Shoe maker Crocs Inc on Thursday 7 May posted a deeper net loss on a 32 percent drop in revenue, even as the shoe maker cut inventory and costs, sending its shares down nearly 12 percent.

U.S. shoe and clothing maker Kenneth Cole Productions Inc posted a first-quarter loss as inventory cutbacks at its major wholesale partners and lower consumer spending drove a 16 percent fall in revenue.

Steven Madden Ltd posted a three-fold rise in quarterly profit, which topped market estimates, as its trendy footwear and accessories resonated with its young customers, and stood by its 2009 earnings outlook.

German retail sales plunged by 1.0 percent in March from the previous month, figures released on Monday 4 May by the national statistics office showed, as rising unemployment hit consumer sentiment.

Option players in Crocs Inc appear to be betting on improved prospects for the shoe company after it reports quarterly results this week and that shares will rise by at least 66 percent into the summer.

Steven Madden Ltd raised its 2009 profit outlook and the shoe maker expects to report first-quarter results above market estimates, driven by the performance of the Steve Madden Womens and Madden Girl brands.

Shoe company Deckers Outdoor Corp posted better-than-expected first-quarter results, helped by strength in its UGG brand, but it forecast a second-quarter loss, sending its shares down more than 7 percent.

Shoe maker Wolverine World Wide Inc posted a first-quarter profit that beat market expectations, as strong sales at key brands and lower operating expenses helped offset some of the hit from unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

GlaxoSmithKline, the world's second-largest drugmaker, has agreed to buy privately owned U.S. skincare specialist Stiefel Laboratories for up to $3.6 billion (£2.5 billion).

Ecuador's measures to restrict imports to defend its balance of payments would affect $4.3 billion of its 2008 imports, or 23 percent of the total, according to a World Trade Organisation report.

Crocs Inc said on Thursday April 2 that it was launching a cash tender offer for employee stock options worth up to $315,000, sending the shoe maker's shares up nearly 7 percent in premarket trading.

Shoe maker Crocs Inc said on Tuesday March 31 it received a six-month extension of its credit facility with Union Bank of California that was due to expire later this week. The existing facility will now mature Sept.

Credit Suisse initiated coverage of footwear retailer Deckers Outdoor Corp with an "underperform" rating, saying the company's flagship Ugg brand was nearing saturation.

Athletic shoe and clothing retailer Finish Line Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit before special items on Friday March 27, helped by lighter inventories and cost cuts.

Footwear retailer DSW Inc (DSW.N) posted a wider-than-expected quarterly loss, hurt in part by higher costs, and said it would not provide an annual earnings outlook given the uncertainty in the U.S. economy.