Casual

Eddie Bauer is expanding into footwear territory. The new brand’s new footwear collection is set to debut online and in store July 28.

Belk has entered into a three-year partnership agreement with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC). The agreement includes endorsements, appearances and numerous co-branded marketing initiatives.

During October, Belk will also be the exclusive provider of the iPromise clothing line for the benefit of Susan G. Komen outside of the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shops.

Framingham, Mass. -- T.J.Maxx partnered with developmental and fashion psychologist Prof. Karen Pine to conduct a live fashion experiment that shows how women use fashion to make themselves feel proud, empowered and happy.

Last year, T.J.Maxx conducted a study that found that women aren't fashion victims but rather use fashion as a tool to express their personalities (77%) and individuality (74%).

Bauer Performance Sports, a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance sports equipment and apparel, has appointed Karyn O. Barsa as an independent director of the company.

Barsa has led numerous global premium brands and has been a member of the board of directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation since 2008. Barsa served as the CEO at Coyuchi, from 2009-13 and has also served as the CEO of Investor's Circle and Smith & Hawken.

New York -- Uniqlo will continue its expansion in the United States by entering the Los Angeles market. The Japanese retail powerhouse announced it will open five stores in the Los Angeles area, starting in August, at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, followed by a location at Glendale Galleria, Glendale, in September.
   
In October, the company will open at the Beverly Center, Los Angeles, and Northridge Fashion Center, Northridge. In spring 2015, Uniqlo will open a store at Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos.  

Teen specialist Aéropostale lent credence to the “malls are dying” voices by announcing the closure of 125-mall based stores and the elimination of 100 headquarter positions.

Citing changing shopping patterns among moms, Aéropostale said it planned to close 125 of its 150 P.S. from Aéropostale stores which focus on kids ages four through 12. The move is part of a larger cost reduction program related to a turnaround strategy that is expected to result in annual savings of $30 to $35 million.

New York -- Forever 21 will debut a new retail concept on May 3, at Azalea Shopping Center in South Gate, California. Called F21 Red, the format will offer fast-fashion and low prices.

The new concept will offer a larger selection of starting price points, including $1.80 camisoles and $7.80 denim for women and girls, according to a report by California Apparel News. The men’s selection will include T-shirts and tank tops for $3.80.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. - The Wet Seal Inc. will begin winding down its Arden B brand. Arden B currently operates 54 mall-based stores and an e-commerce website.

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity Corp. reported that net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 dipped to $3.2 million, compared to $5.9 million in the same period last year.

Revenue fell 6.5% to $126.1 million from $134.9 million, and same-store sales decreased 5.1%. CEO Ed Krell blamed the disappointing results on inclement weather.

Dublin, Ireland – Discount fast-fashion retailer Primark, the Dublin-based subsidiary of U.K. retail and consumer group Associated British Foods, plans to enter the United States, opening a location in Boston. The 70,000-sq.-ft. store will open at the end of 2015 and be on the site of the former Filene's department store in the city’s downtown area.