $.39 per share. Net sales for the second quarter increased 10% to $2.5 billion, with consolidated comparable store sales up 2%. Disney is California's Strongest Corporate Brand (Stamford, CT) Business executives in a national survey rate The Walt Disney Company as the strongest corporate brand of California-based companies, according to Corporate Branding, LLC, a global brand strategy and communications firm.   Kmart and Joe Boxer Announce Long-Term Exclusive Partnership; Children's Apparel Part of the Deal (Detroit, MI) Kmart Corporation and JOE BOXER®, a wholly owned division of Windsong/Allegiance Apparel Group, today announced a long-term exclusive agreement that will bring JOE BOXER merchandise to Kmart's 2,100 retail outlets across the country. The announcement was made at the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) by Kmart Chairman and CEO Chuck Conaway, JOE BOXER CEO Bill Sweedler and JOE BOXER founder and Chief Underpants Officer Nicholas Graham. Specialty Chains Hone Concepts To Defend Market Turf, Says Latest Triversity Top 100 Specialty Store Ranking (Washington, DC) The nation's top specialty stores are striving to strengthen their grip on hard-fought market niches to compete against a growing threat from mass merchants.  The Triversity Top 100 Specialty Stores ranking, based on an annual survey and published this month in STORES magazine, highlights the diverse strategies these retailers employ to strengthen their position in the specialty market. The May Department Stores Company Reports Results for the Second Quarter and First Six Months of Fiscal 2001; Second Quarter Same-Store Sales Down 3.1% (St. Louis, MO) The May Department Stores Company (NYSE: MAY) today announced earnings per share, net earnings and sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2001. Lands' End Reports Strong Improvements in Second Quarter Earnings; Sales Up 6%; Kids Shows Growth (Dodgeville, WI) Lands' End, Inc. (NYSE: LE - news), the direct merchant of classically styled apparel and home furnishings, today reported results for its second quarter of fiscal 2002, ended July 27, 2001.  Gymboree Reports July Sales; Comp Store Sales Increase 19% (Burlingame, CA) The Gymboree Corporation (Nasdaq:GYMB) reported sales for the four-week period ended August 4, 2001, of $30.2 million, an increase of 8% from sales of $28.1 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales for the four-week period increased 19% compared to the same period last year. ShopKo Reports July Retail Sales; Comp Store Sales Increase 0.2% (Green Bay, WI) ShopKo Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SKO) today reported consolidated sales for the four-week period ended August 4, 2001 decreased 1.9 percent to $237.5 million from $242.1 million during the same period last year. Excluding sales from the ShopKo division stores closed during the first quarter of 2001, consolidated sales for the four-week period ended August 4, 2001 increased 4.1 percent to $237.5 million from $228.1 million during the same period last year.   Ames Reports July Comp Sales Down 7.7% (Rocky Hill, CT) Ames Department Stores, Inc., (NASDAQ: AMES) today announced that net sales for the four-week period ended August 4, 2001 were $221.0 million, compared with net sales of $242.7 million in the year earlier period, a decrease of 8.9 percent. Goody's Family Clothing Announces July Sales; Same-Store Sales Decreased 9.4% (Knoxville, TN) Goody's Family Clothing, Inc. (Nasdaq/NM:GDYS) today reported sales for the fiscal month of July 2001 of $93.3 million, an increase of 8.4% over July 2000 sales of $86.1 million. Comparable store sales for July 2001 decreased 9.4% from July 2000. Sales for the second quarter ended August 4, 2001, decreased 2.9% to $286.9 from $295.5 million for the second quarter ended July 29, 2000. Comparable store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2001 decreased 10.4% from the same period in the prior year. Sales for the six months ended August 4, 2001, decreased 4.1% to $550.1 million from $573.8 million during the same period last year. Comparable store sales for the first six months of fiscal 2001 decreased 11.5% from the same period in the prior year.    