Only about two dozen store chains, including Federated Department Stores, still run their own programs.

The battle for Federated Department Stores was the most dramatic.

The building and $850,000 was given to the school by Federated Department Stores.

Federated Department Stores reported a 9.6 percent increase over last year's mere 2.4 percent gain.

Federated Department Stores turned in good first-quarter results thanks to its program of cost controls.

Federated Department Stores earned $31.6 million in the third quarter, in contrast to a loss a year earlier.

Federated Department Stores had a 2.1 percent increase, down sharply from 7 percent a year ago.

Federated Department Stores posted an unexpected profit of nearly $12 million.

Federated Department Stores, which registered strong growth in sales, nevertheless saw its share price dip 25 cents, to $27.125.

Yet a big deal to design clothes for Federated Department Stores fizzled in 1997.