Apparel

Francesca's saw improvement in sales trends for its apparel, accessories and gift categories in the second quarter of 2014. But these were offset by weak jewelry sales, which took a bite out of the retailer’s gross profit.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place announced the appointment of Robert Vill as group VP, finance, effective Sept. 8. He will report to Michael Scarpa, COO and CFO.

New York -- Twitter announced on Monday that it has started testing a “buy” button embedded in posts that allow users to buy a product with a couple of clicks. The test comes at a time when competition in mobile e-commerce is growing. Facebook has been testing a “buy” button on its platform since July, and Apple is expected to debut a phone-based payment system on Tuesday as part of the newest version of its iPhone.

By Andrea Morgan-Vandome, Oracle Retail

New York – Worthy, a secure online marketplace for pre-owned luxury goods, will be moving its global headquarters into New York City's jewelry district. The company will be moving into the 28th floor of the Fred F. French building located at 551 Fifth Avenue.

Saks Fifth Avenue is launching a new user-generated content hub on its e-commerce site. Called #SaksStyle and based on the Curalate Fanreel image integration platform, #SaksStyle allows customers to display photos from Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr in a social shopping environment.

Here are three reasons to like (and very possibly emulate) what Saks is doing with its latest social venture.

The Children's Place has appointed Robert Vill as group VP of finance. He will report to Michael Scarpa, chief operating officer and CFO.

"Bob brings to The Children's Place a wealth of financial expertise in the areas of corporate finance, treasury and investor relations," Scarpa said. "I am very pleased to welcome him to our team."

The increasingly competitive yoga apparel category just got a little more crowded. Sports Authority has launched an exclusive yoga line called Bloom, which it says it created specifically for women who enjoy being connected to the outdoors.

New York -- Sycamore Partners announced that it has reorganized its Nine West Footwear Group into four separate businesses, each with its own leadership team. The top leadership has changed as well, as the company announced Nine West Footwear Group CEO Kathy Nedorostek has stepped down. She will be replaced in the interim by Andrew Hede, a turnaround specialist and managing director with Alvarez & Marsal in New York.

Redlands, Calif. -- Majestic Realty Retail announced today that it has signed lease agreements with four new retailers at its Mountain Grove at Citrus Plaza retail and entertainment center, including agreements with The Gap (7,500 sq. ft.), Banana Republic (7,500 sq. ft.), Old Navy (15,000 sq. ft.) and Ulta (10,000 sq. ft.).  An additional 100,000 sq. ft. of national and regional tenant leases are under negotiation and expected to be signed in September.