•  The TJX Companies Reports Fiscal 2002 Year-End Results

  (Framingham, MA) The TJX Companies, Inc., the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide, today announced sales and earnings results for the fiscal year and fourth quarter ended January 26, 2002. Net sales for fiscal 2002 reached $10.7 billion, up 12% over the previous year and consolidated comparable store sales increased 3%.

• Brown Shoe Reports Fiscal 2001 and 4th Quarter Results; Children's Business Reports Sales Increased

  (St. Louis) Brown Shoe Company, Inc. today announced sales, earnings, and earnings per share for its 52-week fiscal year and 13-week fourth quarter, ended February 2, 2002.

• Gymboree Announces Management Transition

  (Burlingame, CA) The Gymboree Corporation announced that Alison May, chief operating officer, resigned after completing the implementation of the operational strategy critical to the company's continued success. Ms. May will assume the position of chief executive officer at another company.

• Consumer Confidence Index Slips in February

  (New York, NY) The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which had been on the rise since December, lost ground in February. The Index now stands at 94.1 (1985=100), down from 97.8 in January. The Present Situation Index declined from 98.1 to 94.8. The Expectations Index fell from 97.6 to 93.6.

•  Kmart and Disney Introduce Real Magic for Real Life; New Kids' Line of Exclusive Apparel Features High-Fashion

  (Troy, MI) Today, with a cameo appearance by Mickey Mouse, Kmart and Disney magically debuted a colorful and fun new line of Disney-branded apparel at Kmart's Astor Place store in New York City.

• Federated Reports Fiscal 4Q Earnings at High End of Expectations; 2001 Same-Store Sales Decreased 5.3 Percent

  (Cincinnati, OH) Federated Department Stores, Inc. today reported fourth quarter and fiscal 2001 results for the year ended February 2, 2002.  

• Gap Inc. Announces Senior Merchandising Management Changes in its Flagship Gap Brand; Tara Poseley is Named Senior Vice President for GapKids and babyGap

  (San Francisco, CA) Gap Inc. today announced senior merchandising management changes in its flagship Gap brand. The changes are part of an effort to strengthen Gap's merchandise leadership and sharpen the brand's customer focus.

• Gap Inc. Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2001; Comparable Store Sales Decreased 16 Percent

  (San Francisco, CA) Gap Inc. today reported sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2001, both of which ended February 2, 2002.

• JCPenney Fourth Quarter Results Exceed Expectations

  (Plano, TX) J. C. Penney Company, Inc. today reported that earnings from continuing operations, before the effects of non-comparable items, were $0.35 per share in the fourth quarter, and $0.39 per share for the year, exceeding both management and analysts' expectations. This compares with losses of $0.18 and $0.44 per share in last year's respective periods. Including the effects of non- comparable items in both years, the Company recorded earnings from continuing operations of $0.32 per share in both this year's fourth quarter and year, compared with losses of $1.26 and $2.29 per share, for last year's respective periods.

• Canadian Retailers Kick Off 2002 with "Surprise" Sales Strength

  (Toronto) Retailers in Canada have experienced a better than expected start to the year, with many merchants ringing up higher sales during the first seven weeks of 2002 than the comparable period a year ago.

• Retail E-Commerce Sales in Fourth Quarter 2001 Were $10 Billion, Up 13.1 Percent from Fourth Quarter 2000, Census Bureau Reports

  (Washington; Feb. 21, 2002) The Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced today that the estimate of U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the fourth quarter of 2001, not adjusted for seasonal, holiday, and trading-day differences, was $10.043 billion, an increase of 13.1 percent (±4.1%) from the fourth quarter of 2000. Total retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2001 were estimated at $860.8 billion, an increase of 5.3 percent (±0.6%) from the same period a year ago.

