Accessories

After four consecutive quarters of year-over-year earnings decline, DSW Inc. got back on track in its third quarter.   The footwear and accessories retailer had adjusted net income of $42 million, or 51 cents per diluted share, a 16% year-over-year improvement and 3 cents above estimates.  

Coach is celebrating its 75th anniversary year with an impressive new flagship on one the world’s most prestigious (and pricey) streets.    The company has officially opened the doors to its “Coach House” flagship on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The 20,000-sq.-ft., three-level space, designed by Coach executive creative director Stuart Vevers and Studio Sofield, showcases the brand’s modern luxury positioning. (A Stuart Weitzman flagship is located adjacent to it. Coach acquired the brand in 2015.)

The 400,000-sq.-ft. retail component of The Source, a new mixed-use project in Buena Park, California will be opening next month, according to developer M+D Properties.   A highlight of the center will be the nation’s first CGV Cultureplex, a concept pioneered by the South Korean movie theater chain CJ CGV. It features 4DX theaters with motion seats and ScreenX, which employs six screens and projectors to surround viewers with movie images.  

Macerich is rolling out a plug-and-play concept that allows it to bring new retailers to its centers in a most untraditional way.    The mall owner announced it is expanding its portfolio for WithMe, an interactive physical store platform that allows brands to set up  limited-time shops in a most expedient way. WithMe offers brands a fully portable, pre-fabricated and high-tech retail environment that blend the best of online and offline shopping.    

One of the world’s largest sail manufacturers is sailing into Manhattan, but it won’t be selling its award-winning sails.   North Sails will open its third retail store on Nov. 16, in Manhattan. The company opened its first store in August, in Annapolis, Md., followed by a location in Newport, Rhode Island.  

J. Jill Group Inc. is moving forward with plans for an initial public offering.   The Quincy, Massachusetts-based retailer has tapped Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Jefferies Group LLC as underwriters for a possible initial public offering, Reuters reported.     

Alex and Ani has promoted Cindy DiPietrantonio to president of the company.           DiPietrantonio joined the jewelry and lifestyle brand in July 2016 as interim COO, and her transition to president has happened in “a very natural, organic way,” the company said.  

Saks Fifth Avenue is transforming its stores into a candy wonderland for the holidays.   The retailer’s holiday theme this year is called “Land of 1000 Delights” and it will appear in all 41 Saks’ full-priced stores in the U.S. and Canada. Jumbo swirl lollipops, whipped cotton candy and mounds of rock candy are just some of the colorful décor that will make up each store’s visual displays.    

The watch and fashion accessories brand Fossil Group is planning to reorganize its business.   The company, which operates 610 stores across the globe (including 284 U.S. locations) will close some stores, although it did not say how many, the Dallas News reported, as part of a multi-year business overhaul that also includes a focus on fewer products.    

Boot Barn’s second quarter performance rose slightly, meeting Wall Street estimates. The western-influenced specialty retailer reported $134 million in revenue for the second quarter ending Sept. 24, 2016, a 3.3% increase from $129.7 million in the prior-year period. This jump also exceeded Wall Street’s estimate of $131.61 million. Boot Barn credited the increase to 13 new stores opened over the past 12 months, and a 1.8% increase in same-store sales. Two of those stores opened the chain during the second quarter.