Apparel

New York – Specialty eyewear Warby Parker has reportedly received $100 million in financing the company plans to use to build new brick-and-mortar stores. According to the Wall Street Journal, the round of financing, led by T. Rowe Price, values Warby Parker at $1.2 billion.

New York -- Outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear retailer The North Face has collaborated with Jaunt, which provides virtual reality (VF) hardware and software, on an immersive VR in-store experience designed to boost customers’ connection to the outdoors.

The attraction arrived in select North Face locations beginning in March in Chicago, and is now being rolled out to the company’s store in Manhattan. It transports viewers to Yosemite National Park and Moab, Utah, alongside North Face global athletes Cedar Wright and Sam Elias.

The cold hard winter may have been taxing for some but it was certainly profitable for Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp., which reported an increase in profit in the first quarter.

The largest economic development project in Bridgeport, Connecticut, since the Industrial Revolution

Steelpointe Harbor in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is that city’s largest economic development project since the Industrial Revolution. Don’t believe it?

From international brands dropping anchor on U.S. shores and online players expanding in the physical space to familiar names with new formats and traditional start-ups, there is no lack of new concepts in the brick-and-mortar arena. Here’s a look at some with the biggest buzz.

TreeHouse

An Austin, Texas-based home improvement retailer with a green conscience and niche positioning is ready to branch out. TreeHouse opened in late 2011 in Austin’s Westgate Shopping Center, and has been thriving ever since.

The participating companies provide industry-leading solutions and services that aid retailers with the challenging task of navigating real estate. Specific areas where and these providers offer help include lease management, store growth and consolidation, portfolio management, strategic analytics.

A&G Realty Partners LLC    

Melville, N.Y.    

David’s Bridal gets personal with advanced digital analytics

There are few events more personal in a woman’s life than her wedding.

Smart retailers are using technology and collaboration to make their stores match the needs of the modern customer.