Formalwear

New York -- The Men’s Wearhouse will make its outlet center debut in the fourth quarter, opening five stores under the Men’s Wearhouse Outlet banner, management said during the company’s recent earnings call with investors. The stores will be located in outlet centers across the United States.

SEATTLE — David's Bridal, a retailer of wedding attire and other nuptial-related items, has signed on to use Mercent's Retail software platform.

David’s Bridal is utilizing Mercent Retail to increase online sales, revenue and profits across Amazon.com and high growth comparison shopping engines, Mercent said.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Payless ShoeSource has unveiled its fall Incredible Value Everyday Collection -- a refreshed line with a range of footwear for women, men and children including dress, casuals and athletic styles at prices starting at $10 for kids, $15 for women, and $20 for men.

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS A. Bank Clothiers reported that its earnings in the second quarter rose 12.7% to $23.2 million, from $20.6 million a year earlier, easily beating analysts projections. The retailer said it plans to open about 45 to 50 stores each in fiscal 2012 and 2013.

Total sales in the quarter rose 12.9% to $260.3 million. Sales in the company's direct marketing segment, which consists of the Internet and catalog call centers, rose 39.3%.Same-store store sales increased 6.1%.

New York -- Private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice on Tuesday announced a definitive agreement to acquire the 300-store David’s Bridal in a deal that values the bridal dress retailer at $1.05 billion.
 
Leonard Green & Partners will remain a minority partner. CD&R operating partner Paul Pressler, former CEO of Gap Inc. and former senior Disney executive, will assume the role of chairman at the close of the transaction, expected in the fourth quarter.
  

Chicago -- Chicago high-end fashion retailer Mark Shale said Tuesday it has filed for reorganization bankruptcy.

The 83-year-old company is seeking strategic alternatives, including a partner to fortify the business, according to president Rich Myers.

The three existing stores – all in Chicago – will continue to operate during the reorganization process.

NEW YORK — American designer, Narciso Rodriguez, will begin an advisory role on Aug. 20 with Banana Republic in partnership with its EVP design and creative director, Simon Kneen, beginning with the fall 2013 collection. In an effort to build upon the strengths of the brand, Banana Republic has created this advisory role specifically for Rodriguez.

New York -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said that Italian accessories retailer Mariana Antinori will open a luxury store – the brand’s first in New York -- at 1242 Madison Avenue, between 89th and 90th Streets.

Nearby are Jacadi, Rachel Riley, Baby Cottons and Brooks Brothers, as well as Armani Jr., Robert Marc, Christopher Fischer Cashmere, Malia Mills and Pink Chicken 'Tween.
 

New York -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said it has arranged the American debut of Caramel Baby & Child at 1244 Madison Avenue, between 89th and 90th Streets. 

The luxury label, which currently has stores in London and Tokyo, specializes in clothing for babies through toddlers. The newest location is on a corridor that is regarded as a center for luxury children's clothing, and home to such neighbors as Armani Jr., Jacadi, Baby Cottons, J. Crew Cuts, Pink Chicken, Brooks Brothers Children and Rachel Riley.
 

New York -- Marvin S. Traub, Bloomingdale’s president and CEO for 22 years, died Wednesday at age 87. Traub had suffered from bladder cancer.

Traub is credited with turning the Bloomingdale’s Manhattan flagship – at Lexington and 59th – into a showcase. He started as a merchandising manager in 1962, and was named president in 1969.