Gottschalks Announces July Sales; Same-Store Sales Flat (Fresno, CA) Gottschalks Inc. (NYSE: GOT ) today announced that its sales for July 2001 increased 21.9% to $45.3 million from $37.2 million in July 2000. Same store sales for the month were even with the prior year. For the thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2001, total sales increased 22.2% to $158.7 million from $129.9 million in the prior year and same store sales were even with the prior year. For the year-to-date period, total sales increased 25.7% to $315.9 million from $251.3 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date same store sales increased by 2.0%. Saks Inc. Announces July and Second Quarter Sales and Gives Outlook for Second Quarter Operating Results; July Same-Store Sales Down 6%; July Children's Apparel Sales in Department Store Group Show Increase (Birmingham, AL) Retailer Saks Incorporated (NYSE: SKS - news; the ``Company'') today announced sales for the four weeks and quarter ended August 4, 2001. Sales below are in millions and represent sales from owned departments only. Dillard's, Inc. Reports July Sales Results; Comp Sales Increase 7% (Little Rock, AR) Dillard's, Inc. (NYSE:DDS ``Dillard's'' or the ``Company'') announced today that sales for the four weeks ended August 4, 2001 were $571,842,000 comparing to last year's July sales of $533,832,000. Sales increased 7% on both a total and comparable store basis for the period. The Company notes that the sales tax holidays in Texas, Florida and South Carolina occurred in the fiscal month of July in 2001 and in August of 2000. Management estimates the positive impact of this sales tax holiday shift for the four-week period ended August 4, 2001 to be approximately 4% on a comparable store basis. Dillard's operates 62 stores in Texas, 44 stores in Florida and nine stores in South Carolina. Gerber Childrenswear Announces Second Quarter Results; Softened Consumer Demand Cited for Decrease in Sales (New York, NY; Business Wire; August 10, 2001) Gerber Childrenswear, Inc. (NYSE:GCW) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2001. Talbots July Comp Store Sales Above Expectations, Increasing 7.4% (Hingham, MA) The Talbots, Inc. (NYSE) today announced that total Company sales for fiscal July, the four weeks ended August 4, 2001, increased 13% to $106.6 million from $94.6 million for the four weeks ended August 5, 2000. Comparable store sales increased 7.4% for the month, above Company expectations. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Announces July Sales; Comp Store Sales Decreased 2.7%; Children's Posted Increase (York, PA) The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: BONT ) today announced sales for the four weeks ended August 4, 2001 decreased 1.7% to $41.4 million versus $42.1 million reported in the same period last year. Comparable store sales decreased 2.7%. The Children's Place Reports Reports July Sales; Same-Store Sales Decreased 17%; Company Opens 21 New Stores (Secaucus, NJ) The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCE) today announced sales of $36.6 million for the four-week period ended August 4, 2001, a 14% increase over sales of $32.2 million reported for July 2000. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Reports July Sales; Wal-Mart Division's Same-Store Sales Increase 6.3% (Bentonville, AR) Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT ) reported net sales for the four-week period ending August 3, 2001 of $16.023 billion, an increase of 13.9 percent over the $14.063 billion in the similar period in the prior year. Sales for the twenty-six week period were $102.794 billion, an increase of 13.0 percent over the $90.950 billion in the similar period in the prior year. JCPenney Reports Positive July Comparable Store Sales; Department Stores Increase 2.2% (Plano, TX) J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) today announced that comparable Department store sales were above plan and increased 2.2 percent for the four weeks ended July 28, 2001. Sales were very strong during the first half of the month and were driven by planned promotions and clearance events. The best performing merchandise categories for the month were home furnishings, women's apparel and women's accessories.    Kmart Corp. Reports July Same Store Sales Increased 3.4% (Detroit, MI) Kmart Corporation (NYSE: KM) today reported that for the four-week period ended August 1, 2001 net sales increased 3.4% on a same-store basis. Total net sales were $2.540 billion, an increase of 2.0% from $2.490 billion for the same period last year.   