Tommy Bahama expands to Maui's Whalers Village

Resort-wear retailer Tommy Bahama is opening a 3,251-square-foot store in Maui's Whalers Village, its second in Hawaii.

In addition to men's and women's clothing, the outlet will sell tropical-themed home accessories when it opens May 20. The company expects to employ 15 to 20 people at the store, according to Janet Orsi, a spokeswoman for Tommy Bahama.

The company has plans to open more retail outlets across the state over the next year, according to a press release. Its existing Hawaii store in Wailea, Maui, includes a restaurant component with an Island-inspired menu.

The 10-year-old firm has 18 retail locations nationwide. Six of them include restaurants.

American Air to recall more than 200 pilots

FORT WORTH, Texas >> American Airlines said yesterday it would recall 208 laid-off pilots next month due to a gradual increase in air travel.

Karen Watson, an American Airlines spokeswoman, said the pilots would begin training sessions on May 1.

In September, American's parent, Fort Worth-based AMR Corp., announced it would cut 20,000 jobs at American, commuter airline American Eagle and Trans World Airlines, which has since been folded into American. Fewer employees were needed because American cut its flight schedule in the face of declining travel after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Traffic has slowly increased, although it remains about 12 percent below levels of a year ago, the airline said this week.

In December, American recalled 800 reservations clerks and canceled plans to lay off another 200 pilots. Watson said details were not available on where the 208 recalled pilots were based.

Dell Computer boosts forecast for revenues

NEW YORK >> Dell Computer Corp. said fiscal first-quarter sales will exceed forecasts and profit will meet targets, as the world's biggest personal-computer maker wins business from rivals and reduces costs.

Dell's shares rose 2.1 percent today on the news. Revenue in the period ending May 3 will be about $7.9 billion, the company said. Dell in February said it would earn 16 cents a share on sales of $7.65 billion to $7.82 billion.

Dell, which made the announcement after the market closed yesterday, saw its stock rise 56 cents to $26.75 today.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial/First Call on average expect earnings of 16 cents a share on revenue of $7.7 billion.

Chairman Michael Dell has predicted that corporate PC sales, where the company generates most of its sales, will revive in the second half. The PC maker has focused on consumer sales, including a stepped-up TV advertising campaign.

In other news ...

LONDON >> Tough talk by President Bush over Middle Eastern bloodshed brought a surge in oil prices to a swift halt today after Brent crude had earlier hit six-month highs. Bush called on Israel to halt incursions into Palestinian-controlled areas, calming fears of the conflict widening across the oil-rich Arab world. Brent crude fell from $28.15 per barrel to $27.31 on the London market, while the New York crude price was off 85 cents at $26.81.