RETAILING

Dillard Appears Interested in Carter Hawley: According to bankruptcy court documents, Dillard Department Stores has contacted Carter Hawley Hale Stores to request confidential information with an eye toward making a formal bid for the troubled retailer. However, Dillard has not yet signed a confidentiality agreement, which the Los Angeles retailer is requiring before giving out such information, the documents stated. A Carter Hawley spokesman said he could not comment beyond the court filings. Dillard’s spokesman was not available. The parent of the Broadway chain has also received an offer from the Zell/Chilmark Fund.