#5- Gap Inc. partners with LLS

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced a partnership with Gap Inc. through its Give & Get program, to raise funds for LLS's blood cancer research, patient education and support initiatives. LLS is one of six nonprofit organizations that Gap Inc. will partner with during the upcoming Give & Get promotion. For three days in March, Gap Inc. will provide its employees and a group of select customers with a 30 percent discount. Gap Inc. will donate 5 percent of the total Give & Get sales to the six nonprofits, with customers and employees deciding which nonprofit they would like to support. The discount can be shared with friends and family so that their purchases during the promotion will support the selected nonprofit organization. With the economy being in its poor state it helps Gap customers fulfill their shopping needs at a more affordable price, while helping others. This gives customers a chance to get involved and save at the same time. More companies should take on roles such as this because it helps build sales while helping with a good cause.



http://www.gap.com/

#4- Stein Mart's Give and Receive

Stein Mart has partnered with the Salvation Army for the second consecutive year for the national Give & Receive event. This year has brought financial challenges to many Americans and this event affords shoppers a way to give much-needed clothing to support those affected, and receive great savings on new spring clothing. Stein Mart is encouraging existing and new customers to bring in their old gently used clothing between March 5th and 7th to help out those in need. Every piece of clothing that is brought in, the customer will receive a 20% coupon on one new item. The clothing that is brought in will go to the Salvation Army to help replenish their stores. Last year customers donated over 400,000 pieces of clothing, but with the economy they estimate it to be a little less. Overall, this should help those in need, and allow Stein Mart customers to spend less.

#3- rue21 opens stores, while other companies fail..

Rue21 is a value specialty retailer who targets the teen market. There are currently 450 stores throughout the United States; and are opening 7 new stores on the west coast. The west coast has been seeking brands like rue21 to cater to boys and girls wants and needs because it is fashionable upbeat clothing at a reasonable price. rue21 plans to grow to 1,000 stores throughout the U.S. With the economy being as bad as it is, rue21 is the perfect store to expand and give great opportunities not only in new jobs but for affordable clothing to teens.






http://www.prnewswire.com

#2- Cato reports sales down 10%

Cato Corp. reported sales of $52.4 million for the four weeks ended January 31, 2009 as compared to sales of $56.4 million for the four weeks ended February 2, 2008, a decrease of 7%. Comparable store sales for the month decreased 10% from last year. "January sales were weaker than our recent trend, and comparable store sales were partially impacted by lower mark down inventory than last year. Overall, inventory levels remain well controlled. Due to higher than expected margins, we now estimate that fourth quarter results will be in the range of $0.10 to $0.12 versus ($0.06) last year and the year will be in the range of $1.12 to $1.14 versus $1.03 last year, an increase of 9% to 11%." (John Cato). Due to the economy and sales determines whether or not store will open or have to close.



http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=APPSEAR.story&STORY=/www/story/02-05-2009/0004966985&EDATE=THU+Feb+05+2009,+08:10+AM