Retail Rollback: Wave of Store Closures Seen in the Cards

The global economic downturn is slowing but consumer sentiment is not yet recovering, the company said.

Diamond mining company said to be experiencing “historically difficult trading conditions.”

Lender said it did not intend to file for bankruptcy protection if the debt buyback is successful.

Designer Isaac Mizrahi to create lifestyle collection that “will encapsulate Isaac’s design aesthetic.”

Bestselling writer Jennifer Weiner releases her latest novel “Best Friends Forever.”

Boykin Curry and Celerie Kemble have rented the iconic estate Grey Gardens, former home of Edie Beale, for the next five years.

The actress Jennifer Westfeldt tackles a manic depressive character in the new play “A Lifetime Burning.”

Ted Baker is shoring up its U.S. business after master license with Hartmarx dissolved.

Family of Fortunoffs eyes relaunch of home furnishings and jewelry chains.

Jane Hertzmark Hudis, global brand president of the Estee Lauder brand, was welcomed to her post with a celebratory lunch at Manhattan’s Le Bilboquet.

Experts urge careful examination of real estate, while Jones New York and AnnTaylor Stores plan to shut almost 400 units.

Innerwear specialist celebrates 75th anniversary of Jockey shorts with horse racing and history of underwear tour.

Unger, Efros and Krakovsky join Canadian retail advisory firm Karabus.

Valextra’s second Italian retail outpost was unveiled earlier this month in Rome.

S&P Retail Index rode ahead 4.7 percent with year-to-date advance of 25.8 percent.

Special events give recognition and financial support to handbag designers.

Department stores keep a close eye on pricing and banking on handbag styles that offer multiple options.

From store openings and new lines to creating their own social networking sites, handbag firms are on the move.

Despite the current economic hardships, exotic skin handbag vendors say demand is still strong for bags made with alligator, crocodile and other rare skins.

Swarovski sunglasses to debut in 2011.

Overstockjeweler.com pays unspecified compensation to settle complaint by Cartier, David Yurman and others.

Racked’s Leslie Price has traded her flats for stilettos, jumping to Lucky as online editor.

Amber Valletta never thought “fashion designer” would be part of her resume.

Speedo is taking issue with FINA’s decision to ban its LZR Racer suit.

Harry Winston designs jewelry inspired by New York like the Guggenheim pendant, a swirl of pavé diamonds echoing Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece.

Lauren Bush helps launch the Feed/Read 3 bag, and in doing so aims to provide 30,000 meals to children in impoverished countries.

Parisians open an upscale boutique in Miami aimed at the fashion set.