RETAILING

Woolworth Suppliers Told to Wait: Several retail credit and factoring companies have told suppliers to hold off on shipments to Woolworth Corp. until the retailer provides more information about an internal investigation into alleged accounting irregularities. Factoring companies guarantee manufacturers will be paid for shipments to retailers. Retail credit companies advise factoring companies and suppliers about the credit worthiness of retailers. The companies said they are concerned that a pending restatement of Woolworth’s past earnings could adversely affect the company’s ability to pay suppliers. The New York-based operator of specialty and general merchandise store chains said Wednesday it will restate figures for its last fiscal year, which ended Jan. 29.