Elder-Beerman Reports July and Second Quarter Sales; July Comp Store Sales Decrease 4.3%; Children's Is a Better Performing Business (Dayton, OH) Sales for The Elder-Beerman Stores Corp. (Nasdaq:EBSC) were $34.8 million for the four-week period ended August 4, 2001, a total sales decrease of 0.6 percent versus the four week period ended July 29, 2000. Comparable store sales decreased 4.3 percent compared to the same period last year. The best performing businesses in July were juniors' sportswear, children's and furniture. Federated July Comp Sales Down 4.2% (Cincinnati, OH) Federated Department Stores, Inc. today reported total sales of $1.087 billion for the four weeks ended August 4, 2001. This is a decrease of 6.4 percent from total sales of $1.161 billion for the same period last year, in part reflecting the strategic downsizing of Fingerhut and the closing of the Stern's division. On a comp-store basis, Federated's July sales were down 4.2 percent. Sears July Comp Store Sales Decrease 3% (Hoffman Estates, IL) Sears, Roebuck and Co. today announced total domestic store revenues for the four weeks ending August 4, 2001 were $2.0 billion, a 2.5 percent decrease compared to the four weeks ending August 5, 2000. Comparable domestic store revenues decreased 3.0 percent.  The TJX Companies Reports July 2001 Sales; Comp Store Sales Increase 5%; Children's Apparel Sales Show Strength (Framingham, MA) The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX - news) today reported July 2001 sales results. Sales for the four week period ended August 4, 2001 were $745 million, up 13% over $659 million achieved during the same four week period ended August 5, 2000. For the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2001, sales reached $4,812 million, an increase of 9% over last year's $4,410 million. Consolidated comparable store sales for the four week period ended August 4, 2001 were up 5% over last year. For the 13 week second quarter, comparable store sales increased 2% over last year. For the 26 week fiscal year-to-date period, consolidated comparable store sales increased 1% over last year. Gap Inc. Reports July Sales Up 5%; Same-Store Sales Down 12% (San Francisco, CA) Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today reported sales of $948 million for the four-week period ended August 4, 2001, an increase of 5 percent over sales of $900 million for the four-week period ended August 5, 2000. The company's comparable store sales for July 2001 were down 12 percent, compared to a 1 percent decrease in July 2000. Kohl's Corp. Reports July 2001 Sales; Comp Store Sales Increase 14.3% (Menomonee Falls, WI) Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS - news) reported today that sales for the four week period ended August 4, 2001, increased 31.0% over the four week period ended July 29, 2000. On a comparable store basis, sales increased 14.3%. Target Corp. July Sales Up 11.7%; Same-Store Sales Up 4.6% (Minneapolis, MN) Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) today reported that its net retail sales for the four weeks ended August 4, 2001 increased 11.7 percent to $2.743 billion from $2.456 billion for the four-week period ended July 29, 2000. Comparable-store sales increased 4.6 percent from July 2000. The May Department Stores Company Reports Sales Increase of 4% for July; Comp Store Sales Down 1.3% (St. Louis, MO) The May Department Stores Company (NYSE: MAY) reported preliminary net retail sales (sales) of $874.0 million for the four-week period ended Aug. 4, 2001, a 4.0% increase from $840.6 million in the similar period last year. Store-for-store sales decreased 1.3%. July Same-Store Sales Mixed, IMRA Reports; Mass Retailers Optimistic Back-To-School Shoppers Will Increase Sales in August (Arlington, VA) Tax rebate checks and tax-free shopping weeks offer cost-conscious consumers relief while doing their back-to-school shopping. Mass retailers are optimistic, as most back-to-school shoppers plan to shop during the first two weeks of August. Comparable chain store sales rose 3.5 percent over July 2000* -- compared with 2.8 percent in June. Discount stores and dollar stores generally did better than the average, posting moderate positive gains. The Timberland Company Outlines Initiatives to Build U.S. Men's Apparel Business; Set to Launch Children's Line in Fall 2002 (Stratham, NH) As part of its plan to enhance its presence in the U.S. apparel business and build a world leading head-to-toe outdoor lifestyle brand, The Timberland Company today unveiled its spring 2002 product line and launched its largest global advertising campaign ever. The Company's strategy is to activate a powerful combination of product, merchandising and year-round marketing support that will help take Timberland's apparel business to the next level. Federated to Supply Private Brand Merchandise to Department Stores in Australia, South America; Children's Wear Is Part of Deal (Cincinnati, OH) Federated Department Stores, Inc., today announced its New York-based Federated Merchandising Group (FMG) division has signed agreements to supply leading department stores