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.

Company surpasses its goal three years ahead of schedule, sets new target

ANN INC. the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, today announced that it has surpassed its 2015 carbon footprint goal of reducing its emissions by 8 percent per square foot. Based on year-end 2012 results, the Company has more than doubled that goal, achieving a 20 percent reduction over its 2008 baseline. ANN INC. reaffirms its continued commitment to environmental sustainability by setting a new goal of reducing emissions per square foot by 30 percent by 2015.

This significant reduction in carbon emissions was achieved through the implementation of key programs ranging from the installation of energy efficient lighting in its stores to behavior change campaigns for associates.

"At ANN INC. we have a strong commitment to our clients and associates to operate our business responsibly and to minimize our impact on the environment," said Kay Krill, President and CEO of ANN INC.  "We're thrilled to surpass this goal earlier than expected. It was not an easy task, but investing in new programs, coupled with the power of our passionate associates, have helped us get there."

ANN INC.'s ANN Conserves Energy (ACE) program trains more than 18,000 store associates on energy efficiency best practices and behaviors, including lighting, equipment and temperature control settings. In 2012, ANN INC. installed more than 50,000 light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs in almost 400 stores, which has resulted in significant reduction of energy use and utility costs. The Company's flagship LOFT store in Times Square, New York has also been outfitted with energy efficient LEDs, and the store's 12,000-light-bulb marquee now uses one quarter of the energy that it used when it was first installed.

"Our LED initiative and other in-store activities have produced an increase in energy efficiency in ANN INC.'s stores by 10 percent per square foot in only three years," said Jeannette Ferran Astorga, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at ANN INC. "This Earth Day, we celebrate our current practices that have helped us achieve our goals of becoming a more efficient fleet of stores, while reducing our carbon emissions."

In January 2013, ANN INC. announced its membership to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), a trade association comprised of brands, retailers, manufacturers, government and non-governmental organizations and academic experts who are committed to supply chain sustainability. ANN INC. is the first women's specialty retailer to join the SAC and will use the group's sustainability index to drive environmental responsibility throughout its supply chain.

The Company regularly reports on its programs, including its carbon footprint results and other corporate social responsibility initiatives, on its website, ResponsiblyANN.com.  

About ANN INC.
ANN INC. is the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, two of the leading women's specialty retail fashion brands in North America.  The Company operates 984 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada as of February 2, 2013.  Our Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are available in more than 100 countries worldwide online at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com.  Visit ANNINC.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

Thank you for reading this fashion news article on the Fashion Newspaper.

Additional reading resources:

Blog About Fashion 
Fashion Blogger 
Fashionista News 
Style Blog 
Fashion Salad 

Again, thank you for taking the time to visit the Fashion Newspaper website to get your daily dose of fashion news.

In recent decades, China has seen a rapid development in technology, from the space industry to consumer goods such as underwear used in space, which implies a higher level of technology in the nation.

CLEANCOOL, a brand of underwear from Sinotextiles Corporation Limited, appeared in the mainland of China recently and showed amazing the function of fighting off super-bacteria, such as NDM-1, H1N1, and MRSA, with test conclusions strongly supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.   

Underwear, which owns a huge market volume, strongly dominates the market place and surpasses other kinds of categories within the sunrise apparel industry.

The increasing appearances of various bacteria have forced medical institutions of all countries to pay heavy prices. Human beings have never attached such importance to body care like today. Thus, it will be a massive contribution to the world if wearing underwear can help people eliminate their fears of bacteria.

From that, we can easily conclude that people's ideas of their base layers have completely changed, not only demanding something comfortable and sexy, but also safe and protective.

Therefore, we will pay close attention to the market performance of the CLEANCOOL fiber in the market place.

Dillard's, Inc. announced yesterday that R. Brad Martin has informed the Company he will not stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 18, 2013. Mr. Martin, who has served on the board since 2008, has accepted a leadership position which will require a significant time commitment.

