Marketing

Canton, Mass. – The costs of converting its Casual Male XL banner to the DXL banner helped Destination XL swing to a net loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The retailer reported a net loss of $3.5 million, compared to net income of $1 million last year.

For the quarter, total sales were $96.8 million, up 3% from $94 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The increase in total sales was primarily due to an increase in same-store sales of 3.4%

New York -- Teen retailer Delia’s announced that its CFO, David Dick, has resigned. He will remain with the company through Aug. 1.

Emeryville, Calif. - Jamba, Inc., parent company of Jamba Juice, is partnering with DanceOn, a YouTube network exclusively dedicated to dance entertainment, to execute a digital campaign to inspire customers to participate in the "Blend in the Good" summer dance video contest. From now until Aug. 31, the online contest will encourage dance enthusiasts to submit unique videos.

Beachwood, Ohio – Shopping center operator DDR Corp. is commencing a multi-year proactive lease termination initiative aimed at recapturing high-quality anchor store locations across its portfolio. Through this initiative, DDR is collaborating with retailers in the books, electronics, toys, office and traditional department store categories to right-size their real estate footprints by regaining control of locations in advance of natural lease expiration.

New Albany, Ohio – Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reported a net loss of $23.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, up from $7.2 million in the year-ago period, but less than analysts had expected. Restructuring charges associated with the closure of Abercrombie’s Gilly Hicks stand-alone stores, as well as the impact of heavy discounting on profit margins, helped drive the retailer’s net loss growth. The chain backed its full-year forecast as demand in its female business improved and sales fell less than expected for the first time in six quarters.

Nashville, Tenn. — Opry Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in Tennessee, has expanded its staff with the addition of three new professions. Natalie Smailis has been named marketing/tourism coordinator. Jamie Phillips will serve as guest services manager. Billy Patton will step into the role of director of operations.

New York — Skincare specialist Infinite Beauty has leased its first New York City location at 1031 Third Avenue and 61st Street, according to Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, and Joseph Aquino, executive VP of Douglas Elliman’s Retail Group, which represented both the landlord and tenant in the transaction.

The retailer has stores in affluent areas along the east and west coasts, from Boca Raton, Fla., to Annapolis, Md., and White Plains, N.Y., to Roseville, N.Y., and Palo Alto, Calif.

Supermarket industry veteran Peter Lynch was named to the board of directors at Retail Properties of America (RPAI).

The publicly held owner and operator of 227 properties encompassing 31.2 million square feet said Lynch’s extensive experience in the grocery industry would aid RPAI in its repositioning efforts.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has added two industry veterans to lead the company’s marketing and merchandising divisions. The company has named Jim Wright as SVP of marketing and advertising, and Megan Featherston as SVP of merchandising.

Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon was among the dozens of high-profile business executives from the world of technology who participated in the inaugural Code Conference this week. Organizers of the event, which cost $6,500 to attend, made available a brief video of McMillon’s comments on a wide range of topics.