• Cherokee Inc. Extends Retail License Agreement with Zellers

  (Van Nuys, CA) Cherokee Inc., a leading global licensor of brand name apparel, footwear and accessories, announced that it has extended its agreement for its Cherokee brand in Canada for an additional five years with Zellers, a division of Hudson's Bay Company.

• Toys "R" Us, Inc. Announces Management Changes; Rick Markee Is Now President of Specialty Businesses and International Operations

  (Paramus, NJ) Toys ``R'' Us, Inc., which announced a major restructuring on January 28, has also announced four key changes to its senior management team.

• Wal-Mart Reports Record Sales and Earnings for Quarter and Year

  (Bentonville, AR) Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. reported record earnings and sales for the quarter ended Jan. 31, 2002. Net income for the quarter was $2.189 billion, up from $2.004 billion for the similar prior year quarter. Earnings per share were $0.49 up 8.9 percent from the $0.45 per share reported in the same prior year quarter. Total sales were $64.211 billion, an increase of 13.5 percent over the similar prior year quarter.

• Sears Expects $40 Million Charge for Sears Canada Eatons Conversions

  (Hoffman Estates, IL) Sears, Roebuck and Co. expects to record a one-time charge of approximately $40 million, or $0.12 per share, as a result of the decision to convert its Canadian subsidiary's seven Eatons stores to Sears stores. Sears plans to record the charge in the first quarter of 2002.

• The May Department Stores Company Reports Fiscal 2001 Results; Same-Store Sales Decreased 4.6%

  (St. Louis, MO) The May Department Stores Company today announced earnings per share, net earnings and sales for fiscal 2001, which ended Feb. 2, 2002.

• Women Are Having More Children, New Report Shows; U.S. Births Increased 3% in 2000

  (Hyattsville, MD) Women in the United States are having more children than at any time in almost 30 years, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) birth statistics released today by HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson.  At the same time, Secretary Thompson said that births to teens continue to decline.

•  Kohl's Adds OshKosh B'Gosh Brand to its Kids' Apparel Line Up

  (Menomonee Falls, WI) As part of its ongoing commitment to offer customers the most popular name brand merchandise, Kohl's Department Stores announced that OshKosh B'Gosh children's apparel is now being sold in all of the company's stores.

• OshKosh B'Gosh Cuts Prices and Ends its Relationship with Sears

  (Oshkosh, WI) OshKosh B'Gosh has cut prices on its Fall 2002 line in order to help move merchandise off retailers' shelves. According to Douglas Hyde, CEO, the price reductions are a result of a new consumer study, and reflect the tough selling climate in the department store sector.

• A New Consumer Emerges to Pull the Demand Chain, According to BIGresearch

  (Columbus, OH) Signs of an economic rebound are starting to filter through the clouds of recession, but the emerging portrait of the consumer landscape may be a lot different than in the past according to just released findings from the monthly Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey by BIGresearch. The survey was taken between February 3-7th and included the opinions of 7,400 people.

• VF Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results; Profits and Sales Slump; Company Expects Weak Consumer Apparel Spending in 2002

  (Greensboro, NC) VF Corporation, the world's largest apparel company, today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year 2001 in line with previous guidance given on November 14, 2001. All per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis.

•  The Children's Place To Enter Canada

  (Secaucus, NJ) The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. today announced plans to enter the Canadian market by acquiring 23 store leases and certain other assets from Au Coin des Petits/Young Canada, the children's division of Comark, Inc.

• Goody's Family Clothing Announces Fiscal 2001 Sales

  (Knoxville, TN) Goody's Family Clothing, Inc. today reported sales for the fiscal periods ended February 2, 2002, as follows:

• Gottschalks Reports Fiscal 2001 Sales Results; Same-Store Sales Increased 0.4% for 2001

  (Fresno, CA) Gottschalks Inc. announced today sales for fiscal 2001. Gottschalks' 2001 fiscal year ending February 2, 2002 consisted of 52 weeks as compared to its 2000 fiscal year which consisted of 53 weeks. Accordingly, prior year January, fourth quarter and total year sales include an additional week compared to the current year.