Dillard's Chairman of the Board, William Dillard, II, stated, "We are truly appreciative of Brad's leadership over the past five years. As an experienced retailer, Brad's insight was invaluable as we navigated some tough years and emerged a stronger company. We wish him the best in his new appointment and we value his ongoing friendship."

Mr. Martin stated, "I have enjoyed serving on the Dillard's board and I am truly proud of our accomplishments. Dillard's is a terrific company with an outstanding management team and board of directors. I remain a friend of Dillard's as well as a shareholder and will be following the company's success closely in the future."

Mr. Martin is the former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Saks Incorporated. He currently serves Dillard's as Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Emmy Award-winning fashion celebrity Carson Kressley will address undergraduate students at Philadelphia University's 129th Commencement on Saturday, May 11. At the ceremony, Kressley will be awarded the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters.

Throughout his career as a television star, celebrity stylist, author and fashion designer, Kressley has won fans for his roles in "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" as well as Lifetime's critically acclaimed show, "How to Look Good Naked," ABC's "True Beauty" from executive producers Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher, Oprah Winfrey's "Your Own Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star," and his current show on the Oprah Winfrey Network "Carson Nation," in which Kressley travels to small towns across the U.S., transforming lives one person at a time with humor and style.

Kressley also heated up the dance floor as a contestant on the 13th season of ABC's mega-hit "Dancing with the Stars" and is a New York Times best-selling author with three books to his credit, including "You're Different and That's Super," a children's book promoting diversity and tolerance.

"Carson Kressley is a tremendous friend to Philadelphia University," said President Stephen Spinelli Jr., Ph.D. "His energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and he has a real heart for encouraging students and young professionals to pursue their goals. He has been successful on many levels and serves as a role model for our students, who are taught to think and work across disciplines. We couldn't be more proud to have Carson as our Commencement speaker."

Kressley has a history of supporting PhilaU, visiting campus in March 2012 to encourage students in the fashion programs and participate in a student-led interview on his experiences in the industry. Kressley also introduced Spirit of Design Award recipient Tommy Hilfiger at the 2011 Philadelphia University Fashion Show and, in 2006, a PhilaU fashion design student was presented with the Carson Kressley Scholarship for outstanding design work.

"What an honor it is to receive this degree from Philadelphia University. I'm a big fan of their solid educational programs and entrepreneurial spirit," Kressley said. "Although I'm not an academic I certainly know my way around the fashion world and hope to inspire the graduating class by sharing my 'anything is possible' story."

In a separate ceremony, Robert Nydick '78 will give the graduate Commencement address and will be awarded the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters. Nydick, professor of management and operations at Villanova University and a Philadelphia University trustee, will speak from his years of experience teaching students how businesses make sound decisions.

Nydick studied business at PhilaU and earned his master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Ph.D. from Temple University in operations research. Nydick, who taught at Philadelphia University for seven years, currently teaches undergraduate and MBA students at Villanova in areas of decision sciences, operations management and operations research. He has published his research in top journals.

More than 800 undergraduate and graduate students will receive diplomas at the 2013 Commencement ceremonies on May 11.

Both the undergraduate and graduate Commencement ceremonies will be held on Philadelphia University's Alumni Field this year. The ceremony celebrating undergraduate students will take place at 3 p.m. and the ceremony celebrating master's and doctoral students will take place at 10 a.m. There will be a tent set up for Commencement exercises with seating both under and outside of the tent.

For more information about the ceremonies, academic attire, Grad Finale, parking, tickets and accommodations, please visit www.PhilaU.edu/commencement.

Philadelphia University, founded in 1884, is a private university with 3,600 students enrolled in more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a model for professional university education, the University prepares students to be leaders in their professions in an active, collaborative and real-world learning environment infused with the liberal arts. Philadelphia University includes the innovative Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce; the College of Architecture and the Built Environment; and the College of Science, Health and the Liberal Arts.

The Wet Seal, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTSL), yesterday announced that the Company will be presenting at the TAG 5^th Annual Spring Consumer Conference being held at The InterContinental New York Times Square on Tuesday, April 9^th at 3:55 p.m. Eastern Time. John D. Goodman, Chief Executive Officer, and Steve Benrubi, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will host the presentation.

