Casual

New York — Gap Inc. is expanding its Athleta brand. The company will open eight to 10 Athleta stores in 2011, with a total of 50 expected by 2013, according to Women’s Wear Daily. 

As previously reported, Athleta will make its New York City debut this summer, opening two locations in Manhattan.

St. Louis -- An affiliate of Sun Capital Partners and Kellwood announced an agreement to acquire Amsterdam-based fashion brand Scotch & Soda.  The deal is expected to close in August 2011 upon regulatory approval. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Teen apparel retailer rue21 is celebrating the opening of its 700th store, in New Braunfels, Texas. The chain is on track to open 110 locations this year. Commented president and CEO Bob Fisch: “We remain one of the fastest growing retailers in the nation. I would like to thank our real estate, construction and field teams and recognize their hard work, which allows us to celebrate another significant milestone for rue21."
 

San Francisco -- Gap announced Wednesday that it will open its first Gap store in Egypt this July, and its first Gap and Banana Republic stores in Morocco in October.

The move is part of the retailer’s global expansion strategy that calls for doubling its franchise stores to 400 by fiscal year 2014.

Gap started shipping to Egypt, Morocco and South Africa in 2010, but these stores are the first on the continent.

Urban street wear retailer Dr. Jay’s has updated its flagship store in Manhattan, with a fresh, bold look that invigorates the popular brand while enhancing the customer experience.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  — Nashville Apparel Company announced that it is re-introducing its Duck Head brand to the retail market in time for the back-to-school season.

Originally founded in 1865 by Nashville-based O'Brien Brothers, Duck Head was popular in the 1980s and 90s.

NEW YORK — Parigi Enterprises LLC, a subsidiary of Parigi Group Ltd, a children’s branded apparel company, announced that it has purchased certain assets of the Hartstrings brand and name, in addition to assuming the leases of 23 retail outlet stores. The Little Maven by Tori Spelling clothing line was not among the assets acquired.

HOUSTON — Men's Wearhouse has named Douglas Ewert president and CEO of the company, succeeding George Zimmer.

As previously announced, Zimmer will continue as executive chairman of the board of directors.

Zimmer stated, "I am excited to turn over the day-to-day reins of Men's Wearhouse to Doug. I know he has the same passion for this company and its people as I do. With him leading our efforts, we will continue to provide the highest level of service to our customers and our unique culture will thrive."