...Thursday, May's winners cut across all sectors, included Target Corp., Federated Department Stores Inc. and J.C. Penney Co. Inc. Gap Inc. and Sharper Image Corp., which continue to struggle with their merchandising strategies, again were...

...those that heavily discounted over the Thanksgiving weekend, including industry leader Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and J.C. Penney Co. Inc. One of the biggest disappointments was upscale Nordstrom Inc., usually a top performer. Teen retailers also...

NEW YORK - When consumers shop for diamond bracelets this holiday season, BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. probably won't be the first retailer they think of. But luxury goods are finding their way into warehouse clubs and other low-to-moderate price retailers who want to be part of the boom in upscale merchandise.

...room decorating. The trend has been a boon to home furnishings stores and big chains such as Target Corp. and J.C. Penney Co. Inc., who are all expanding their dorm room dcor beyond the basic lamps and boring white organizing bins. Retailers...

...including discounters, wholesale clubs such as Costco Wholesale Corp., department stores like Nordstrom Inc. and J.C. Penney Co. Inc. and teen retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch Co. "Warm weather and Father's Day spending brought consumers...

...gain in same-store sales for the month, exceeding the 4.0 percent estimate. Total sales rose 9.3 percent. J.C. Penney Co. Inc. posted a 3.5 percent same-store sales gain in department stores, beating the 2.0 percent forecast. Total...

...wholesale clubs had substantial sales gains. Other standouts included moderate-price department stores including J.C. Penney Co. Inc. "The results were uneven, but there were clear pockets of strength," said Michael P. Niemira, chief economist...

...upgraded its stock with affordable, stylish merchandise from designers like Isaac Mizrahi and Cynthia Rowley. J.C. Penney Co. Inc.'s sales have also improved, helped by better merchandise. Wal-Mart also has competition from the combination...

...2.54 per share, up from $2.29 a year ago, when it reports on Tuesday morning. Rival department store J.C. Penney Co. Inc. reports its earnings before Thursday's session, and is forecast to earn $1.11 per share, up from 83 cents...

...to make room for their home decor. But after some successful test marketing, toy sellers and other stores like J.C. Penney Co. Inc. are expected to expand offerings from toy companies this year. And Toys R Us Inc., which was very happy with...