Apparel

New York - Nine West Group has integrated the LiveEngage customer service platform from LivePerson into its Demandware Commerce platform. The LiveEngage platform has helped Nine West improve customer-reported satisfaction and incremental revenue while reducing support costs.

Morrisville, N.C. - Charles & Colvard Ltd. has closed a new three-year $10 million asset-backed credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank. The company’s previous credit facility with PNC Bank was terminated.

The new credit facility provides Charles & Colvard working capital for general corporate purposes and to pursue continued growth opportunities and is secured by Charles & Colvard assets. The company currently does not have any other long-term debt and the new credit facility is undrawn.

Brisbane, Calif. – Bebe Stores Inc. will exit its 2b business by July 5, which is the end of the company’s fiscal 2014. The retailer says this will allow it to increase its focus on the core Bebe brand’s retail and outlet stores, e-commerce and international licensing business.

Online retailer Gilt has added Adrianne Shapira to the company's board of directors.

Shapira has served as the CFO of David Yurman, a fine jewelry luxury brand, since 2012. She is a member of the executive committee that looks to build upon David Yurman's successes by capitalizing on future channel, category and geographic growth.  

Nine West has integrated LivePerson’s LiveEngage digital engagement solution into the Demandware Commerce platform for its website.

According to LivePerson, the LiveEngage platform helps Nine West meet evolving consumer demands for a more seamless digital shopping journey, and has simultaneously improved the brand's customer reported satisfaction, increased incremental revenue and reduced support costs.

Nine West reported the following results four months after implementing LiveEngage:

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line’s first-quarter profit more than doubled as the retailer expanded its presence online and in Macy's stores nationwide. Its results topped Wall Street estimates.
 
The retailer reported a profit of $12.4 million, compared to $5.1 million in the year-ago period. Revenue was up 16% to $406.5 million. Same-store sales increased 5%.
 

Fort Myers, Fla. -- Chico's FAS announced that it has appointed Todd E. Vogensen as senior VP, CFO, replacing Pamela Knous, who has left the organization to pursue other interests.

Prior to his appointment as CFO, Vogensen had been the Chico’s senior VP finance. He has served Chico's in numerous roles over the past five years. Previously, Vogensen held multiple positions of increasing scope and responsibility with Michaels Stores.

Irving, Texas -- Michaels Cos. has raised $472 million in an initial public offering. The arts-and-crafts retailer priced 27.8 million shares at $17 each, which was at the low end of its predicted range. It plans to use the IPO's proceeds to pay down its debt.

The chain, which operates stores under its namesake banner and Aaron Brothers, could raise up to $543 million if underwriters use their option to buy additional shares. 

The stock was expected to start trading Friday on the Nasdaq under the symbol "MIK."

New York - Brooks Brothers has named designer Zac Posen as creative director for its signature women's collection and accessories. In this new role, Posen will direct the current Brooks Brothers design and merchant teams and will be responsible for the women's collection and affect a variety of areas including brand development and presentation for the women's label.

Posen's first women's collection for Brooks Brothers will debut in spring 2016 and will be available worldwide. Posen launched his eponymous collection in 2001.

Dublin, Calif. — dd’s Discounts, a division of Ross Stores, will open its 23rd new store in Florida on June 28 in the Hallandale Shopping Center in Hallandale Beach, Florida. When this store opens, dd’s Discounts will operate more than 140 locations in 12 states. The retailer is on schedule to complete its expansion plan to open approximately 20 locations in 2014.