Anthropologie

At a time when many retailers might be cutting back on brick-and-mortar investments to focus more on e-commerce, a few notable ones are taking the opposite approach and launching large-format experiential stores to immerse customers in the full brand experience and offer items in each product category, from couches to dresses.   

A recent Washington Post article pointed out that Anthropologie posted four straight quarters of flat or declining comparable sales and J. Crew saw comparable sales drop 10% in the last year. Banana Republic has seen a decline in comparable sales for the past 13 months, including a staggering 14% plunge in July. Weak sales numbers have also plagued Gap and Ann Taylor.  

Anthropologie’ s experiential retailing concept takes center stage under its new store banner, Anthropologie & Co., with the first-ever location now open in Walnut Creek, Calif.   The 30,000-sq.-ft. store is a visual treat, and features fully decorated showrooms, filled to the brim with custom furniture.   

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has named Ashley Sargent Price as senior VP and creative director of marketing.

In this role, Price will oversee creative marketing for all brands (Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, and Hollister Co.), the company`s internal photo studio, and marketing operations. She reports to Fran Horowitz, president & chief merchandising officer.

Henderson, Nev. -- Vestar recently completed a $120 million buyout from its joint venture partner, Rockwood Capital, to take full ownership and operations including property management, leasing and marketing of The District at Green Valley Ranch, a 37-acre, 384,107-sq.-ft. mixed-use center in Henderson, Nevada.  

Home furnishings retailer West Elm has named a new senior vice president of design for its retail, catalog and online channels.

The company says Johanna Uurasjarvi will lead the product design team and report to West Elm President Jim Brett.

Bringing more than 20 years of fashion design experience and a lifetime of passion for design and global craft, Uurasjarvi joins West Elm from the lifestyle brand, Anthropologie, where she was the executive creative director of product design.

New York -- Merchandise misfires are the bane of specialty apparel retailers. Most recently, Anthropologie, a division of Urban Outfitters, missed big time with its spring collection of cocktail dresses and maxis, which customers apparently found too pricey and/or not to their liking.

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The CEO of Urban Outfitters sounded a positive note about the company's omnichannel strategy despite reporting mixed financial results in the first quarter.