Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M) recently announced that Bloomingdale's plans to enter the Hawaii market for the first time in fall 2015 with a 167,000-square-foot, three-level store to be built in Ala Moana Center in Honolulu on the Island of Oahu.

The new store will be part of a redevelopment of a portion of Ala Moana, Hawaii's premier shopping destination, by General Growth Properties. Construction will begin in 2014. Bloomingdale's will join a highly successful Macy's store which already operates at Ala Moana Center.

The Bloomingdale's store will include a wide range of designer and luxury goods, including women's apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty, men's, kids and home. Bloomingdale's Ala Moana store is expected to employ a workforce of approximately 250 associates.

"Ala Moana will provide an exceptional environment for the distinctive, upscale shopping experience for which Bloomingdale's is world famous. It is a beautiful open-air shopping center that is a recognized destination not only for local customers from the Hawaiian islands, but also for visitors from the U.S. mainland, Asia and worldwide," said Michael Gould, chairman and chief executive officer of Bloomingdale's. "In Hawaii, we will offer global customers the unique Bloomingdale's sense of contemporary style, as well as the attentive service that sets us apart."

Ala Moana will be the 38^th Bloomingdale's store location. In addition to 36 current stores, a new Bloomingdale's store is expected to open in fall 2013 in Glendale Galleria in Glendale, CA. In addition, an all-new Bloomingdale's is expected to open in fall 2014 in Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, CA, to replace an older store in the same shopping center.

Bloomingdale's in Dubai is operated by Al Tayer Group LLC under a license agreement.

Bloomingdale's also operates 12 outlet stores in the U.S., with a 13^th opening in fall 2013 in Rosemont, IL, as previously announced.

Macy's, Inc., with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation's premier retailers, with fiscal 2012 sales of $27.7 billion. The company operates about 840 department stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico under the names of Macy's and Bloomingdale's, as well as the macys.com and bloomingdales.com websites. The company also operates 12 Bloomingdale's Outlet stores. Bloomingdale's in Dubai is operated by Al Tayer Group LLC under a license agreement.

Dillard's, Inc. (DDS-NYSE) (the "Company" or "Dillard's") announced operating results for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013. This release contains certain forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Company's cautionary statements regarding forward-looking information included below under "Forward-Looking Information".

Highlights of the Company's Performance

• A 27% increase in first quarter earnings per share compared to the prior year (excluding certain items described below)
• A 1% increase in comparable store sales
• Merchandise gross margin improvement of 110 basis points of sales
• A decrease in operating expenses of $3.0 million or 20 basis points of sales
• A 39% increase in cash flow from operations to $136.9 million compared to $98.5 million
• Repurchase of $114.7 million (1.4 million shares) of Class A Common Stock

First Quarter Results
Dillard's reported net income for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 of $117.2 million, or $2.50 per share. Included in net income is a net after-tax credit totaling $4.4 million ($0.09 per share) comprised of the following three items:

• A $7.6 million after tax gain ($0.16 per share) related to the sale of an investment
• A $1.0 million after tax credit ($0.02 per share) related to a pension adjustment
• After-tax asset impairment and store closing charges of $4.2 million ($0.09 per share)

Excluding this credit, Dillard's would have reported record first quarter net income of $112.8 million ($2.40 per share) and a 27% improvement over the prior year's record first quarter earnings per share. Dillard's reported net income for the prior year first quarter, the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012, of $95.0 million, or $1.89 per share.

Dillard's Chief Executive Officer, William T. Dillard, II, stated, "We are reporting a strong start to 2013 in spite of unseasonably cool weather. Positive comparable stores sales and gross margin expansion combined with good expense control led to another quarter of record profitability at Dillard's. We were also pleased with our strong cash flow, which enabled us to repurchase $114.7 million of Class A Common Stock."

Net Sales
Net sales for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 were $1.549 billion and $1.549 billion for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. Net sales include the operations of the Company's construction business, CDI Contractors, LLC ("CDI").