in Australia, Chile and Peru with the company's well-known private brand merchandise. Sears Canada Comparable Store Sales Increase 1.2% in July (Toronto) Sears Canada (TSE - SCC) today released July revenues. Total revenues for the four week period ending July 28, 2001 increased 8.4% to $485.9 million from $448.3 million for the same period last year. Merchandise sales increased 8.4% in the month. Same store sales increased 1.2 %. Target Takes Manhattan--An Inside Look at Life and Style for Real People (Minneapolis, MN) Target takes Manhattan -- with the Target Town House! A 6,000-square-foot Tribeca townhouse, located at 452 Greenwich Street, will be styled with Target merchandise from top to bottom. In each room, Target will preview the best of home, fashion and beauty. To celebrate the debut of this amazing space, a virtual tour of the townhouse will be available online at target.com. Visitors will be encouraged to peruse, play and purchase the hundreds of items displayed throughout the entire house. Sweet Potatoes Gets New Sales Manager (Berkeley, CA) Sweet Potatoes, Inc. has hired Sylver Corkins as Sales Manager. Sylver has most recently been employed as Regional Sales Manager for Unionbay Girls, and brings a strong kids business history as National Sales Manager for Esprit Girls, President of Iya and Regional Sales Manager for Eagle Eye Kids. Sweet Potatoes Get New Designer, Karen Johnson (Berkeley, CA) Sweet Potatoes has hired Karen Johnson to be design director of its Two Turtle Doves Collection and its new 4-16 girls line--Totally Trixie. She will also spear head the creation of an older girls collection for Marimekko, according to Josie Jurczenia, president and design director of the company. Sweet Potatoes Announces a New Division--"Totally Trixie" (Berkeley, CA) Sweet Potatoes, Inc. proudly announces our new division, "Totally Trixie." Taking on a whole new direction, Totally Trixie features modern styling for the fashion-forward Tween market. Sweet Potatoes Announces a New Marimekko Line (Berkeley, CA) Sweet Potatoes, Inc. proudly presents the addition of a new Marimekko line for older girls. Incorporating the bold designs of the Finnish design company, the collection features current silhouettes that girls 4-16 are sure to love! Nordstrom Reports July 2001 Sales; Comp Sales Increase 1.8% (Seattle, WA) Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN - news) today reported preliminary sales of $577.4 million for the month of July 2001, an increase of 7.5 percent compared to sales of $536.9 million for the month of July 2000. Same-store sales increased 1.8 percent. Mervyn's to Host 9th Annual ChildSpree for 20,000 Kids Across the Country; Local Children Get Free Back-To-School Clothes from Neighborhood Mervyn's Stores (Hayward, CA;) Mervyn's ninth annual ChildSpree event will be held August 11, 2001, when the company will host more than 20,000 economically disadvantaged kids from local nonprofit organizations, elementary schools and youth assistance organizations in all its 265 stores nationwide. Southern California Consumers Optimisitic About Economy: Plan to Spend the Same or More on Back-to-School Shopping, Deloitte & Touche Study Finds; San Diego Shoppers to Spend Slightly Less Than Region Overall (San Diego, CA) Southern California consumers are optimistic about the economy's future, and will be demonstrating that enthusiasm by spending at least the same amount or more this year on back-to-school shopping versus last year, according to the ``2001 Back-to-School Shopping Outlook Survey -- Southern California,'' a study released today by Deloitte & Touche LLP. Over half (59%) of the families with school-age children surveyed plan to spend $200 or more per child on back-to-school clothing, which most (87%) say is about the same or more than they spent in 2000. The majority of the respondents (70%) expect the economy to stay the same or improve in the next 12 months. The Neiman Marcus Group Reports July Revenues; Comp Sales Down 3.4% (Chestnut Hill, MA; August 2, 2001) The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. (NYSE: NMG.A, NMG.B) announced the following preliminary company-wide revenues: Elder-Beerman Update: Children's a Downtrending Business (Dayton, OH) Elder-Beerman is positioned to weather a weak economic cycle through implementation and execution of its three-part strategic plan. The current economy has had a negative impact on sales. But strategic plan expense initiatives will offset some of the impact to the bottom line. The company expects to achieve its annual earnings projections of 15% improvement in net income over 2000 normalized results.