• The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Announces January and Year-End Sales; Same-Store Sales Decreased 3.3% for the Year

  (York, PA) The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. today announced total sales for the four weeks ended February 2, 2002 were $29.4 million compared to $36.8 million reported in the five weeks ended February 3, 2001. Excluding sales from the fifth week of January 2001, sales for the year-ago period were $28.8 million. Comparable store sales for the four weeks ended February 2, 2002 increased 2.1% over the four-week period last year.

(Burlingame, CA) The Gymboree Corporation today reported sales of $35.2 million for the four weeks ended February 2, 2002, compared to the $38.2 million in sales reported for the five weeks ended February 3, 2001. Last year's reported sales for this period included $8.1 million in sales related to the additional week of the period and $0.9 million in sales related to Zutopia, a division that was sold in March 2001. Comparable store sales for the four-week period increased 20.0% over the same four-week period last year.

• Elder-Beerman Reports January 2002 and Fiscal 2001 Sales; Children's Apparel Is Top Category in January; Comparable Store Sales Decreased 3.6% in 2001

  (Dayton, OH) Sales for The Elder-Beerman Stores Corp. were $26.5 million for the four weeks ended February 2, 2002, a total sales decrease of 16.7 percent versus the five weeks ended February 3, 2001.

• The TJX Companies Reports Strong January and 4th Quarter Sales

  (Framingham, MA) The TJX Companies, Inc. today reported January 2002 sales results. Sales for the four week period ended February 2, 2002 were $631 million, up 15% over $551 million achieved during the four week period ended February 3, 2001. For the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002, sales reached $10,731 million, an increase of 12% over last year's $9,592 million. Consolidated comparable store sales for the four week period ended February 2, 2002 were up 4% over last year. For the 52 week year-to-date period, consolidated comparable store sales increased 3% over last year. For the thirteen week fourth quarter, consolidated comparable store sales increased 6%.

• Retailers' January Same Store Sales Results Released by CreditRiskMonitor.com

• Dillard's, Inc. Founder and Chairman of the Board Dies at Age 87

  (Little Rock, AR) Dillard's, Inc. announces with great sorrow the death of our Founder and Chairman of the Board, William T. Dillard. Mr. Dillard died peacefully in his sleep this morning at his home in Little Rock. Mr. Dillard was born on September 2, 1914 and founded Dillard's in 1938.

• OshKosh B'Gosh Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2001 Results; Wholesale Business Expected to Increase in 2002 with the Addition of Kohl's to its Retail Accounts

  (Oshkosh, WI) Net sales were $125.2 million for the fourth quarter versus $128.2 million, primarily driven by a 6.3% gain in comparable store sales offset by anticipated weakness at wholesale. Operating income for the period was $14.0 million compared to $15.0 million in the year-ago period. Net income for the quarter was $8.5 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, versus$8.9 million, or $0.72 per diluted share. The Company opened four new stores during the fourth quarter.

• The Children's Place Reports January and Fiscal 2001 Sales Results; Comparable Store Sales for Fiscal 2001 Decreased 8%

  (Secaucus, NJ) The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc., today announced sales of $35.1 million for the four-week period ended February 2, 2002 versus sales of $36.8 million reported for the five-week period of January 2001.

• International Kids Fashion Show Closes; MAGIC International Renews Focus on Core Business

  (Woodland Hills, CA) MAGIC International has announced a company reorganization that increases focus on growth properties within its portfolio. In an effort to keep pace with the significant changes in the markets the company serves and to efficiently anticipate future directional changes, MAGIC International has conducted an extensive review of its portfolio. As a result, the company will cease production of the International Kids Fashion Show immediately.

