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Dallas-based The Neiman Marcus Group Inc. plans to close the Neiman Marcus store located in Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. The 118,000-sq.-ft. store, which opened in 1991, will close by July 2013. “As it is so rare that we close a store, the difficult decision was based on a great deal of thought and a careful study of the market, as we very much value the relationships we have established in this market,” said Karen Katz, president and CEO of The Neiman Marcus Group. “However, the store did not meet our long-term operational goals.” SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT |

eBay is set to announce today its second seller release of 2012. The 2012 Fall Seller Update includes a new fee for ending auctions early as well as a new requirement for buyers filing claims that will likely be received positively by sellers. eBay is also removing the Top Rated Seller badge from TRS sellers who don't meet stricter requirements around return policies and handling time. eBay to Remove Top Rated Badge for Sellers Not Offering 1-day Handling eBay will create a new Top Rated Seller badge called Top Rated Plus for those sellers who conform to a minimum

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General is showing its support for education with a new scholarship and education program for its 90,000 employees and their families. “In addition to creating career opportunities, Dollar General is committed to developing talent and contributing to a more skilled and educated American work force,” said Bob Ravener, Dollar General’s EVP chief people officer. “We’re proud to introduce ‘DGU Grow,’ an exciting program that helps employees pursue their educational dreams while contributing to the success of Dollar General.” “DGU Grow” provides tuition savings for online and on-campus courses at a network of select colleges and

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) has formed a new group, the True Simplification of Taxation Coalition, which will lobby Congress regarding taxes of online purchases. Other members of the new coalition include the American Catalog Mailers Association, Electronic Retailers Association and NetChoice. Congress currently is considering three different bills — the Main Street Fairness Act, Marketplace Fairness Act and Marketplace Equity Act — which would authorize states to require online retailers to collect sales tax. Absent federal authorization, states arguably violate the constitution by attempting to require out-of-state companies to tax consumers. 

Sports apparel maker Under Armour Inc. reported a 7 percent gain in second-quarter earnings Tuesday, beating Wall Street estimates as new offerings in women's apparel and footwear helped drive sales increases. Net income increased 7 percent to $7 million, or 6 cents per share, in the quarter that ended June 30, compared with $6 million, or 6 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2011, the Baltimore company said. Earnings per share reflected a two-for-one stock split, the company's first, distributed July 9. The company saw net revenues jump 27 percent to $369 million, compared with revenues of

Minneapolis -- A Tuesday report by Bloomberg said that Best Buy compensation consultant Don Delves resigned after Best Buy awarded more than 100 managers retention bonuses that weren’t tied to performance. Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that Delves – who is president of Chicago-based Delves Group and was retained by the Best Buy board -- was strongly opposed to the payments. He has worked with the retailer’s compensation committee for seven years as an independent consultant. CFO James Muehlbauer and U.S head Michael Vitelli are said to be among executives awarded extra pay as incentive

Reuters reported Private equity firm TPG Capital has made a fresh takeover bid for Australian surfwear company Billabong International worth AUD694 million, Billabong said, just five months after its previous offer was knocked back. TPG has offered AUD1.45 per share, the retailer said, which was a 32% premium to July 23, 2012's close. Billabong said the offer was indicative, non-binding and conditional and the offer price may be refined after the buyout firm has seen Billabong's books.

Eugene-based Innovative Sports Inc. claims Columbia Sportswear "misappropriated" its technology to develop its line of Omni-Heat heated jackets. The model shown here was recalled last fall due to defects that caused it to overheat. Columbia has asked Lane County Circuit court to dismiss the claim. is asking the Lane County Circuit Court to dismiss a claim that it used technology from a Eugene company to produce its line of heated apparel products. Just-style.com, a United Kingdom-based apparel trade news website, that the Washington County outdoor footwear and apparel brand (NASDAQ: COLM) is arguing that Innovative Sports doesn't have a

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. said that former interim CEO Bruce Johnson will serve as president and CEO of Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores once the unit is spun off from the retailer. Johnson served as interim CEO of Sears Holdings from 2008 to early 2011. Last February, Sears Holdings announced it would spin off its Sears Hometown and Outlet businesses in an effort to raise an expected $400 million to $500 million.

South Deerfield, Mass. -- The Yankee Candle Co. said Monday it has named Brad Wolansky to the newly created role of president of direct and CMO. The retailer said Wolansky’s appointment is part of a strategic initiative focused on building the company's brands, expanding the digital platform and accelerating growth of its direct-to-consumer business. Wolansky most recently served as CEO of web-based The Golf Warehouse. He also has served as VP global e-commerce at The Orvis Co.