...and holiday hiring, just in case business falls off dramatically, said Walter Loeb, president of New York-based Loeb Associates Inc., a retail consultancy. Macy's, for instance, said last week that it is monitoring sales more closely going...

...announcement, although he's been signaling he may leave," said Walter Loeb, who heads the retailing consulting firm Loeb Associates. "But Federated is in good hands. Zimmerman is a veteran and there won't be any radical changes." Federated...

...in clothing. "Apparel was up stronger than anticipated," said Walter Loeb, who runs the retail consulting firm Loeb Associates. "Everything was selling and anything tied to clothes was selling - ties, accessories, handbags." Other big...

...busy, but that doesn't mean they don't want to spend," said Walter Loeb, who runs the retail consulting firm Loeb Associates. Price is clearly the biggest threat posed by the new mini chain stores. They can charge less than their local neighbors...

...It's no longer business as usual in the apparel industry," said Walter Loeb, who runs the retail consulting firm Loeb Associates. "Liz Claiborne management is certainly on the forefront in realizing that they have to change." Liz Claiborne...

...have lean inventories and haven't marked down too much," said Walter Loeb, who runs the retail consulting firm Loeb Associates. "If this continues, most retailers can anticipate a strong quarter and second half of the year." While overall...