Bloomberg J. Crew Group Inc. has one persistent bright spot as it tries to revive its business: Madewell. The younger, more casual brand that made its mark in denim said same-store sales, a closely watched measure, skyrocketed 31 percent in the first quarter — nearly triple the 11 percent rise the previous year. Chief Executive Officer Jim Brett is trying ...

Bloomberg British consumers are feeling more upbeat about their spending prospects, though they’re still worried about the economic outlook, according to GfK. An index of confidence increased by 2 points in May to minus 7, the market-research firm said in a report published on May 31, with consumers declaring themselves more optimistic about their personal financial situation. They are still ...

Bloomberg Deutsche Bank AG’s new chief executive officer, Christian Sewing, suffered a fresh setback in his efforts to reinvigorate Europe’s largest investment bank as S&P Global Ratings cut the lender’s credit rating. S&P reduced the rating by one notch to BBB+, the third-lowest investment grade, citing “significant execution risk” after several management changes and strategy updates in past years. Shares ...