Casual

New York City -- Apparel manufacturer and retailer The Jones Group confirmed Tuesday that it is in discussions to divest its jeanswear division for between $350 million to $400 million.

The potential buyer is Israeli clothing maker Delta Galil Industries.

Jones Group, whose brands include Anne Klein and Nine West, said talks should conclude within a month, but cautioned that no deal has been reached. If the two were to reach a deal, Jones said it would use net proceeds for share repurchases.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores said Monday it will increase its work force by more than 15% for the holiday season.

Tom Williams, senior VP human resources for Jo-Ann, announced the company has begun the seasonal recruiting process and will hire more than 3,000 additional employees before the holidays.

The company attributes the seasonal hiring to anticipation of increased traffic in stores through the holiday season.
 

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic said Wednesday that Mark Mizicko has joined the company as its senior VP planning and allocation.

Mizicko will lead the merchandise planning and allocation teams for both the Hot Topic and Torrid brands. He most recently served as VP marketing and logistics for Gymboree.
 

New York — British apparel retailer Jack Wills is looking to nearly double its store count in the United States, according to various reports in the U.K. media.

The company, which specializes in preppy clothing for young men and women, currently operates 11 U.S. locations and has plans to add eight to 10 stores next year. It made its U.S. debut in 2010, in Massachusetts.

Madison, Wis. -- Lee & Associates’ Madison office said it has completed $2.8 million of leases at The Shoppes at Hartford; a 24,000-sq.-ft. retail center in Hartford, Wis. 

Located next to a new Wal-Mart Super Center, Lee Madison had the center 75% pre-leased before construction commenced and 100% leased before construction was finalized. Construction commenced April 1, and all tenants are expected to open before Christmas 2011.

SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Children's Place Retail Stores has announced the appointment of Peter Warner as SVP global sourcing, effective immediately. Warner will report to Eric Bauer, COO, and will serve as a member of the company's senior leadership team. He will be responsible for the global sourcing and production functions, technical services and Asian operations.

Dodgeville, Wis. -- Lands' End  announced the promotion of Tim Martin to COO and CFO and Chris Kolbe to brand president.  

Martin most recently served as senior VP, CFO. Kolbe most recently served as chief merchandising and design officer for Lands' End.

NEW YORK — Express is taking its brand of specialty retail apparel north of the border this September with the opening of its first location in Canada at Fairview Mall in Toronto.  

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group has opened its eighth DestinationXL (DXL) location to date, in Westport, Conn. DXL is Casual Male’s new superstore format, housing Casual Male’s four existing apparel businesses: Casual Male XL, Rochester Big & Tall, Shoes XL and B&T Direct.

The company plans to open up to 12 DXL stores during the balance of 2011, another 20-30 stores during 2012 and approximately 100 stores over a four to five year period.

New York City -- Express said Thursday that it has opened its first Canadian location, a 10,000-sq.-ft. store at Fairview Mall in Toronto.

The retailer said it plans to open a total six stores in Canada by the end of 2011, and an additional 50 stores across the country over the next five years.

In November, Express will have three locations opening in Calgary at Southcentre, Chinook Centre and Market Mall as well as an additional store in Toronto at Square One.