Total merchandise sales (which exclude CDI) for the 13-week period ended May 4, 2013 were $1.530 billion and $1.522 billion for the 13-week period ended April 28, 2012. Merchandise sales in total and comparable stores increased 1% for the 13-week period ended May 4, 2013 following a 5% comparable store sales increase in the prior year first quarter.

Sales trends were strongest in ladies' accessories and lingerie and juniors' and children's apparel. Sales were weakest in the home and furniture category. Sales trends were strongest in the Central region, followed by the Eastern and Western regions, respectively.

Gross Margin/Inventory
Gross margin from retail operations (which excludes CDI) improved 110 basis points of sales to 39.9% for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 compared to 38.8% for the prior year first quarter. Consolidated gross margin for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 improved 130 basis points of sales to 39.5% from 38.2% during the prior year first quarter. Inventory increased 3% at May 4, 2013 compared to April 28, 2012.

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("operating expenses") were $390.2 million (25.2% of sales) and $393.2 million (25.4%) during the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 and the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012, respectively. Decreases in advertising expense were offset by increases in selling payroll expense. The Company also recorded a $1.5 million pretax credit to pension expense ($1.0 million after tax or $0.02 per share).

Sale of Investment
During the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, the Company sold its investment in Acumen Brands, an eCommerce company based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The sale resulted in a pretax gain of $11.8 million ($7.6 million after-tax or $0.16 per share) that was recorded in gain on disposal of assets.

Share Repurchase
During the quarter ended May 4, 2013, the Company repurchased 1.4 million shares of stock for $114.7 million of Class A Common Stock at an average price of $79.12 per share under the Company's 2013 and 2012 stock plans.

Total shares outstanding (Class A and Class B Common Stock) at May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 were 46.3 million and 49.1 million, respectively.

Store Information
During the first quarter of 2013, the Company closed its Cache Valley Mall location in Logan, Utah (94,000 square feet). Dillard's has announced the upcoming closure of its Randolph Mall location in Asheboro, North Carolina (60,000 square feet). The store is expected to close during the second quarter of 2013.

At May 4, 2013, the Company operated 283 Dillard's locations and 18 clearance centers spanning 29 states and an Internet store at www.dillards.com

. Total square footage at May 4, 2013 was 50.9 million.

Estimates for 2014

The Company is providing the following estimates for certain financial statement items for the fiscal year ending February 1, 2014 based upon current conditions. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates as conditions and factors change - See "Forward-Looking Information".

The Wet Seal, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTSL), today announced that the Company's first quarter 2013 earnings conference call will now be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time as a convenience to analysts and investors. The call was previously scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The call will be hosted by John Goodman, Chief Executive Officer and Steve Benrubi, Chief Financial Officer, followed by a question and answer session.

Dillard's, Inc. (DDS: NYSE) will announce results for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday, May 15 after the close of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Wet Seal, Inc. (Nasdaq:WTSL), a leading specialty retailer to young women, today reported net sales of $140.4 million and a comparable store sales decline of 2.9% for the 13-week period ended May 4, 2013. The results exceeded prior guidance for net sales in the range of $135 million to $139 million and a comparable store sales decline in the mid-single digits.

Fiscal First Quarter 2013
												Comparable Store Sales
				Net Sales								% Change
								% Change From
				$ in Millions				Last Year				This Year				Last Year
Wet Seal				$	122.8			-2.7	%			-3.4	%			-7.0	%
Arden B					17.6			-18.9	%			0.9	%			-11.4	%
Total				$	140.4			-5.1	%			-2.9	%			-7.7	%

E-commerce sales, which are not a component of comparable store sales, increased 4.6% for the period.

"We experienced significant improvement across the business as the quarter progressed," said John D. Goodman, Chief Executive Officer. "After a challenging start in February, primarily due to macro headwinds, we achieved positive low-single digit comp store sales in the combined March-April time-frame and generated positive mid-single digit comp store sales in the final month of the quarter. At the same time, we saw significant improvement in our merchandise margin, which came in approximately flat versus last year's first quarter.

