Accessories

CHICAGO — Icing, the jewelry and accessories brand founded by Claire's in 1996, is about to get a branding makeover.

The new branding program includes an updated store design, new brand visual identity, modernized logo and the brand's first ever e-commerce enabled website. The brand seeks to establish itself as a destination for fashionable jewelry, accessories and expert style advice for young women ages 18 and older.

PLANO, Texas — J.C. Penney is introducing the Bijoux Bar, a line of fine jewelry that features collections from Kenneth Jay Lane, Kara Ross, Lana Bramlette, Dominique Cohen, Doris Panos, Rodrigo Otazu and Diego Massimo. 

New York -- The Jones Group Inc. announced Monday that it will put into action a series of events designed to shore up profitability, the most significant of which includes shuttering 170 underperforming stores in the U.S. by mid-2014.

The stores identified for closure include 50 units previously announced in the fourth quarter.

NEW YORK — The Jones Group Inc. plans to close 170 under-performing stores in the U.S. by mid-2014 as part of its efforts to shore up profitability.

The stores identified for closure include 50 units previously announced in the fourth quarter.

Jones, which owns the Nine West, Jones New York and Anne Klein banners among others, will emerge from the restructuring with a higher percentage of outlet stores in its portfolio, and some units will be converted to more viable sister banners.

New York -- Icing, a division of Claire’s Stores, is being re-branded with a new store design, new logo and updated imagery, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to open some 35 stores this year, including a flagship in Chicago. The new locations will feature the updated design. Existing stores will be remodeled.
 

New York -- Coach on Tuesday reported that its net income for three-month period ending on March 30 rose 6.2% to $238.9 million amid strong sales in North America, beating analysts’ expectations. The company also disclosed that its longtime president and executive creative director, Reed Krakoff, will step down when his contract expires next year in order to focus on his own namesake brand, which is owned by Coach. Coach said it is already looking for a successor.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced today that, in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., it has opened Shisui Premium Outlets (Shisui Town, Inba District, Chiba Prefecture), the ninth Premium Outlet Center in Japan.

HOUSTON — Specialty retailer Francesca's has appointed Laurie Ann Goldman and Joseph O'Leary to its board of directors.

Goldman has been CEO of rapidly growing Spanx, makers of slimming intimates and body shapers, since 2002. Prior to joining privately held Spanx, she spent 10 years at the Coca-Cola Company in a number of leading marketing roles. Earlier in her career, she held marketing positions at R.H. Macy and Maison Blanche Stores. Goldman currently serves on the advisory board for Suntrust Banks.

Fredericksburg, Va. -- Youngstown, Ohio-based Cafaro Co. said that J. Jill will open a new store at Spotsylvania Towne Centre. The 3,700-sq.-ft. location is slated to open in July at The Village at Towne Centre, between Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Cache.  

J. Jill will join The Buckle, opening April 25, and Chico’s, which is expected to open May 1.

San Francisco -- In a presentation to shareholders at its annual investor meeting on Wednesday, Gap CEO Glenn Murphy outlined growth initiatives that include taking Old Navy international via a franchising route, and expanding on its online programs.