• Saks Inc. Announces January Sales; Comp Store Sales Increased 2.1%; Children's Apparel Performs Well for Saks' Department Store Group

  (Birmingham, AL) Retailer Saks Incorporated today announced that comparable store sales for the four weeks ended February 2, 2002 compared to the four weeks ended January 27, 2001 increased 2.1% on a total company basis. On a calendar-adjusted basis, comparing the four weeks ended February 2, 2002 to the four weeks ended February 3, 2001, comparable store sales increased 1.7% on a total company basis. Sales below are in millions and represent sales from owned departments only.

• Stride Rite Signs Licensing Agreement with Heyman Corp. for Children's Apparel; Company Continues Strategy of Developing Stride Rite into a Lifestyle Brand

  (Lexington, MA) The Stride Rite Corporation, maker of the leading brand of children's footwear in the United States, announced a new licensing partnership with the Heyman Corporation to develop and market an exclusive line of children's apparel under the Stride Rite name. The four-year agreement was facilitated by The Beanstalk Group, Stride Rite's licensing agency, and includes the license for the Stride Rite brand in the United States for layette, playwear/sportswear, sleepwear, underwear, headwear and handwear for boys sizes 0-7 and girls sizes 0-6X in better department stores and specialty stores.  

• Goody's Family Clothing Announces Fourth Quarter Restructuring Charge; 150 Jobs Set for Elimination

  (Knoxville, TN) Goody's Family Clothing, Inc. today announced the Company will record a restructuring charge during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 of approximately $1.3 million pre-tax ($835,000 after-tax or $0.03 per share).

• Jacobson's Stores Inc. Obtains Interim Financing Approval

  (Jackson, MI) Jacobson Stores Inc. has received interim authority from the bankruptcy court overseeing its Chapter 11 reorganization for a one-year secured debtor-in-possession (``DIP'') revolving credit facility of up to $100 million.

• Columbia Sportswear Company Reports Record Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2001; Company Anticipates Slowing Sales and Earnings Trends in 2002

  (Portland, OR) Columbia Sportswear Company, a global leader in the active outdoor apparel and footwear industries, today announced record net sales of $214.3 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2001, an increase of 32.4% over net sales of $161.9 million for the same period of 2000.

• Schwab Company Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration with Ralph Lauren License and Little Me Brand

  (New York, NY) Justwin Technologies Inc., a leading provider of Collaborative Product Commerce (CPC) solutions for the apparel, footwear, textile, home furnishings and other fast-paced consumer goods industries, reports a second successful implementation of its product development and sourcing software solutions at Cumberland, MD-based S. Schwab Company.

• 2002 Retail Outlook: Strategies for Today's Economy

  (Floral Park, NY) Well-positioned retailers can still realize significant long-term growth despite a weak economy. There are alternatives to waiting for the business cycle to reverse itself, suggested international retail consultants Kurt Salmon Associates at the 91st Annual National Retail Federation Convention and Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in January.

•  H & M (Hennes & Mauritz) Reports Full Year Results from December 2000 to November 2001; 12 New U.S. Stores Planned for 2002

  (Stockholm, Sweden) H & M Hennes & Mauritz reports the following results:

• Tommy Hilfiger Corp. Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2002 Results; Children's Sales Decline 11.4%

  (Hong Kong) Tommy Hilfiger Corporation today reported its results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2001 of fiscal year 2002.  

• The Neiman Marcus Group Reports January Revenues and Second Quarter Results; Specialty Retail Same-Store Sales Decreased 3.3% for January and the Quarter

  (Dallas) The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. announced the following preliminary company-wide revenues:

•  Kohl's Department Stores to Hire More Than 1,700 at 13 New Boston Area Locations

(Menomonee Falls, WI) Kohl's Department Stores announced today that it plans to hire more than 1,700 people as it prepares to open 13 stores in the greater Boston area this April. Kohl's, one of America's fastest-growing retail corporations, will begin accepting employment applications on Feb. 5, 2002 for positions at the stores. In addition, Kohl's will host a job fair on Feb. 10, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Feb. 11, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.