RETAILING

Federated Combining L.A. Centers, Firing 300: Federated Department Stores Inc. said it plans to cut the jobs when it combines two distribution centers in City of Industry and moves operations to a facility in Pasadena. Employees were told that new technology will allow workers in Pasadena to handle the extra workload without additional help. New distribution technology, such as a scanning system to route incoming packages to the correct stores, will be installed at the Pasadena center in a $7-million renovation project. The Cincinnati-based chain operates 400 department stores and 150 specialty stores nationwide, including Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Rich’s and Stern’s.