Apparel

Fitness guru Jillian Michaels and Kmart this month plan to launch a new line of performance activewear branded as Impact by Jillian Michaels as part of Kmart's strategy to expand and strengthen health and wellness offerings.

The product line will be available online beginning August 10 for Kmart’s Shopyourway.com members and in stores on August 17 with prices ranging from $10.99 to $36.99. The line of apparel and accessories encompasses categories such as core training, running, yoga and lifestyle.

GNC has appointed senior retail industry executive Michael G. Archbold as CEO and member of the board, effective immediately. Archbold replaces chairman, president and CEO Joseph Fortunato, who is leaving the company and has stepped down from the board.

Lead independent director Michael Hines has been elected non-executive chairman.

Online retailer Overstock.com is launching a partnership with nonprofit Give Back Box to make donating used clothes easier for its customers.
 
Soon, customers who order products from Overstock.com will be able to use an enclosed Give Back Box shipping label to send their used clothes to nonprofits nationwide.
 

Under Armour’s newest board member is former ESPN president George Bondenheimer.
 
"We are excited to have George Bodenheimer joining our board," Under Armour CEO and chairman Kevin Plank said "His pioneering vision and his experience building and leading a global sports media brand will bring important perspective and expertise to our company as we continue to expand the UA brand globally."
 

Seattle -- REI named Alex Thompson as the company's new VP of communications and public affairs.  

Thompson most recently served as executive VP of corporate and public affairs in the New York office of Edelman, a global communications and marketing firm.

At REI, Thompson will direct a broad portfolio that includes public relations, reputation management, corporate communications, philanthropy, community affairs and government relations. In addition, he will be actively involved with the co-op's board of directors.

New York -- Michael Kors Holdings Ltd’s first-quarter net income surged 50% amid strong sales overseas. The luxury retailer earned a better-than-expected $187.7 million for the three months ended June 28, up from $125 million from a year ago.

Net sales jumped 44% to $887 million. Total revenue — which includes licensing revenue — climbed 43% to $919.2 million. Global same-store sales for the quarter rose 24.2%.

Build-A-Bear Workshop CEO Sharon John will be joining Jack in the Box’s board of directors, effective September 18.

John has more than 25 years of retail marketing, branding and executive management experience in the public and private sectors. Prior to joining Build-A-Bear Workshop in 2013, she served three years as president of the Stride Rite Children’s Group, a footwear division of Wolverine Worldwide with more than 300 stores in the U.S. and abroad.

New York -- Aeropostale, Inc. will roll out its P.S. from Aeropostale brand in Mexico through a licensing partnership with Distribuidora Liverpool, S.A. de C.V.  

P.S. from Aeropostale's expansion plans in Mexico include the opening of branded in-store shops in Liverpool department stores, as well as standalone stores, across Mexico beginning in summer 2014. The first store opened in July at Sante Fe Mall in Mexico City.

Minneapolis -- Christopher & Banks Corporation announced that Peter G. Michielutti has been promoted to executive VP, COO and CFO, effective immediately.

Michielutti was previously senior VP and CFO, having joined the company in April 2012.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. - Christine Lee has been appointed executive VP and chief merchandising officer, starting on Sept. 3. Lee served as senior VP/general merchandise manager, women’s apparel, accessories and design at Pacific Sunwear of California Inc since 2010.

Prior to Pacific Sunwear, Lee spent 18 years with Urban Outfitters Inc. Brieane Breuer, who joined PacSun in 2007 and is the company's current VP of women's design, will replace Lee on an interim basis.