Whitehall Jewelers has asked to court to approve its choice of a trio of liquidators–Great American, Hudson Capital Partners, and Silverman Consultants–to conduct “going out of business sales.”

Bentonville, Ark.—Net sales at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. increased 9.4 percent for the four weeks ended Aug. 1 to $30.16 billion, and 9.6 percent to $196.48 billion for the 26 weeks ended Aug. 1, compared with the same period last year, the company announced on Thursday.

New York—The JA New York Summer Show wrapped up last week, welcoming for the first time exhibitors from Indonesia and Korea to the International Pavilions, and offering up a wide range of features and fashion-forward jewelry and watch designs that are the show's hallmarks.

Bonita Springs, Fla.—Congress Jewelers' co-founder Dee Congress has passed away in Sanibel Island, Fla., after a 30-year battle with cancer. She was 65.

London—Same-store sales at Signet Group PLC dropped 4.5 percent for the second quarter ended Aug 2, and total sales were down 2.4 percent on a reported basis to $768.6 million (1.9 percent at constant exchange rates), compared with the same period last year, the company announced today.

Mumbai, India—Indian officials at the 25th annual India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), which opened today at the NSE Complex in Goreagon, Mumbai, are looking forward to a robust five days of business, despite the economic downturn in the United States and the high price of gas plaguing the jewelry industry worldwide.