Casual

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shopped announced that Bryan Q. Eshelman has been promoted to executive VP -- chief supply chain officer, effective immediately.

Eshelman joined Charming Shoppes in 2010 as senior VP -- operations, with responsibility for technology, logistics, technical design and quality assurance. He has led a number of key initiatives relating to Charming Shoppes' IT systems transformation and multi-faceted supply chain strategies.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. announced Thursday that Tom Wyatt, president of Old Navy, will leave the chain, effective Feb. 3, 2012. The company named two senior Old Navy executives — Nancy Green, executive VP and chief creative officer, and Tom Sands, executive VP of stores and operations — to assume his duties while a search is held for a permanent replacement.

Wyatt, 56, was appointed president of Old Navy in 2008. He is leaving the chain to become the CEO of Portland, Ore.-based childhood education company Knowledge Universe.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — Von Maur Department Store has announced the promotion of Joy Place to VP merchandising, effective immediately. She will report directly to Melody Westendorf, chief operating officer of Von Maur.

New York City -- Athleta, the Yoga-inspired lifestyle athletic apparel brand for women owned by Gap Inc., plans to open stores in Chicago, Boston, Houston and Denver in 2012, according to Bloomberg.

In the report, Scott Key, senior VP and general manager, reiterated the company’s plan to open more than 50 Athleta stores by the end of 2013.

SAN FRANCISCO — In an effort to help the thousands of troops returning home from serving overseas, Banana Republic has announced “Our Duty to You,” a program created to help military personnel prepare for their next professional opportunities. 

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl's Corp. said Thursday it is doubling the size of its design office in New York City, as well as adding its first design studio on the West Coast, in Santa Monica, Calif.

The move, said the company, represents a commitment to its exclusive brands.

"The investment reinforces our commitment to offering world-class brands at compelling value to our customers," said Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, president and CEO, in a statement.

Philadelphia -- Urban Outfitters announced Tuesday that Glen T. Senk has resigned as CEO, effective Jan. 9. The company named chairman and co-founder Richard Hayne as his replacement.

Senk, 55, joined the company in 1994 as president of Anthropologie. He became a director in 2004 and CEO in 2007. Senk indicated that he plans to pursue another opportunity, but that he will remain with the company for a period of time to assist management with the transition. He has also resigned from the board of directors.

Minneapolis -- Christopher & Banks Corp. announced that its board of directors approved a change in the company’s fiscal year-end to the Saturday nearest to the end of January, rather than the Saturday nearest to the end of February.

The retailer said the change, which is effective for the company’s current fiscal year, will provide certain benefits, including aligning its reporting periods to be more consistent with that of other specialty retail companies.
 

ATLANTA — K&G Fashion Superstore announced that has partnered with actor Blair Underwood to launch an exclusive line of men's tailored suits. The BU Collection will be available at select K&G stores and on KGstores.com.

"I wanted this collection to be available to every man without a steep price barrier," said Underwood. "I felt K&G was a great partner to launch this line because of their ability to bring well-made designer clothing to the public at affordable prices."

Apparel retailers know success hinges on finding the right fit for their core customer — and that “fit” encompasses all aspects of the shopping experience from merchandise selection to customer service. The challenge is even greater for Casual Male Retail Group (CMRG), the nation’s largest retailer of big and tall men’s apparel and accessories.