National: May 4, 2001
Little Rock, Ark.-based Dillard’s Inc. announced it has acquired eight of the recently shuttered Montgomery Ward stores in an approximately $21 million deal; the stores are based in Southwest Plaza in Littleton, Colo., Gulf View Square in Port Richey, Fla., Towne West Square in Wichita, Kan., Metro North Mall in Kansas City, Mo., Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma, Okla., SouthPark Mall in Moline, Ill.; and Northpark Mall in Davenport, Iowa...New York-based Music Entertainment Fashion Inc., the recently formed company owned by Andy Hilfiger, announced the launch of a joint venture with singer and actress Jennifer Lopez to produce apparel under the J. Lo by Jennifer Lopez label; the joint venture, called Sweetface Fashions, will include contemporary apparel and denim, swimwear, footwear, accessories, fragrance and eyewear... New York-based Candie’s announced plans to sponsor a public service campaign aimed at preventing teen pregnancy; the company’s newly formed philanthropy, Candie’s Foundation, will sponsor the ads and host a fundraising concert this summer...Sara Lee announced it plans to lay off more than 1,300 employees from the company intimates and underwear factories in Central and South America.
