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Abercrombie & Fitch Co plans a big share buyback to appease investors and is also likely to cut back on its European expansion plans, the New York Post reported. The exact size of the repurchasing program could not immediately be determined, but a source told the paper it would be a "material increase" over the board's current authorization to buy back 12.9 million shares, or about 15 percent of the teen apparel retailer's float. The New York Post also quoted sources as saying that Chief Executive Mike Jeffries is considering curtailing the company's European expansion and that Abercrombie is

ABILENE, Kan. — Alco Stores has promoted Brent Streit to SVP marketing and e-commerce. Streit, a native of Downs, Kansas and a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, has more than 20 years of experience in retailing. In 2001 he joined Alco, then known as Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc., as a buyer. Since then he has held increasingly responsible positions in supply chain management, marketing and business development. Rich Wilson, president and CEO, commented, "Brent Streit is a key contributor to our team. Since we reset the merchandising approach of our 200-plus Alco

Filing Chapter 11 isn't always the end: both companies (and individuals) have bounced back from bankruptcy, in some cases to move on to remarkable success. But for Strauss Auto, bankruptcy came to seem less like a chance to reorganize and more like a habit it couldn't break. Strauss Auto's Chapter 11 filing last month was its fifth since 1979, and it was accompanied by the closing of its remaining 46 auto parts stores and the intention of filing a plan of liquidation, according to the Wall Street Journal and other published reports. 

Albany, N.Y. -- Trans World Entertainment Corp. said Tuesday it has named John Anderson acting CFO, effective immediately. Anderson has served in positions of increasing responsibility at Trans World for over 18 years, most recently serving as controller since September 2006. He replaces Tom Seaver, who will be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities after a short transition period.

In the wake of Gay Pride Month, a recent Wall Street Journal article took a look at how big department store chains like J.C. Penney, Target and Macy's are courting gay customers. According to the article, the brands — most of which have traditionally ignored gay culture in their advertising and marketing materials — are making efforts to cozy up to the demographic, as gay couples are increasingly settling down in suburbia.

Swedish furniture retailer Ikea is continuing its mobile advertising push with a new interactive promotion that helps consumers find the products they need for the upcoming school year. The company is running the mobile ad campaign within Pandora's iPhone application. Ikea has relied on mobile advertising in the past to help drive in-store traffic.