Casual

Rockford, Mich. -- Wolverine Worldwide said Tuesday it will complete its previously announced acquisition of Collective Brands' Performance + Lifestyle Group, which consists of the Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds brands, for $1.24 billion.

The banners will become Wolverine’s largest operating group, adding more than $1 billion in revenue to Wolverine’s existing stable of brands such as Merrell and Hush Puppies.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — Wet Seal merchandising executive, Harriet Sustarsic has left the company to become SVP, general merchandise manager for True Religion Brand Jeans.

Sustarsic was serving as division chief merchandising officer and will remain with the company until Oct. 19 to assist with the transition. Kim Bajrech and Debbie Shinn have assumed senior leadership of the Wet Seal merchandising organization, which they previously shared on an interim basis from November 2009 through November 2011.

Brisbane, Calif. -- Fashion retailer Bebe reported Wednesday that total sales for the first quarter fell 9.4% to $105.1 million. Same-store sales dropped 8.7%, missing expectations of a more moderate 6.8% decline.

The 250-store chain has officially launched a search for a new CEO, announcing on Wednesday it has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to lead the effort. Former CEO Gregory Scott resigned the post in January 2009, and founder Manny Mashouf has been serving in an interim capacity since that time.

Denver -- Regional chain The Running Specialty Group announced Wednesday it has acquired five Dallas-based Run On! stores, bring the total number of stores to 24.

RSG is a joint venture between The Finish Line and private-equity firm Gart Capital Partners.

Plans call for RSG to begin expanding in Texas and surrounding areas over the next five years.

New York -- British fashion retailer Katherine Hooker said she will debut her latest collection of coats and jackets this October with the opening of a U.S. pop-up shop in New York City beginning Oct. 5.

The Soho shop is located at 436 West Broadway and will run through Oct. 14. The shop is Hooker's only brick-and-mortar retail presence outside of her flagship in London's Chelsea neighborhood.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal said that two independent proxy advisors, Institutional Shareholder Services and Egan-Jones Proxy Services, recommended that the chain’s shareholders reject efforts by Clinton Group to replace six members of the company’s board of directors.  

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- On the heels of activist investor The Clinton Group’s announced plans to replace some of Wet Seal’s board members, the retailer is advising its shareholders against supporting the move.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said that a new lineup of tenants has committed to opening at its St. Louis Premium Outlets property in Chesterfield, Mo., bringing the center to 75% pre-leased.

BCBGMAXAZRIA, Charlotte Russe, Jos. A. Bank, Motherhood Maternity, Max Studio and Sarar will open new stores at the value destination. Sportswear and accessories brands to be featured at the property will include Bass, Gold Toe, Jockey, Rue21, Saucony, Sperry and Vera Bradley. Others include Kitchen Collection, Samsonite, Fragrance Outlet and Ultra Diamonds.