Franklin Resources Inc, one of Zale Corp's largest shareholders, has shed most of its stake in the troubled jewelry chain since the end of 2009.

Gymboree Corp's quarterly profit topped market estimates by a penny, as well-managed discounts helped the children's apparel retailer during the holiday season, and it forecast the first quarter largely above expectations.

Fragrance maker Inter Parfums Inc posted an adjusted fourth-quarter profit that topped Wall Street expectations, helped by new product launches and higher sales at its European-based operations, and kept its 2010 forecast.

Teen clothing retailer Hot Topic Inc forecast a first-quarter loss that could be wider than market estimates, partly as it expects comparable store sales to continue to fall, sending its shares down 6 percent.

Men's Wearhouse Inc's fourth-quarter adjusted loss was narrower than estimates, but revenue fell short of market expectations as reduced store traffic and a lower domestic average ticket hurt sales, sending its shares down 6 percent.

Phillips-Van Heusen reiterated its fourth-quarter outlook as the owner of the Calvin Klein brand said it saw a strong end to the quarter driven by its outlet stores and royalties from the iconic brand.

Apparel retailer Buckle Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by strong online sales.

Swiss food giant Nestle is more likely to sell its 30 percent stake in the world's biggest cosmetics group L'Oreal rather than attempt a takeover with limited strategic logic.

Children's Place Retail Stores Inc posted a quarterly profit that was in line with market estimates as discounts helped boost sales during the holiday season.

Apparel retailer J Crew Group Inc posted a net profit in its holiday quarter that beat Wall Street estimates, helped by tight inventory and double-digit sales growth.

Footwear retailer Collective Brands Inc posted a narrower-than-expected fourth-quarter loss, helped by strong gross margins.

Foot Locker Inc announced a plan to expand its business by catering to a more diverse demographic, growing internationally and pursuing acquisitions.

Talbots Inc said that shareholder John Campbell has withdrawn his motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the retailer's proposed merger, but there was no assurance the parties would settle and discharge his claims.

Male cosmetics sales in Britain are growing at twice the rate of the female market, according to a survey, with the need to look good for job interviews and the fear of looking old playing key roles.

Shares of Zale Corp rose nearly 17 percent after The Wall Street Journal quoted the jewelry retailer's largest shareholder as criticizing former CEO Neal Goldberg.