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NEW YORK, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Gilt City (www.giltcity.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe's announced that it plans to launch in-store Energy Centers, that feature energy-saving products, nationwide.

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TJX delivered a three percent comparable store sales increase and a 17 percent increase in net income in the second quarter. Ross Stores comps gained four percent in the second quarter in addition to a strong increase in earnings. Neither TJX nor Ross is getting their comp gains by pushing unprofitable discounts. Evidence that both stores have proven particularly good at translating customer knowledge into additional sales comes from their track record with new product categories.

To address the growing need for mobile capabilities, Staples recently enhanced its existing mobile website so consumers can easily shop and buy on any web-enabled phone. For consumers who prefer applications, Staples created its first iPhone application, which can be downloaded for free from Apple’s App Store.

Ethan Allen's strategy to reposition itself with younger consumers. Americans in their 40s, 50s and 60s currently make up the brand’s core demographic. But Ethan Allen, which also offers interior design services, is looking to connect with consumers in their 30s and 40s who also have some discretionary income to spend.

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Boden, an online and mail-order retailer, reported a jump in annual profit as the company focused on controlling costs. "Given the volatile economic environment over the last year we are very pleased with our strong performance. Our customer base continues to expand and we now have over a million loyal customers [worldwide]," said Boden CEO Julian Granville. "The [U.K.] business continues to grow well. We are pleased with our international expansion to date, particularly our business in Germany which has more than doubled in 2009. We are looking forward to testing other European markets next year."

Macy's Herald Square store in New York City has revamped its Jones New York section with an interactive twist, featuring smartphone content and more. At Macy's, Jones New York, a division of Jones Apparel Group, is one of the first brands on the better sportswear floor to incorporate Microsoft tag technology into the retail experience. The tags offer 25 videos, downloadable smartphone content, style tips and video quotes from inspirational women from the Jones New York Little Black Book of Career Advice. "Our new shop is visual, powerful and completely aligns with our empowerment platform," says Macy's Empowering Your

The Gap has teamed up with the House of Valentino to launch a limited-edition women's collection in late November, in time to celebrate the opening of Italy's first Gap store in Milan. The line, according to published reports, will be designed by Valentino creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. The apparel will reportedly be available at the to-be-opened Milan Gap flagship, Gap's London Flagship on Oxford Street, the Dover Street Market and at Paris' Collette. It will also be available at Gap's new Rome store, which opens next year. There are no current plans to launch