department stores

A tally of 29 major chains spanning “discounters, department stores and apparel sellers” revealed a 4% year-over-year sales increase in February.

Modest as that statistic is, it nevertheless represents the strongest gain since Nov. 2007 (a month before the recession began) and gives the retail industry some hope that the worst is coming to an end.

Macy's Inc.'s third-quarter loss shrunk as tight inventory controls and a move to localize merchandise at its department stores by region paid off.

A rebound in demand at auto dealerships and gas stations helped to offset continued weakness at department stores.

Retail sales rose by the largest amount in four months in May, as a rebound in demand at auto dealerships and gas stations helped to offset continued weakness at department stores.

German retailer Arcandor AG filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday in an effort to salvage its department stores and its mail-order arm, a day after the government rejected its bid for state-backed emergency credit.

Dillard's Inc. department stores is reporting a $7.7 million profit for its first quarter because of a one-time gain, though its sales fell sharply.