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASNA) yesterday announced that Erin Stern has accepted the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer with their maurices brand effective April 15, 2013. maurices (based in Duluth, MN) is an 860-store chain serving a twenty-something female (sizes 0-24) in small- and mid-markets.

David Jaffe, President and CEO of the Ascena Retail Group, commented, “Erin is an outstanding merchant with a strong strategic vision and understanding of this customer. Erin is an exceptional hire for this role.”

Ms. Stern joins maurices with over two decades of retail experience including Chief Merchant for Juicy Couture and President of bebe Sport. The majority of Erin’s retail career was with Gap, Inc. where she held several senior merchandising positions across multiple product categories in their Old Navy division.

Ms. Stern earned a BA degree from Tulane University.

Ms. Stern commented, “I am very excited to join this organization. maurices has a proven business model and an impressive runway for growth. I look forward to sharing my experiences in enhancing the maurices customer experience.”

George Goldfarb, President of maurices added, “Erin is a unique merchant who has an innate talent with product and also possesses exceptional analytical and leadership skills. I’m thrilled to welcome her to maurices.”

The Jones Group Inc. this week announced that it has appointed Greg Clark to the position of Chief Marketing Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Clark will report to Stefani Greenfield, Chief Creative Officer, and will oversee global marketing and brand identity for the Company's portfolio of fashion brands.

"We are excited to welcome Greg and his unique set of skills and expertise to The Jones Group to implement our vision of marketing as we continue the expansion of our fashion brands," said Stefani Greenfield, Chief Creative Officer of The Jones Group. "Greg's leadership will be instrumental in driving innovative marketing and branding campaigns that reinforce the Company's strategy to further connect our brands to consumers."

Richard Dickson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Branded Businesses at The Jones Group, said, "Greg's vast marketing and creative experience across a diverse group of brands adds tremendous value in the context of our corporate mission. I am thrilled to have him become an integral member of the team."

In his role as Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Clark will spearhead global creative marketing and communications, including digital media strategy, brand development and creative.

"The Jones Group has a rich portfolio of fashion brands that each possess their own unique heritage and relevance," said Mr. Clark. "I look forward to working with the talented team at The Jones Group in advancing their global marketing and brand building programs."

Mr. Clark is a proven marketing executive with more than 30 years of experience in executing global strategy across retail brands in fashion and packaged goods. He most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Creative Marketing for JCPenney. Prior to joining JCPenney, Mr. Clark held executive creative and marketing positions at various retailers including Toys 'R'Us, Marshall Fields, and Lane Bryant.

About The Jones Group Inc.

The Jones Group Inc. (www.jonesgroupinc.com) 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.

Dillard's, Inc. (DDS-NYSE) clarified today that the record date of its previously announced cash dividend of $0.05 per share will be Thursday, March 28, 2013 rather than Friday, March 29, 2013. The dividend remains payable on May 6, 2013 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 28, 2013.

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. announced yesterday that it intends to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $325 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the "notes") in a private offering. The notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Iconix also expects to grant to the initial purchaser of the notes a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of notes, solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

Iconix expects to use the net proceeds from the offering of the notes (i) to fund the repurchase of up to $75 million of its common stock in privately negotiated transactions through the initial purchaser conducted contemporaneously with the pricing of the notes, (ii) to fund the net cost of a convertible note hedge transaction and a warrant transaction with a hedge counterparty, as described below, and (iii) for general corporate purposes, which may include investing in or acquiring new brands through opportunistic transactions and strategic relationships and additional share repurchases. Since January 1, 2013, Iconix has repurchased approximately 2.6 million shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $62.0 million.

The notes will mature on March 15, 2018. Prior to December 15, 2017, the notes will be convertible only upon the occurrence of certain events and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the business day preceding the maturity date of the notes. Upon any conversion, Iconix's conversion obligation will be settled in cash up to the principal amount and, to the extent of any excess over the principal amount, in shares of Iconix common stock, or, if Iconix so elects, cash. The interest rate on, and the conversion rate of, the notes will be determined by negotiations between Iconix and the initial purchaser of the notes.

