Formalwear

Houston -- Men’s Wearhouse announced Wednesday it has named Jon W. Kimmins as EVP and CFO, effective April 4.

Kimmins most recently was EVP – finance and operations at LF-USA, a division of Li & Fung Limited, a multi-billion dollar wholesaler of apparel, footwear and fashion accessories. Prior to that, he was EVP of Toys “R” Us, where he was responsible for worldwide corporate finance, raising billions in debt and equity financing transactions.
 

NEW YORK — Luxury fashion house J. Mendel has announced that Susan Sokol will step down as president and COO of the company, and will transition her duties over the coming weeks.

Sokol joined J. Mendel as president and COO in 2008. During her almost five year tenure at the company, Sokol was integral to the expansion of J. Mendel's ready-to-wear, which now accounts for 60% of its wholesale business, and to entering the brand into new international markets.

New York -- Britain’s Topshop is planning on increasing its U.S. presence. The fashion chain plans to open 10 additional stores in the United Stores over the next two years, according to the New York Daily News.
   
There are currently four U.S. Topshop stores, with the most recent being a flagship at The Grove in Los Angeles. The 25,000-sq.-ft. store carries the retailer's full range, including its Topman brand for men.

Fremont, Calif. -- Men’s Wearhouse announced today the launch of a free mobile app called Wedding Tuxedo Group Manager, which provides couples with information about the rental of their wedding party’s tuxedos, simplifying the wedding planning process and providing peace of mind.

New York -- Consumers expect to spend slightly more on Valentine's Day merchandise this year than last year, according to a report by market research firm IBISWorld.

The report forecasts spending of $134.08 per person, compared with last year's $133.99. Total revenue for the holiday is expected to grow by 3.2%, to $20.8 billion, despite incomes and consumer sentiments remaining below what they were before the recession.

New York -- Winick Realty Group said that women’s formal wear brand Social Apparel, with locations in four New York malls, has leased its first freestanding location at 255 West 34th Street, located between Seventh and Eighth Avenues in Manhattan’s Garment District.

The store includes 1,760 sq. ft. on the ground floor, 1,276 sq. ft. on the mezzanine and 1,540 sq. ft. in the basement.
 

SUFFERN, N.Y. — Ascena Retail Group reported a lower than expected 2% decline in same store sales at physical stores for the November and December holiday period, but managed a 30% increase in online sales.

Combined comparable store and e-commerce sales for the holiday period ended December 29, 2012 increased 1%, prompting Ascena to lower earnings per share guidance for its current fiscal year ending July 27.

Walter Killough will step down as CEO of the 109 unit Delia’s retail chain on April 1.

The retail said it and Killough reached a mutual agreement not to renew his employment agreement which was scheduled to expire on August 2. Plans now call for Killough to leave the company on April 1, however he may stay on longer if a replacement has not been named.

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS. A. Bank Clothiers announced the opening of its 600th store, in the Shops at Midtown Miami on North Miami Avenue in Miami. The company said it expects to open another 200 stores in the future as part of its long-term plan to grow the chain to approximately 800 stores, including 700 full-line stores and 100 factory stores in the United States.

FREMONT, Calif. — Men's Wearhouse is partnering with The Knot Wedding Network, a popular wedding resource, to become the tuxedo provider of choice on TheKnot.com. 

Through the exclusive arrangement, brides-to-be will have the opportunity to view and interact with Men's Wearhouse brand-name tuxedo merchandise at an early stage of the wedding planning process.