Mercury Media, a privately owned direct response media agency, has hired Chris Conderino and Mitchel G. Bader.

Frederick’s of Hollywood saw its fourth quarter net sales drop 18.1%, from $42.1 million a year ago to $34.5 million. The company’s net loss diminished, however, from $7.2 million a year ago to just over $7 million.

J. Crew Group, Inc. has boosted its financial outlook for its current third quarter, which will end Oct. 31, as well as the upcoming fourth quarter.

Amazon.com generated third quarter net sales of $5.45 billion, up 28% from $4.26 billion from third quarter 2008. The online retailer’s operating income jumped 62% to $251 million, compared with $154 million a year ago. Its net income increased 68% to $199 million in the third quarter, compared with net income of $118 million in…

While automobile dealers received a boost from the “Cash for Clunkers” federal vehicle trade-in program, one major direct marketer’s praise for the effort was decidedly muted. Autobytel, which provides prospect leads to a network of dealers, indicated the total number of dealers taking advantage in its offerings declined during the third quarter.