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Chelmsford, Mass. -- A report released Thursday by Kronos Inc. showed that hiring conditions among retailers are tightening, suggesting an improvement in the industry. The Kronos Retail Labor Index jumped to 4.1% in January 2012 from a downwardly revised 3.4% in December 2011. (This index is defined as the ratio of hires to applications within a given month, expressed as a percentage. A level of 3.0% means that for every 100 applications received, three hires occurred.) This was the second reading above 4.0% since October 2008 and primarily reflected a sharp decline in applications, as hires were little changed

The president of the Ann Taylor brand, Christine Beauchamp, is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Beauchamp will be replaced by Brian Lynch, who had been president of the Ann Taylor Factory and Loft Outlet divisions as well as leading the website sales for those brands.

While more than a few players signed on with overseas teams to make some cash while not receiving their NBA paychecks, New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire and Foot Locker teamed up for a funny commercial that had him taking a job with the retailer.

SHARE: Email Print LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Retail chains dominate the EPAs latest Green Power Rankings, occupying six of the top 10 overall buyers of green power in the U.S. Of the top 20 retailers, Kohls maintains its top spot using 100 percent green power. Walmart ranks second on the retail list and third overall, up like a shot from the No. 15 place last quarter. As a result of significant work in 2011 to continue our commitment to renewable energy through on-site energy, such as solar and wind, and green power purchases, Walmart's California and Texas facilities secured a

Clothing retailer Esprit, struggling to recover from last year's 98 percent earnings slump, plans to close all stores in North America after failing to find a buyer for the unprofitable business.

Lowe's has announced that it will partner with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) in order to launch a program to educate and train Lowe's employees who specialize in interior kitchen and bath projects. Because of this membership and training program, Lowe's employees who work in the kitchen cabinets, countertops and fashion plumbing departments and as interior project specialists will have the opportunity to earn NKBA certifications. Eligible Lowe's employees will now have the opportunity to take NKBA courses and exams to earn the following certifications: Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD), Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), Certified Bathroom

The National Football League has launched a preemptive strike against vendors of unlicensed Super Bowl merchandise by receiving permission to seize the property. Marion Superior Court has granted temporary restraining and seizure orders to the NFL, along with the New England Patriots and New York Giants, after they requested injunctions on Jan. 25.

Abercrombie & Fitch expects 4Q to disappoint Shares slide by double digits to new annual low NEW ALBANY, Ohio — Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch tumbled 11 percent to a 52-week low in early trading Thursday after the retailer said that its fourth-quarter adjusted earnings and revenue will likely disappoint Wall Street. The company, based in New Albany, Ohio, cited higher markdowns and increased cotton costs. Abercrombie & Fitch said that was forced to slash prices to get consumers into its stores in a highly competitive market. The company anticipates fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of about $1.10 to $1.15 per