A number of factors have ELY senior management encouraged that the golf equipment company’s fortunes can turn around from a disastrous 2011 that was plagued by poor marketing execution, natural disasters in Asia and difficulties in product lifecycle management that dragged on sales and profits.

JC Penney is embarking on a bold, new strategy to transform its traditional promotional department store image into a hipper, more relevant retailer that will feature everyday low pricing, an innovative new promotional strategy, a strong emphasis on brand shop-in-shops and a page from the Apple store design that will make the middle of the store a focal point for services rather than merchandise.

Citi Trends, which in Sept. eliminated 40 staff reductions to generate $3.5 million in cost savings and a pullback in its store opening plans to only five doors in 2012, is moving forward with new CEO and Chief Merchandising Officer.

Tracey Janey has been named chief of field operations in charge of the 400 field representatives who handle demand fulfillment for Franklin customers in key retailers.

Three importers are recalling approximately 2,000 bicycle handlebars in the U.S. and 70 in Canada due to the possibility of breakage during use.