Accessories

Germantown, Tenn. -- Trademark Property Co. announced Lily Rain will open a 1,600 sq. ft. store at Saddle Creek, in Germantown, Tennessee. The store will be Lily Rain’s first Tennessee location and will open in spring 2016 next to Michael Kors.

American Eagle Outfitters has entered into an acquisition that could eventually see it open hundreds of new stores, and also enter a more upscale market. The teen apparel retailer has acquired upscale menswear brand Todd Synder, along with Snyder’s Tailgate Clothing Co., a vintage sports-inspired brand that operates a college-town store concept. American Eagle sees the potential to open as many as 200 Tailgate stores at universities nationwide, starting with Southeastern Conference and Big Ten colleges, according to the New York Times.

Genesco is expanding its reach geographically and generationally with its latest acquisition.

The company has entered into an agreement with the Aldo Group Inc. to acquire the 37-store Little Burgundy retail footwear chain in Canada.

It's changing of the guard time at Chico's FAS.

After what it called an extensive search, the retailer named industry veteran Shelley Broader as president and CEO, effective Dec. 1. She succeeds David F. Dyer, who will become vice chair of the Chico's board.

Broader brings over 25 years of experience to her new position. Most recently, she served as president and CEO of Walmart's EMEA region, responsible for retail operations and business development across Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Sahara Africa and Canada.

Express is partnering with 17 specialty men’s apparel brands to launch a new e-commerce site.

The exclusive online-only shop will launch on express.com beginning October 2015 and will feature brands including Creative Recreation, Havaianas, Timex, Robert Mason and more. Product categories will include footwear, watches, bags & small leather accessories, electronics, small accessories & giftables and jewelry.

Ascena Retail Group named a new executive to lead its recently acquired Ann Inc. division.

Lauren Hobart has been elevated to the role of executive vice president at Dick’s Sporting Goods and given responsibility for a potential new growth vehicle.

Hobart was named executive vice president, chief marketing officer and general manager of Dick’s new women’s specialty fitness stores branded as Chelsea Collective. Only two store are in operation currently, in McLean, Va. and Pittsburgh, but greater growth could be in store now the Dick’s has given a senior executive oversight of the concept.

It’s official: Downtown Disney (at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida) is now Disney Springs. The change is part of a comprehensive makeover of the open-air center that includes a lineup of new retailers and restaurants.

A strong roster of rock icons is coming to Lucky Brand stores and wholesale customers thanks to a licensing deal with Epic Rights.

Lucky Brand will create a new line of tops and headwear that feature artists represented by Epic Rights including KISS, Journey, Def Leppard, Billy Idol, The Doobie Brothers, Jefferson Airplane and CBGB.  The apparel will be sold exclusively at Lucky Brand retail and wholesale locations nationwide and online beginning in spring 2016.

Ross Stores Inc. is continuing an aggressive growth strategy for both its Ross Dress for Less and DD’s Discount banners. The new store openings are part of the retailer’s 2015 expansion program, totaling approximately 90 new locations during the year.

Ross Dress for Less will open four new stores on Oct. 10. These include two new stores in the Chicago area: a 25,000-sq.-ft. store in Palatine located in the Deer Grove Centre, and a 24,000-sq.-ft. Joliet store is located in Joliet Commons.