Marketing

Forever 21 has joined the crowded fast fashion scene on New York City’s Fifth Avenue by opening a new 36,000 square foot flagship store.

The store is spread out over four floors and will carry Forever 21 Men, Forever 21+, F21 Contemporary, basics, denim and shoes.

The new flagship takes over the site of a former H&M store, which closed in December a few months after the opening of its own new flagship on 48th Street.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Johnny Rockets has promoted James Walker to president of operations and development. Formerly Johnny Rockets' chief development officer, Walker was recently promoted because of his role in orchestrating the franchise's record growth and development since joining in December 2013.

London -- British women’s activewear brand Sweaty Betty plans to expand its presence in the United States. The London-based company has received a strategic growth investment from U.S. private equity firm Catterton. Sweaty Betty operates more than 40 stores in the United Kingdom, and two in the United States, where it also recently launched a website.

Every time a retailer files for bankruptcy I am reminded of a harshly appropriate comment Jay Leno made in a monologue years ago after an icon of American retailing succumbed to market forces.

Montgomery Ward (remember them?), a company with an illustrious history that had a tremendous influence on the evolution of the retail industry, filed for bankruptcy in 1997 and was later liquidated.

New York -- Aeropostale Inc. on Monday narrowed its fourth-quarter loss forecast on better than expected sales, margins, and expense management in January, and announced two executive appointments.  

New York -- In a surprise move, Kate Spade & Company announced it is closing all 19 of its lower-priced Kate Spade Saturday stores and all 12 of its Jack Spade menswear stores. Both brands will remain in the luxury company's portfolio, with Kate Spade Saturday being folded into Kate Spade, and Jack Spade being sold at other retailers and online. The company also announced a new joint venture to speed its growth in China, where it sees a long-term potential for 100 stores.

Bebe stores CEO Jim Wiggett credited a compelling merchandise assortment with helping to drive the company’s success in the second quarter.

Coach's efforts to regain its upscale brand identity received a boost this month with the addition of a veteran luxury goods retailer to its board of directors.

“We are extremely pleased that Andrea Guerra has agreed to join our board,” said Victor Luis, CEO at Coach Inc. “As Coach continues its transformation into a modern luxury lifestyle brand, Andrea's extensive exposure to a wide variety of best-in-class brands and his broad retail and international experience will prove valuable to our team."