VENATOR DONS GAME FACE, PLANS TO DIVEST HOLDINGS.

Byline: Rachel Beck Associated Press

Venator Group Inc. moved closer to becoming primarily a sporting goods retailer with its announcement Monday to sell or close eight of its noncore businesses, totaling more than 500 stores.

The New York-based company, formerly known as Woolworth, also said that its president, Dale Hilpert, was named chief executive officer. He will replace Roger Farah, who will remain Venator's chairman.

``This is the latest step in the restructuring of Venator,'' said John Shanley, an analyst at First Security Van Kasper. ``It's a smart move to get rid of those stores that don't have growth potential and have limited earnings capabilities.''

It's been a tough few years for Venator, which has attempted to boost profits by reducing costs and closing more than 4,000 stores - including all of its Woolworth five-and-dime and Kinney Shoe stores.

Last year, Venator lost $113 million, or $1 a share, compared with a loss of $10 million, or 7 cents a share, the year before. Sales fell to $4.56 billion, from $4.6 billion. Its stock is trading at about $10, compared with more than $28 two years ago.

Venator is now mostly a sporting goods company, with 6,000 stores, including the Foot Locker and Champs Sports chains. It also operates the Northern Group of apparel stores and the accessories chain Afterthoughts.

Venator said the businesses it will now exit include San Francisco Music Box, Randy River, Foot Locker Outlets, Colorado U.S., Team Edition, Going to the Game, Weekend Edition and some Burger King franchises.

SHUTTING DOWN

Venator Corp. is selling or closing the following chains, in addition to selling off some Burger King franchises it owns:

- San Francisco Music Box

- Randy River

- Foot Locker Outlets

- Colorado U.S.

- Team Edition

- Going to the Game

- Weekend Edition

CAPTION(S):

Box

BOX: SHUTTING DOWN (see text)