Marketing

Omega Sports has a new owner.    The Greensboro, North Carolina-based sporting goods retailer has been acquired by Craig and Kristin Carlock. Effective immediately, Craig Carlock, former CEO of specialty grocer The Fresh Market, is Omega’s new CEO.  

Joe Coradino’s experience-driven rebuilding of PREIT malls has given kids in Pennsylvania something new to build on — or, more like, in.   The state’s first Legoland Discovery Center has opened in the Plymouth Meeting Mall, north of Philadelphia, pushing the percentage of the property’s dining and entertainment space above 45%, compared to an average of 17% at other PREIT malls.  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. now has a way to get its fashions into the hands of its loyal shoppers in Southeast Asia — and fast.   Through a new wholesale agreement with Asia's leading online fashion destination Zalora, the teen apparel retailer will begin selling its Hollister merchandise through Zalora's online stores starting next week. The site will also begin offering Abercrombie & Fitch product later this month, according to Abercrombie & Fitch.  

A veteran retailer has been named co-chairman of Lululemon Athletica.   The retailer has appointed Glen Murphy to its board as co-chairman, effective immediately.    Murphy served as chairman and CEO of Gap Inc. from 2007 to 2014. Prior to that, he was CEO of Canadian drugstore chain Shoppers Drug Mart. Currently, Murphy is head of FIS Holdings, where he is responsible for leading the high-impact consumer-focused investment firm deploying a combination of operating guidance and capital flexibility.

Von Maur has opened its first location in Wisconsin.   The family-owned company opened a 150,000-sq.-ft. store at The Corners of Brookfield in Brookfield, Wisconsin.   Von Maur has been expanding with its eye on a national footprint. After expanding beyond its Midwestern footprint in 2011 with the opening of its first location in Georgia, Von Maur has since grown in additional new states including New York, Alabama and Oklahoma.   

Forever 21 announced a major expansion of its F21 Red division.   The fast-fashion retailer plans to open more than 40 F21 stores across the United States in 2017. The first three are scheduled to open in April, in San Antonio, Texas; Bronx, New York, and Chicago.   New locations will continue to open throughout the year in key cities, bringing the brand’s total store count to more than seventy locations by year-end.  

L Brands’ recent exit from swimwear continues to take its toll on the company’s sales.    The specialty retailer, which operates Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel, reported its net sales decreased 7% to  $951.4 million for the five weeks ended April 1, 2017. This is compared to net sales of $1.027 billion for the five weeks ended April 2 , 2016.  

Stage Stores is officially adding Gordmans stores to its portfolio.   Stage Stores closed on its previously announced acquisition of selected assets of Gordmans Stores, the Omaha, Nebraska-based department store chain that filed for Chapter 11 on March 13.   

eBags is about to embark on a new journey.   The online luggage retailer is being acquired by Samsonite International. The deal, which is valued at $105 million, is part of Samsonite’s ongoing strategy to accelerate the growth of its direct-to-consumer, e-commerce business, and strengthen its existing digital capabilities, the company reported.   

The fashion retailer known for its bold, colorful designs is losing its chief executive.   Benetton Group’s Marco Airoldi will resign as of May 16. The board accepted his resignation on Tuesday.   Airoldi joined the company in 2013 – first as a consultant, then as CEO and managing director. During his tenure, he has contributed to the definition and subsequent launch of the company’s refocus and relaunch plan, which targets a selection of markets, stores and the Benetton Group brands.