"As of quarter-end, we estimate total inventory dollars per square foot decreased in the mid- to high-single digits versus the prior year at Wet Seal and Arden B, which positions both brands to be able to chase into emerging fashion trends.

"We continue to improve at delivering great product and offering the right blend of regular and promotional pricing, supported by more compelling in-store marketing and merchandise presentation. The customer is responding well and returning to the Wet Seal brand more quickly than anticipated, which has enabled us to stabilize the business and exceed our financial forecasts in the first quarter. We are also making progress at Arden B, achieving slightly positive comps for the period. The improvements we've made year-to-date, along with the recent appointment of a new GMM for this division, make us optimistic that we can reinvigorate the Arden B brand."

Financial Guidance

Based on the strength of sales and margins, the Company raised expectations for the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The Company now expects earnings per diluted share of $0.00 to $0.01 before non-cash asset impairments and a $3.5 million benefit to adjust its loss contingency accrual, which includes the effect of the settlement described below. This compares to prior guidance of a net loss per diluted share in the range of $0.03 to $0.06. The Company's updated guidance includes an estimated $1.8 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, of previously announced incremental legal defense costs versus the first quarter of fiscal 2012 for legal matters that arose in prior years.

Mr. Goodman continued, "We're very encouraged about our first quarter performance and progress to date. This reflects hard work and quick action on the part of our teams who have helped us lay the foundation to continue to improve our product assortments and re-engage our core Wet Seal and Arden B customers."

Class Action Lawsuit Settlement

Last night, in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, the Company and plaintiffs for the class action titled, Nicole Cogdell et al. v. The Wet Seal, Inc., et al., Case No.12-CV-01138 AG (ANx) filed papers memorializing an amicable resolution. The $7.5 million settlement agreement showcases the Diversity and Inclusion Council that Wet Seal launched several months ago and the Company's implementation of enhancements to policies and programs.

While the Company maintains that it has a strong track record of hiring, promoting and retaining a diverse work force, Wet Seal's new leadership approached the Plaintiffs to collaborate on best practices and a no-fault resolution of the case. This collaboration has played an important role in redefining the Company and positioning it for success.

"From the moment I became CEO of Wet Seal in January, I made clear that we value a diverse work force and believe that a dynamic and representative employee base allows us to best serve all of our customers," said Mr. Goodman. "We appreciate the insights we have gained from plaintiffs' counsel and the EEOC for our best-practices initiatives. We are pleased to put this matter behind us as we continue to be committed to nondiscriminatory employment practices that create a welcome environment for people of all backgrounds."

Under the agreement, the Company agrees to post open positions, implement new selection criteria and interview protocols, revamp its annual performance reviews and compensation structure, add regional human resources directors, implement more diversity and inclusion communications and training for field and corporate office employees, and enhance its investigations training and processes. The Company also has reflected its commitment to use diverse models in its marketing and to partnerships with organizations dedicated to the advancement and well-being of African Americans and other diverse groups.

Additional information about the Company's commitment to diversity and its Diversity and Inclusion Council can be found at www.wetsealinc.com

First Quarter Conference Call Information

The Company will host a conference call to discuss first quarter fiscal 2013 financial results on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The call will be hosted by John D. Goodman, Chief Executive Officer, and Steve Benrubi, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

To participate in the call, please dial (877) 407-3982 or (201) 493-6780. A broadcast of the call will also be available on the Company's web site at www.wetsealinc.com. A replay of the call will be available through June 12, 2013. To access the replay, please dial (877) 870-5176 or (858) 384-5517 and provide pin number 413830.

About The Wet Seal, Inc.

Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, The Wet Seal, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of fashionable and contemporary apparel and accessory items. As of May 4, 2013, the Company operated a total of 526 stores in 47 states and Puerto Rico, including 464 Wet Seal stores and 62 Arden B stores.

Fifth & Pacific Companies, Inc. (NYSE:FNP) will webcast its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to the general public on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This webcast can be accessed via the Investor Relations section of the Fifth & Pacific Companies, Inc. website at www.fifthandpacific.com. An archive of the webcast will be available through Tuesday, June 4, 2013.

