Paramus, New Jersey

SEATTLE, WA (BRAIN)REI this week reported an 8.4 percent jump in annual sales for 2011, to $1.66 billion, but operating income was down slightly, to $116.2 million from 2010s record $116.6 million. Net income was flat compared with 2010 at $30.2 million. We experienced strong sales in 2011. However, because winter weather failed to arrive, our profitability was impacted, said Brian Unmacht, REIs executive vice president. Looking ahead, our underlying strong financial position allows us to continue our growth plans and invest in ways that make it easy for customers and members to shop REI however they wishonline, on

Lord & Taylor will open its first Lord & Taylor Home store Sept. 3 in Paramus, N.J. The high-end retailer will stock labels including Gordon Ramsay, Mario Batali and Kate Spade. A second Lord & Taylor Home location will open in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, later this month.

Disney Consumer Products is planning Pirates Day, a May 14 promotional event at Hot Topic stores in Hollywood, Calif. and Paramus, N.J. The events are part of a month-long immersive "Pirates of the Caribbean" retail environment at Hot Topics’ 650 stores nationwide, featuring "Pirates of the Caribbean" shirts, jewelry and accessories.