Marketing

Brooklyn, N.Y. – Etsy Inc., the online marketplace for handmade goods, has released its first-ever earnings report, which shows growth in both net loss and revenue. Net loss increased substantially to $36.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 from $500,000 the same quarter the prior year.

Corte Madera, Calif. - David Stanchak has joined RH (Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc.) as chief real estate and development officer, effective immediately. In this newly created position, Stanchak will be leading the transformation of RH’s current legacy galleries into next generation Design Galleries, with responsibility for the company's real estate and store development efforts.

Stanchak will report to RH’s chairman and CEO Gary Friedman, and serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is teaming up with an A-list celebrity mom on a new line of craft kids for children.

The retailer has nabbed an exclusive partnership with Jennifer Garner on a new line of creative kits and projects for active kids. We Made It by Jennifer Garner will be available exclusively at Jo-Ann stores and Joann.com beginning in June. 

Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Donuts is recruiting franchisees to develop an estimated 10-plus new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants throughout Mobile, Alabama, and Biloxi and Jackson, Mississippi. In addition, a number of existing operating restaurants may be available for purchase.

Ascena Retail Group may be looking to attract younger, more career-oriented shoppers with its $2.15 buyout of rival Ann Inc.

By Brian Ehrig

The U.S. dollar has risen by more than 20% against the other major currencies over the last year, buoyed by a respectable if not torrid economic recovery and sinking oil prices, among other factors. That could be a breath of fresh air for U.S. shoppers with a taste for imported goods. For global mega-brands like PVH, Microsoft and Coach, however, the implications are closer to a gathering storm.

Photo: Jonathan Parks

New York – Sean P. Murphy has been hired as a consultant to advise management regarding strategic and other business matters. As a result, Murphy has resigned from Ralph Lauren’s board of directors.

Murphy served on Ralph Lauren’s board since November 2005. He was the CEO of Christie’s International from September 2010 through December 2014. He previously served as the president and CEO of Rodale Inc. from 2002 to December 2009, and joined Rodale in 2000 as its president and COO.