Texas-based Internet Company, Chimo E-Sales LLC, today announced the opening of its new online store at www.HoneyBeeHandbags.com.   

The new e-commerce website offers consumers a shopping platform with access to more than 50 designer handbags at any given time. Brands currently available at HoneyBeeHandbags.com include Christian Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Miu Miu, Prada and Yves Saint Laurent. The company plans to expand its inventory and introduce new brands in the upcoming months.

All handbags contain extensive product descriptions alongside images to better support the online shopping experience. Products range in price depending on brand and material, but designer pieces can usually be found starting at $600.

Customers of HoneyBeeHandbags.com can also follow the Company on its new social media pages located on Facebook and Twitter. The social media pages will be sharing new products, customer reviews and pictures of current inventory.

HoneyBeeHandbags.com accepts all major credit cards including PayPal accounts, and items purchased can be shipped anywhere within the United States. To learn more about this new online store, visit www.HoneyBeeHandbags.com.   

The Jones Group Inc. ("Jones" or the "Company") (NYSE: JNY) today announced that it has reached an agreement with Barington Capital Group, L.P. ("Barington") under which James A. Mitarotonda has been nominated to stand for election to the Board of Directors at the Company's 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. With the addition of Mr. Mitarotonda, the Jones Board of Directors will expand to eleven members, eight of whom are independent, ten of whom are non-management and all of whom are annually elected.

Robert L. Mettler, Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Presiding Independent Director of the Board of Directors, said: "We value Jim's expertise in the retail, apparel and footwear industries and welcome his input as we continue to execute on our plan and drive results during this pivotal period of transformation for the Company. The Jones Group Board of Directors and management team are focused on improving profitability and enhancing shareholder value for the long-term."

James A. Mitarotonda, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Barington Capital Group, stated: "I am pleased to join the Board of The Jones Group, a well-respected company with significant potential for future growth. I support the recent initiatives the Company has taken and I look forward to working with my fellow directors to build value for all Jones Group stockholders."

After joining the Board, Mr. Mitarotonda will be serving on the Audit Committee.

As part of the agreement, Barington, which represents a group of investors that owns approximately 2.3% of The Jones Group common stock, has agreed to vote its shares in support of all of the Company's director nominees at the 2013 Annual Meeting. Barington has also agreed to certain customary "standstill" provisions.

The Company will file the full text of the agreement on a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission today, and will also file and mail to its stockholders its proxy materials in due course. The annual meeting will be held on June 14, 2013 and stockholders of record at the close of business on March 26, 2013 will be entitled to vote.

About James A. Mitarotonda

James A. Mitarotonda is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Barington Capital Group, L.P., an investment firm that he co-founded in November 1991 that has significant experience investing in retail, apparel and footwear companies. He currently serves as a director of A. Schulman, Inc. and The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack and is a former director of a number of publically traded companies, including Griffon Corporation, Gerber Scientific, Inc., Register.com, Inc. and Ameron International Corporation. Mr. Mitarotonda received an M.B.A. from New York University's Graduate School of Business Administration (now known as the Stern School of Business) and a B.A. in economics from Queens College, where he now serves as Chairman of its Business Advisory Board.

About Barington Capital Group, L.P.

Barington Capital Group, L.P. is an investment management firm that primarily invests in undervalued, small and mid-capitalization companies. Barington and its principals are experienced value-added investors who have taken active roles in assisting companies in creating or improving shareholder value. Barington has significant experience investing in retail, apparel and footwear companies, with prior investments in The Warnaco Group, Dillard's, Nautica, Steven Madden, Payless ShoeSource, Stride Rite, Maxwell Shoe and Harry Winston.

About The Jones Group Inc.

The Jones Group Inc. is a leading global designer, marketer and wholesaler of over 35 brands with product expertise in apparel, footwear, jeanswear, jewelry and handbags. The Jones Group has a reputation for innovation, excellence in product quality and value, operational execution and talent. The Company also markets directly to consumers through branded specialty retail and outlet stores, through concessions at upscale department stores and through its e-commerce sites.