Apparel

San Francisco -- Gap is launching the inaugural GapKids Class of 2014, a social media contest inviting parents to submit photos of their kids for the chance to be featured in a 2015 GapKids marketing campaign. This is Gap's next generation of Casting Call, a marketing program that lasted six years.

Littleton, Mass. – Net income at Dover Saddlery Inc. for the second quarter decreased 26% to $261,000, compared to $355,000 achieved in second quarter 2013. Higher selling, and general and administrative expenses helped cut the net income total.

Dover Saddlery is planning to open four-to-six retail stores in 2014. Until there is greater long-term visibility on sustainable economic conditions and consumer behavior, the company is not providing guidance on other business prospects.

Outdoor equipment and apparel company Black Diamond named former Sony and Gap executive Zeena Freeman as president and eventual CEO.

The Salt Lake City-based manufacturer of outdoor performance equipment and apparel said Freeman would join the company as president, reporting to co-founder and CEO Peter Metcalf, who she will succeed in that role next June.

A new effort from Gap Kids is allowing parents the chance to have their child featured in an ad campaign in 2015.

Travis Smith is stepping down as Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores’ president and CEO, effective immediately — a role he was promoted to January 31, 2010.

The board of directors is undertaking a comprehensive search to find his replacement. Until then, Jim Kerr, the company’s EVP and CFO, will serve as interim CEO of the company, while continuing in his current role. Kerr will partner with Riddi Kline, EVP of marketing and merchandising, and Tom Williams, EVP of operations and human resources, to manage the business.

New York -- Barneys New York has settled its profiling and racial discrimination case, agreeing to pay $525,000 and implement measures to address potential future profiling chances.

The retailer’s Madison Avenue store has been under investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s office for the past nine months.

New York -- The latest SpendingPulse report from MasterCard showed that U.S. retail sales rose 4.6% year-over-year in July, the largest year-over-year gain since October 2012.

Lodging, Airlines and Restaurants were among the top categories for U.S. retail sales last month, while Automotive, Grocery and Luxury items (excluding Jewelry) were less sought after by consumers.

Southlake, Texas -- Retail Properties of America, Inc. announced that Columbia Sportswear's Performance Fishing Gear concept store, plus several additional retailers including Altar'd State (5,162 sq. ft.), Elaine Turner (2,066 sq. ft.), ME SPA – which replaces Coldwater Creek Spa – and J.Jill, have recently opened, or will be opening, at Southlake Town Square in Southlake, Texas.
 
Columbia Sportswear's PFG store, the first of its kind in Texas, will measure 3,456 sq. ft. and is slated to open in late November 2014.

New York -- The Mall at Bay Plaza, New York City’s first enclosed fashion mall in over 40 years, officially opens on Aug. 14.

Philadelphia -- Capping a turbulent summer for maternity apparel retailers, Destination Maternity CEO Ed Krell has resigned effective immediately, and will be replaced by Anthony Romano, former CEO of Charming Shoppes, Inc.