In connection with the offering of the notes, Iconix expects to enter into a privately negotiated convertible note hedge transaction with an affiliate of the initial purchaser of the notes (the "hedge counterparty"). The convertible note hedge transaction is expected to cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of shares of Iconix common stock that will initially underlie the notes. Iconix also expects to enter into a separate privately negotiated warrant transaction with the hedge counterparty relating to the same number of shares of Iconix common stock. In addition, if the initial purchaser exercises its over-allotment option to purchase additional notes, Iconix expects to sell additional warrants and to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the additional notes and from the sale of the corresponding additional warrants to enter into an additional convertible note hedge transaction. The convertible note hedge transaction is expected to reduce the potential dilution with respect to Iconix common stock upon conversion of the notes. However, the warrant transaction will have a dilutive effect with respect to Iconix common stock to the extent that the market price per share of Iconix common stock exceeds the applicable strike price of the warrants on any expiration date of the warrants.

In connection with establishing its initial hedge of the convertible note hedge transaction and warrant transaction and concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the notes, the hedge counterparty or its affiliate expects to purchase Iconix common stock in open market transactions and/or privately negotiated transactions and/or enter into various cash-settled derivative transactions with respect to Iconix common stock. In addition, the hedge counterparty or its affiliate may modify its hedge position by entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to Iconix common stock and/or by purchasing or selling Iconix common stock in open market transactions and/or privately negotiated transactions following the pricing of the notes from time to time (and are likely to do so during any conversion period related to a conversion of notes). Any of these hedging activities could also increase, decrease or prevent a decline in, the market price of Iconix common stock.

The notes and the shares of Iconix common stock issuable upon conversion thereof, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) announced today plans to open a Nordstrom Rack at The Markets at Town Center in Jacksonville, Fla. The approximately 35,000-square-foot store is scheduled to open in fall 2013.

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc., carrying on-trend merchandise from Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com at 50 to 60 percent off original Nordstrom prices. Nordstrom Rack also offers a wide selection of apparel, accessories and shoes from many of the brands carried in Nordstrom stores. These items are purchased specially for Nordstrom Rack, with most at savings of 30 to 70 percent off.

The announcement follows recently announced plans to open a Nordstrom full-line store at St. Johns Town Center in fall 2014. Nordstrom currently operates nine full-line stores and eight Rack stores throughout Florida.

"We're fortunate to have lots of customers living throughout the First Coast region and hope this new Rack store will make it more convenient for our Jacksonville customers to shop both our Rack location and the neighboring full-line store opening across the street next year," said Geevy Thomas, president of Nordstrom Rack.

The Markets at Town Center is an existing hybrid retail, dining, and entertainment center conveniently located at Gate Parkway and Town Center Parkway just off I-295 / J. Turner Butler Boulevard. In addition, the new Nordstrom Rack will be located across from St. Johns Town Center where a new Nordstrom full-line store will open in 2014. The new Rack store will be part of the final phase to the center and will join a vibrant business, retail and restaurant scene. Nearby stores include REI, Ulta, Best Buy, West Marine, Brio, Black Finn, Whiskey River, Suite and a variety of boutiques.

"We could not be more excited to be welcoming Nordstrom as our neighbor and Nordstrom Rack to our incredible array of one of a kind merchants and restaurateurs at The Markets at Town Center," said Steven Cadranel, President of Arris Realty Partners. "Our vision and success for attracting the most desired retailers and creating a truly unique shopping and dining experience for all of northeast Florida continues to build on itself."

About Arris Realty Partners and Genesis Realty Advisers
The principals of Arris Realty Partners and Genesis Realty Advisers, together with other former executives of Ben Carter Properties, are completing the final phase of development of The Markets at Town Center on behalf of its owner Pinehill Markets Operating, LLC. The two firms are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and specialize in all facets of retail development, acquisitions, asset management, leasing, and property management.