Reed Conner & Birdwell urged the company to hire a financial adviser to consider strategic alternatives, including a possible sale. Reed Conner said that it intends to "forcefully advocate" several changes to corporate governance and operations, including declassifying the board, instituting a share-repurchase program and putting acquisitions on hold. Reed Conner holds 3.14 million shares (9.76% of the total outstanding).

Strongbow Capital proposed that the company expand its board by adding a Strongbow designee and form an executive committee to oversee its business. Strongbow said that it hoped the committee would help the company reduce inventory, lower expenses and reduce losses from theft and other types of "shrinkage." Strongbow holds 543,517 shares (14.2%).

Spencer Capital asked the book retailer to add a person designated by Spencer to its board. Spencer holds 4.63 million shares (7.9%).

Mace Security International (MACE) Lawndale Capital said that it intends to nominate four independent directors to the board. Lawndale holds 1.57 million shares (9.6%).

Furniture Brands International (FBN) Samson Holding reported ownership of 7.22 million shares (14.9%) and said that it might consider various courses of action with regard to its investment.

Universal American Financial (UHCO) Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe reported ownership of 8.24 million shares (10.46%).

D.E. Shaw & Co. raised its stake to 4.4 million shares (9.9%) from the 3.43 million (7.7%) it had reported possessing on Sept. 12.

Investor Carl Icahn raised his stake to 43.32 million shares (11.05%) from the 38.72 million (9.88%) he had reported owning on Sept. 20.